tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50266777862009692002024-03-18T21:25:33.500-06:00THE DERDOWSKI FAMILYSteve, Sara, Kate, Abigail, Eveline & Little OneDerdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-12450153727938938432010-09-22T22:37:00.001-06:002010-09-22T22:39:00.543-06:00Questions?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-UvFunphYmM5__Veia-Zz5Ainj27BobIE7AIPad6LfW0_asCNXQSIdVTw-XMHm5sIFt9J3s-f2eOlOPgcNXnZ_XEL4b-aN-EKyBkvSxVf5D_tqt4rgNeGnMUZXx5Ir4A9T0KcBfVHe0/s1600/IMG_6098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-UvFunphYmM5__Veia-Zz5Ainj27BobIE7AIPad6LfW0_asCNXQSIdVTw-XMHm5sIFt9J3s-f2eOlOPgcNXnZ_XEL4b-aN-EKyBkvSxVf5D_tqt4rgNeGnMUZXx5Ir4A9T0KcBfVHe0/s320/IMG_6098.JPG" /></a></div>Kate has been asking some great questions about her new little baby brother/sister whom we are eagerly anticipating. (Two years is a long time to wait for your new sibling - Especially if you are only three years old right now!)<br />
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Kate's most pressing question currently is : Will my new brother or sister get to sit next to me in the car? I just love how simple adoption is in her mind. The baby is already loved and part of our family. We are praying this will continue and that all the girls will bond quickly to their new sibling once the baby is home!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_olJP3LoMMhE7ght45yiZq_KISAlYdT4FpCHRG7QSiVnepG-2z-A_Dc9Vj1zXiAWzbJqGC-vHbTSinHiRXy4QsDIZvolkzbt31mPEkrx7Le_AMGQXwTqXHzBn6ygVCqQ6xqtLsvoQaMU/s1600/IMG_6094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_olJP3LoMMhE7ght45yiZq_KISAlYdT4FpCHRG7QSiVnepG-2z-A_Dc9Vj1zXiAWzbJqGC-vHbTSinHiRXy4QsDIZvolkzbt31mPEkrx7Le_AMGQXwTqXHzBn6ygVCqQ6xqtLsvoQaMU/s1600/IMG_6094.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_olJP3LoMMhE7ght45yiZq_KISAlYdT4FpCHRG7QSiVnepG-2z-A_Dc9Vj1zXiAWzbJqGC-vHbTSinHiRXy4QsDIZvolkzbt31mPEkrx7Le_AMGQXwTqXHzBn6ygVCqQ6xqtLsvoQaMU/s320/IMG_6094.JPG" /></a></div>We got home from Cubbies (more to come on Cubbies in another post!) on Sunday night and Kate drew the picture of our family on her Magnadoodle. From left to right: Dad, Mom, Abigail, Eveline, Baby Brother/Sister, and Kate. (Notice that Kate is much taller than everyone else - She is constantly talking about growing up to be as tall as Daddy who is 6'4"!)<br />
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Check out the updated <a href="http://derblogski.blogspot.com/p/faqs.html">FAQ</a> page for more details of our adoption process. Keep visiting the blog as we will try to keep everyone updated as much as we can. We covet your prayers more than anything!Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-77873600012805853882010-09-02T21:17:00.044-06:002010-09-17T11:38:37.677-06:00Adoption Update: Dossier Call<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tl5DEF2vVVWvQqNDtmYVXyx7MEIKhfYfIYTnXgJ9CbMr6icY_7hkx_5bcJQaC2uf_oiWGLSObhZxgZZwsD5vIRPfyF4dOxvk3v_sEv8uGgSBo0_eMUikRn9-osygy05ctjr99mX4hSM/s1600/IMG_5999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tl5DEF2vVVWvQqNDtmYVXyx7MEIKhfYfIYTnXgJ9CbMr6icY_7hkx_5bcJQaC2uf_oiWGLSObhZxgZZwsD5vIRPfyF4dOxvk3v_sEv8uGgSBo0_eMUikRn9-osygy05ctjr99mX4hSM/s320/IMG_5999.JPG" /></a></div>We are always excited to receive packages at our house especially packages from <a href="http://www.allgodschildren.org/">All God's Children </a>(AGCI). Kate is holding our orientation packet which included our contract and several other documents that needed to be notarized. We also had to send in a about one-fourth of our <a href="http://derblogski.blogspot.com/p/faqs.html">adoption costs</a> which means we are officially in the Ethiopia program. I am not sure what Kate is telling the girls, but it must be something important because they are paying attention.<br />
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Today was another a big day in our adoption process - The Dossier Call.<br />
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After receiving our paperwork, AGCI sent us my new best friend : Our Adoption Planner. Our caseworker went through the Adoption Planner which contains all the procedures and paperwork we would need to complete in order to have our dossier approved by AGCI. The dossier is then submitted to the Ethiopian government for translation and approval. By the end of the call, I felt completely overwhelmed with all the little things that need to be gathered.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcaw5H_3WsniYdyUefgoIS6wuYAdGp7YSv3pCbclVwwgqnCfEUiTfNfntx52rfI7Z532e_O4VgVl82UGqQaW-1zBhhq-lrwfrSUY13FqagbQHQ5oohjZt7UrUI3YKAdDPm-sIr-GuYu8/s1600/IMG_6092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcaw5H_3WsniYdyUefgoIS6wuYAdGp7YSv3pCbclVwwgqnCfEUiTfNfntx52rfI7Z532e_O4VgVl82UGqQaW-1zBhhq-lrwfrSUY13FqagbQHQ5oohjZt7UrUI3YKAdDPm-sIr-GuYu8/s320/IMG_6092.JPG" /></a></div>After having a few hours to process it all, it will definitely be doable - just think baby steps! Everything has to be done just so or documents will need to be resubmitted which in turn will mean more delays in the process. It normally takes 4 months to complete the dossier. Once the dossier is submitted and approved, we are placed on a waiting list to receive a referral (matched with a child). The estimated time on the wait list has been increased to 12-18 months - Yikes!<br />
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The first big item to complete is our homestudy which we are hoping to have done by the end of the October. This may be wishful thinking. We are also working on completing our education requirements which include the workbook Eyes Wide Open and several online training courses.<br />
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After the homestudy and education courses are completed, we will be working to get a TON of paperwork together including certified copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, update passports, medical forms, criminal checks, and the list goes on...<br />
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I think that motherhood may have dampened my Type A personality - I no longer enjoy checklists like I used to! In some ways, it is similar to being physically pregnant - I think we are enduring the morning sickness (paperwork) right now. It will be so worth it when our little one joins our family! And who wouldn't want to be a part of this motley crew?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJUD8VDxeB03Lz4NgcRzyIfjkHfIc9j2BbHXpfyz5LFI60QAqtf1TRzxB8JUpTpn5kmF1rNQHCNmeU0zYYJfbl0LaOND5afLBWNRZ7crT0bgsn7RSADaSB29LHzghKHe1785kFE-nptY/s320/IMG_5567.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJUD8VDxeB03Lz4NgcRzyIfjkHfIc9j2BbHXpfyz5LFI60QAqtf1TRzxB8JUpTpn5kmF1rNQHCNmeU0zYYJfbl0LaOND5afLBWNRZ7crT0bgsn7RSADaSB29LHzghKHe1785kFE-nptY/s1600/IMG_5567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-60610640855779769752010-09-01T20:33:00.001-06:002010-09-14T21:48:11.736-06:00A Month of Michigan FunWe had so much fun visiting both our families in MI over the month of August. Steve dropped us off at the beginning of the month and then returned to spend a little over a week with us at the end of the month. It was so nice not to feel rushed and trying to cram everything and everyone we wanted to see into a handful of days. The plane trips were very memorable (esp. the return flights), but we would do it all over again!<br />
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Unfortunately, most of the pics from the month were taken with my mom's camera which of course we forgot to download onto Steve's computer so I only have a handful of pictures from which to choose.<br />
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Kate thoroughly enjoyed going to Uncle Freddy's garden and helping Grampy feed the chickens. Each of the girls were sick a day and this was the day Kate was sick - Hence the face in the picture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFLIvmnadKX-YOHgpsmM8-sSwxLhgxySIoZJy8p64Bwaj27Wpkn7nq4lKe5Gek-XhIMaJzQLJwlCfNq-_GIyHaIrj7pA9gFdUd33OlHDvGMV2CDp1xKFrv_j1O2Jv_11ryc5ftN0Sw2w/s1600/IMG_6070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFLIvmnadKX-YOHgpsmM8-sSwxLhgxySIoZJy8p64Bwaj27Wpkn7nq4lKe5Gek-XhIMaJzQLJwlCfNq-_GIyHaIrj7pA9gFdUd33OlHDvGMV2CDp1xKFrv_j1O2Jv_11ryc5ftN0Sw2w/s320/IMG_6070.JPG" /></a></div>Everyone enjoyed their time with Grammy and Grampy as well as Grandma Lois and Grandpa Tim.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1Orc8v1NHhw7HTW-CgWro2o_6dkIXkK32xB1g7WN53qW3BinIoMY_xa1Se6lcxt2lyqMWIVQrm4EPuuKgDtWp3iaFnViHS7WIHGqyolQIvtGoLJ9JYG-Nw6CW9W0152eHPcuNiHPNEQ/s1600/IMG_6051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1Orc8v1NHhw7HTW-CgWro2o_6dkIXkK32xB1g7WN53qW3BinIoMY_xa1Se6lcxt2lyqMWIVQrm4EPuuKgDtWp3iaFnViHS7WIHGqyolQIvtGoLJ9JYG-Nw6CW9W0152eHPcuNiHPNEQ/s320/IMG_6051.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Abigail and Eveline thought they were such big girls sitting on the stool at the table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmFtjQnrWKc-MTV4KPwSpmedcJtxyBPxsBKQDETsZIY-f78s_1J5AMpjOisY4jelxZvNUHFufkGOMHl9SYbwzOz83hJhAw79JCJMuOB0b5Jxhv4rvO9ilivvt53US0BU9673lMkqfIAs/s1600/IMG_6048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmFtjQnrWKc-MTV4KPwSpmedcJtxyBPxsBKQDETsZIY-f78s_1J5AMpjOisY4jelxZvNUHFufkGOMHl9SYbwzOz83hJhAw79JCJMuOB0b5Jxhv4rvO9ilivvt53US0BU9673lMkqfIAs/s320/IMG_6048.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Kate loved her first pedicure complete with orange polish.</div><br />
Some of the other highlights were:<br />
<ul><li> Swimming and playing in the sand at the cottage - So sad we couldn't make it up there with Steve!</li>
<li>Going to the fair with cousins</li>
<li>Sitting on the tractors at the fair and Kate's first pony ride (India was her horse of choice) </li>
<li>Picking things in the garden</li>
<li>Unlimited date nights for Steve and I after the kids went to bed</li>
<li>Spending time with aunts and uncles on both sides of the family</li>
<li>Playing with Django Cat and hanging out with Zio Brian and Zia Rita</li>
<li>Visiting two Children's Museums</li>
<li>Going to the Farmers Market</li>
<li>Eating fresh picked raspberries, blueberries and blackberries</li>
<li>Playing on the swing set in Grammy and Grampy's backyard</li>
<li>Attending a Loons Game (Minor League Baseball) and running the bases with Grammy</li>
<li>Trying to get everyone to smile and look at the camera at the same time for a family picture - Impossible!</li>
</ul>We hope to make this trip every summer if possible - Such great memories!Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-68390878774852234192010-07-31T22:51:00.001-06:002010-07-31T22:54:11.668-06:00In It For The Long Haul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VngPz9QWztv5j4J83O6DLkew-OjJHuU8gvikbMLRgDSlKYW076UDFx83DSia7PkrgmQXRIDOy4cDZ_rR-kXxhdj-TicGbx10Fl5E9MAEk4bYHZM95XEtZOtvJ484xbGHGctvTzNkDH4/s1600/IMG_5629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VngPz9QWztv5j4J83O6DLkew-OjJHuU8gvikbMLRgDSlKYW076UDFx83DSia7PkrgmQXRIDOy4cDZ_rR-kXxhdj-TicGbx10Fl5E9MAEk4bYHZM95XEtZOtvJ484xbGHGctvTzNkDH4/s320/IMG_5629.JPG" /></a></div><br />
A few months ago we were having lots of discipline issues relating to my two littlest love muffins at the ripe old age of 15 months. So me, being the resourceful mother that I am, had Steve bring up the Pack-N-Play (PNP) from the basement to use as an area where, if needed, they could calm down without hurting themselves or others.<br />
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This brilliant idea lasted for exactly one morning because instead of the intended use - I got this instead. I put one of them inside and then...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfhh-3nXbPSYXczmXJYoeSP0mmYwtOr5FwzGKsLB8c7uuUUFbpG0bDGZlfmI_HATZ62A67VpAl5p5aokWSITD6VojkFBu2om2NL60EH4t2dZN8CbM6taAjmLg9pyU3O2c712hpukXjxI/s1600/IMG_5625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfhh-3nXbPSYXczmXJYoeSP0mmYwtOr5FwzGKsLB8c7uuUUFbpG0bDGZlfmI_HATZ62A67VpAl5p5aokWSITD6VojkFBu2om2NL60EH4t2dZN8CbM6taAjmLg9pyU3O2c712hpukXjxI/s320/IMG_5625.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Everyone wanted to play in it together. At one point all three girls were in it having a grand old time. I spent most of my morning taking people in and out of the PNP. Needless to say the PNP went right back downstairs.<br />
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This past month has once again proven to be challenging in the parenting arena. I must admit that I have failed to be consistent, been easily angered/annoyed, not made the most of teaching opportunities, and have been trying to parent from afar vs. taking the time to stop what I am doing to instruct their hearts.<br />
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Recently, I have been reading lots of the B-I-B-L-E along with some parenting books and have been so encouraged that I can start fresh again with the things I know to be right. Somehow, I had gotten off-track without intending to or even realizing it until I saw the behavior challenges that were being displayed in my girls. I am in it for the long haul with these chickies - This momma is praying for each of you and herself too! Isn't it so good to know that God doesn't give up on us even when we fail?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXCH1gCzdCjf6RUDFWdQEKNPJa2gG6-Q0-XCzoCgzyxDSB-W6y37DoWDhgF4mwQ4HgxdQ9smv_mcLP7zu6CKrNP8U7PdHw_q1r47GsAB29U957tQMTxMnSssmrRig3Xf3kr9p8EhbBUI/s1600/IMG_5632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXCH1gCzdCjf6RUDFWdQEKNPJa2gG6-Q0-XCzoCgzyxDSB-W6y37DoWDhgF4mwQ4HgxdQ9smv_mcLP7zu6CKrNP8U7PdHw_q1r47GsAB29U957tQMTxMnSssmrRig3Xf3kr9p8EhbBUI/s320/IMG_5632.JPG" /></a></div>The steadfast love of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> never ceases;<span class="footnote"> </span>his mercies never come to an end; <span class="verse-num" id="v25003023-1"></span>they are new every morning;<br />
<span class="indent"></span>great is your faithfulness. <span class="verse-num" id="v25003024-1"></span>“The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”<i> </i><br />
<i>Lamentations 3:22-24 </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-51579694951350247502010-07-30T22:57:00.001-06:002010-07-30T23:04:18.940-06:00Corrected Vision<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDFKG_2pOF6oH5gRawxYmAgQHYZ_xIrlbHEWe5jdlAUUnqv8aIus7JbC4UvLroJ3GbIudPWvQpIYQK48Nrz81tHYnqqkJG3I5icsnJRw-wtSv7rpdLuzK8ZUzGE3JpDGNJ_N3eVM2YGQ/s1600/IMG_5507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDFKG_2pOF6oH5gRawxYmAgQHYZ_xIrlbHEWe5jdlAUUnqv8aIus7JbC4UvLroJ3GbIudPWvQpIYQK48Nrz81tHYnqqkJG3I5icsnJRw-wtSv7rpdLuzK8ZUzGE3JpDGNJ_N3eVM2YGQ/s320/IMG_5507.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Please check out our <a href="http://derblogski.blogspot.com/p/our-adoption-story.html">Adoption Story</a> at the top of the page to see how God has adjusted our view of who He wants us to be as a family in response to how great He is!<br />
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“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; <span class="indent"></span>I have called you by name, you are mine. <span class="verse-num" id="v23043002-1"></span>When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.<br />
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For I am the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...<br />
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<span class="verse-num" id="v23043004-1"> </span>Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you...<br />
Fear not, for I am with you...”<br />
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<i>Isaiah 43:1-7</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN33Gk0GKtgken-nREujUSxCTcwZzNJJGERSHUxWVklp0rPLozTJ6QJM6wULseFLIlDgec7BDxizLaegv66ORelATGhHvO6BBxWh0M7GPxDddiv7SIes0q9JSViL9bOCkUckE1AB0u7qE/s1600/IMG_5503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN33Gk0GKtgken-nREujUSxCTcwZzNJJGERSHUxWVklp0rPLozTJ6QJM6wULseFLIlDgec7BDxizLaegv66ORelATGhHvO6BBxWh0M7GPxDddiv7SIes0q9JSViL9bOCkUckE1AB0u7qE/s320/IMG_5503.JPG" /></a></div>Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-80964700064617434382010-07-24T22:04:00.000-06:002010-07-24T22:04:18.092-06:00Stay Tuned!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIFJq0uOwp9-mDH_fKX0t9LVgtw3qKD5czX4gKs3u0RcLvVGkWhW56LwoJbmgu9M90BCzG-oXXt21biGDjWh5EexsMI1vNWhtES5FSqH3TFh4iLNAaMsXkrkavV3hoKt8D73C6pj14bY/s1600/IMG_6027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIFJq0uOwp9-mDH_fKX0t9LVgtw3qKD5czX4gKs3u0RcLvVGkWhW56LwoJbmgu9M90BCzG-oXXt21biGDjWh5EexsMI1vNWhtES5FSqH3TFh4iLNAaMsXkrkavV3hoKt8D73C6pj14bY/s320/IMG_6027.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We are so excited to begin the process of adopting a baby boy or girl from Ethiopia and are looking forward to keeping everyone updated on our adventures via the blog! Stay tuned for additional posts on how God moved in our hearts to adopt, FAQ's, etc.<br />
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As you can see our girls love their Saturday evening tradition of homemade pizza and a movie (Veggie Tales being the movie of choice currently)! We can't wait to add another little munchkin to this wild and crazy group - We LOVE our family!Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-72846677641695562182010-07-22T21:54:00.001-06:002010-07-30T23:23:16.764-06:00The Little BallerinaKate's chosen reward for potty-training was ballet classes at the local rec center (much to Steve's chagrin). She just completed her second (and final) session this week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhhsoJWLpsl1Miv-FsOBZw_dveLE59RGm50dbsx44f6HRdYkMWmZ3_YFZy7aC4Z2y5SPlAeNgw_6WgedgCGqF6LxgG1uWaGhv6V05k-c13T1IxjGKqo-T9rBZf8n5sSq6b3Kd3UtZhlU/s1600/IMG_5500_2+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhhsoJWLpsl1Miv-FsOBZw_dveLE59RGm50dbsx44f6HRdYkMWmZ3_YFZy7aC4Z2y5SPlAeNgw_6WgedgCGqF6LxgG1uWaGhv6V05k-c13T1IxjGKqo-T9rBZf8n5sSq6b3Kd3UtZhlU/s320/IMG_5500_2+2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Her first day she wore pigtails which I found out afterward were a hindrance to her participation in class. She flat out refused to do some of the things Miss Julia asked her to do - lay down on her back and do leg lifts, wear a princess crown, etc.<br />
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Afterward we had the following conversation:<br />
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Me: "Why didn't you want to do some of the things Miss Julia had the class do?"<br />
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Kate: "Because I was wearing pigtails." (Duh, Mom?)<br />
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Me: "Would you be able to do them if you wore a ponytail?"<br />
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Kate: "Yep!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kSc21MRIyT8beZM3tFeltagVD34qaN-enCo29ygg9Np0F1yaoP-XUWBBGGeJD_7-U0R84dH0zc_GzsvTuGfFzujTNLDyLQw7OUYtS5_VWpkvvW8cVLNMX1BxhrG5Sr8teld26AZmdLk/s1600/IMG_5482_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kSc21MRIyT8beZM3tFeltagVD34qaN-enCo29ygg9Np0F1yaoP-XUWBBGGeJD_7-U0R84dH0zc_GzsvTuGfFzujTNLDyLQw7OUYtS5_VWpkvvW8cVLNMX1BxhrG5Sr8teld26AZmdLk/s320/IMG_5482_2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing a Curtsy</td></tr>
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Who Knew?? The class has been so good for her to learn to listen to instructions, take turns (also a struggle on the first day), dance around like a mouse, and have fun with other little girls her age.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmnqJK2YkFJYQ-hRWooGRsuaC2CKszI_H97xjYwYM_C7v5eR32YaKtC7evavmu1y4QiEBjCpLLrTtuP6bUv7sZQUv45XrkupCEKkDdJ24Zg22_8QiWSN9eXaxvYZYE_wHjQfSww_TPSM/s1600/IMG_6041_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmnqJK2YkFJYQ-hRWooGRsuaC2CKszI_H97xjYwYM_C7v5eR32YaKtC7evavmu1y4QiEBjCpLLrTtuP6bUv7sZQUv45XrkupCEKkDdJ24Zg22_8QiWSN9eXaxvYZYE_wHjQfSww_TPSM/s320/IMG_6041_2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHjcU746wOOsFqqT15Gxf2-da6Owh4irbqaUP9zFJ15Dt26VsoeOqgDIyFKc8JBlaJF1RP8zg_-YaMrTZVLzYLYCRA4xvl5vblj2lyUUEiGABfcybnEXExhwReJ6hNnO-te5AeSntLuk/s1600/IMG_6034_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHjcU746wOOsFqqT15Gxf2-da6Owh4irbqaUP9zFJ15Dt26VsoeOqgDIyFKc8JBlaJF1RP8zg_-YaMrTZVLzYLYCRA4xvl5vblj2lyUUEiGABfcybnEXExhwReJ6hNnO-te5AeSntLuk/s320/IMG_6034_2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR1NsmzooOJ5b5gMPtI99CpIS2EGhbSX33m7FpQchyphenhyphenNmRVctRd_1zToyYC6VM4AqZwk9h56T9RmuC9u35Fhc9vBLxtFg-BAaN9N-3hArPichh0dv1ZuL1aJVgpgWfuCfTrq7vmdZl4No/s1600/IMG_6033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR1NsmzooOJ5b5gMPtI99CpIS2EGhbSX33m7FpQchyphenhyphenNmRVctRd_1zToyYC6VM4AqZwk9h56T9RmuC9u35Fhc9vBLxtFg-BAaN9N-3hArPichh0dv1ZuL1aJVgpgWfuCfTrq7vmdZl4No/s320/IMG_6033.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Steve took her on the last day and had to admit it was amusing to watch although I am pretty sure her dancing days are over. Kate always chose a sucker as her treat at the end of class - that made Miss Julia top notch in Kate's book. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg-1XXR2jwUHC6vYZM3dfmW7Up7_lKoscEfhRLITVGDBkSx5kBQGoJaKfaP4Ghuk8Hgn8eDWaByEJl_e4Y9c7eeovqtT1gmShv69h7CNF4DGgkgNrTJRiirPDM5PJLkp3KbCkthXjfvM/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg-1XXR2jwUHC6vYZM3dfmW7Up7_lKoscEfhRLITVGDBkSx5kBQGoJaKfaP4Ghuk8Hgn8eDWaByEJl_e4Y9c7eeovqtT1gmShv69h7CNF4DGgkgNrTJRiirPDM5PJLkp3KbCkthXjfvM/s320/IMG_6046.JPG" /></a></div>Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-62108379699267426482010-05-06T23:13:00.000-06:002010-05-06T23:13:09.582-06:00Kate...Carlos...Ralphie...Who Are You?Let's just say that Kate's imagination is alive and well! We have been living with alternate personas for at least two months now. The latest craze has been characters from the series The Magic School Bus. Berndt and I both remember meeting the author/illustrator when he came to our elementary school a LONG time ago.<br />
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These books are long and Kate cannot get enough of them. I have had to limit them to two each week and we read them endlessly.<br />
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The Rockies hat is the key to figuring out who she is:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrooI1qVb16AxXk7Id354X0olsnGi28A7gITrIxpSlN7Dsp1kCTSH7TVqIr3Q97zKozr3DX6woZZxsB8djcFdSGkKSH5eD5aFyqsQmegKnL3G_n42iU-PHv22phPGpsEkDfNU0KDwQ3So/s1600/IMG_5536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrooI1qVb16AxXk7Id354X0olsnGi28A7gITrIxpSlN7Dsp1kCTSH7TVqIr3Q97zKozr3DX6woZZxsB8djcFdSGkKSH5eD5aFyqsQmegKnL3G_n42iU-PHv22phPGpsEkDfNU0KDwQ3So/s320/IMG_5536.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCCX7lI1d-bYHWALP4DTV5UP1e5oPsyTllpNg789q6rHpih31n31HyyIEXDkcMTnj6225WEvZeF0VfnQv6NRpdPpk4nEC462tqh7K7xMqSKoir7dmPSPLCTx8olBDWLE2DOb_ml2Ultg/s1600/IMG_5548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCCX7lI1d-bYHWALP4DTV5UP1e5oPsyTllpNg789q6rHpih31n31HyyIEXDkcMTnj6225WEvZeF0VfnQv6NRpdPpk4nEC462tqh7K7xMqSKoir7dmPSPLCTx8olBDWLE2DOb_ml2Ultg/s320/IMG_5548.JPG" width="256" /></a> <br />
Frontwards = Mikey ; Backwards = Ralphie ; No Hat = Carlos<br />
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We also get to hear elaborate stories throughout the day about what happens to them. They seem to like to go swimming a lot and often fall in deep pits (like Joseph). Sometimes they go on bike rides with us or ride in our car.<br />
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She has to be Kate at the table for meals though - We all need a little break every once in awhile!Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-17939588984389275832010-04-27T20:33:00.003-06:002010-04-28T21:38:43.904-06:00Burleys, Biking & Bruises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCOzC5VytLoCkS1K2NaW6buBwveTNzWunwdL2KL3XWdO1eUDFclyUfTlNWUchwJN6GTNlMpaYfQNLLr2zRtDrcjMFiG21URX26VDHEEJ0HvBNdVzH0UQvBmx7-euTBp6eNq1c7xOV3rs/s1600/P1010380.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCOzC5VytLoCkS1K2NaW6buBwveTNzWunwdL2KL3XWdO1eUDFclyUfTlNWUchwJN6GTNlMpaYfQNLLr2zRtDrcjMFiG21URX26VDHEEJ0HvBNdVzH0UQvBmx7-euTBp6eNq1c7xOV3rs/s1600/P1010380.jpeg" /></a></div>We bought Burleys about two months ago in order for us to get out together as a family (and for Mom and Dad to get some exercise!) It might be the best purchase we have made in a long time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPB09fn9pdhsEVm8jqH0twrT7D-fxQhyphenhyphenFYGrT5wbxPdIQtUJoxL3LJ7aRv8hPafGYpZCUhBt-zhzs4ZZXVwfocQq2sMwPj7L3emzNVWPf2WwkL3tBlus38yur4OamRUwfaF8trnGYQVKo/s1600/IMG_5303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPB09fn9pdhsEVm8jqH0twrT7D-fxQhyphenhyphenFYGrT5wbxPdIQtUJoxL3LJ7aRv8hPafGYpZCUhBt-zhzs4ZZXVwfocQq2sMwPj7L3emzNVWPf2WwkL3tBlus38yur4OamRUwfaF8trnGYQVKo/s320/IMG_5303.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Although Abigail and Eveline cried for 40 minutes of a 45 minute ride the first time, they have since come around and are now happy to go. Wearing their helmets are a different story. They still have yet to wear them for the entire ride. They are fine wearing them around the house - just not in the Burley where they might actually need them. Last week, Abigail got hers off right away and they worked together to get Eveline's off. We tightened them down tonight, but to no avail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RcLmjsCY3q1V-ziIl0ofx6r_DOJKkpUyM4R9B1Dfnqkz-BECmm8xscQFjYaXaTrBI2HI2fepf1J25qL2zx_F2ceGJlhC-3BithJ1IdQVr3ecEWMxE8uP2S1xnGZcLOw73adZu3YByNA/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RcLmjsCY3q1V-ziIl0ofx6r_DOJKkpUyM4R9B1Dfnqkz-BECmm8xscQFjYaXaTrBI2HI2fepf1J25qL2zx_F2ceGJlhC-3BithJ1IdQVr3ecEWMxE8uP2S1xnGZcLOw73adZu3YByNA/s320/IMG_5292.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Kate has always been a fan. Her special job is to be the Helmet Police - make sure everyone has their helmet and then collect them all when we are done.<br />
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It has been fun to explore all the great trails. We have found a way to go all the way to the Platte River Trail which will take us all the way to downtown Denver. Steve and I are planning to do that bike ride on a date when we are not each pulling an extra 35 lbs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gGIEXv8-Pp0cNVhez8XIRzUGekCO32kW2YURG41YWUCMvnG6kpOnUN1e9ynfiYgxPJNAtb-SdJZra_hICZP0MOZ_HSJBsXpdFCPRPU5x3vfEViosc5xaj4-Aow6F6rz23fa8pqJ79LA/s1600/P1010381.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gGIEXv8-Pp0cNVhez8XIRzUGekCO32kW2YURG41YWUCMvnG6kpOnUN1e9ynfiYgxPJNAtb-SdJZra_hICZP0MOZ_HSJBsXpdFCPRPU5x3vfEViosc5xaj4-Aow6F6rz23fa8pqJ79LA/s320/P1010381.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first couple of weeks I was in awful biking shape, but I am actually enjoying it and the rides are getting easier. Kate is my biggest cheerleader. Tonight going up a steeper hill her little voice saying "Go Mommy GO!" was all I needed to hear. Maybe she thought I needed the extra help since earlier in the ride we had stopped to help the twins with their helmets and I managed to get my foot stuck in my toe clip which resulted in me tipping right over on my bike while Kate watched from the trailer. <i> I </i>think I managed to do this as gracefully as possible. Kate couldn't stop talking about it the rest of the ride. Note: The Burley didn't even move during this incident. Nothing was hurt - Not even my pride since I am sure it must have looked hilarious!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WnEFymRdVYhxbgJeLcEP_zENSta9ZIWyEI5dlnt4JP946OkJ86aF-NwjRcv_pEfC7AJTlmapeef_JNFGTGS13iNuFAtjR9ggDoRDKLadIAoc2Q3gH9TfTJwysG8vjYCOmT1JVpsK9Hw/s1600/IMG_5295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WnEFymRdVYhxbgJeLcEP_zENSta9ZIWyEI5dlnt4JP946OkJ86aF-NwjRcv_pEfC7AJTlmapeef_JNFGTGS13iNuFAtjR9ggDoRDKLadIAoc2Q3gH9TfTJwysG8vjYCOmT1JVpsK9Hw/s320/IMG_5295.JPG" /></a></div>Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-31935635114932714942010-04-26T22:50:00.006-06:002010-04-26T23:17:28.192-06:00Hey Sister - Where Have You Been?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FUl3H3Rg0jssbGCuYcINejblh2DZp-sfxABtVx8wfRlsRQ0ZCkb6c-GYZLQf5AVtRXad5tyzs92WC9mwfWtVRs3ZD2yGyhaT1CDNF26e8AvB474OZYW0QAREubNoSkxaa2BUW_gzUOQ/s1600/IMG_2697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FUl3H3Rg0jssbGCuYcINejblh2DZp-sfxABtVx8wfRlsRQ0ZCkb6c-GYZLQf5AVtRXad5tyzs92WC9mwfWtVRs3ZD2yGyhaT1CDNF26e8AvB474OZYW0QAREubNoSkxaa2BUW_gzUOQ/s320/IMG_2697.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(4 Months)</div><br />
It's official - We are back in blogging world! No excuses or apologies for our absence. We are just excited about sharing what is going on and pics of our family. Notice that the girls are not so little anymore...Sniff!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKhKkeVunSGEsM4q-S0yencs2HlOzMX4JJrLarz2HHrWBszF-XrV7h-9Bkug1OL38g-ridOpFesEz1VSJVQFa6ogrVtZfkj-pIssRpMa87fSRYHpP7fFtkiV1nsdubf6xYjf1vNIwLxY/s1600/IMG_3940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKhKkeVunSGEsM4q-S0yencs2HlOzMX4JJrLarz2HHrWBszF-XrV7h-9Bkug1OL38g-ridOpFesEz1VSJVQFa6ogrVtZfkj-pIssRpMa87fSRYHpP7fFtkiV1nsdubf6xYjf1vNIwLxY/s320/IMG_3940.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(9 Months)<b> </b></div><b>Today's Highlight: Dry Diaper for Abigail!</b><br />
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Abigail and Eveline have been using the potty once or twice each day for a few weeks. They let us know they have to go by tugging at the back of their pants or shirts and grunting. Took us a bit to catch on, but now that we know what they want - Watch Out! Wild clapping follows each success and everyone participates (in the clapping).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjTn_Uo0B_OmbwLuZPRvHDAAHUKdkSDpxO25KFAv8WXc9gHwPcy0nlcXKjJyxhCou_qY1pnm7iAX6Z1y0PvBJedzjkfAQuFeSSsVCRe6EP19FVj-5WWu6DlQ53YbLYvrap0NhT4wjCgs/s1600/IMG_4561.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjTn_Uo0B_OmbwLuZPRvHDAAHUKdkSDpxO25KFAv8WXc9gHwPcy0nlcXKjJyxhCou_qY1pnm7iAX6Z1y0PvBJedzjkfAQuFeSSsVCRe6EP19FVj-5WWu6DlQ53YbLYvrap0NhT4wjCgs/s320/IMG_4561.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(10 Months)</div><br />
It is interesting when one is the bathroom with me and we have to lock the door because the other one is trying to bust in. (Yes, they can open doors now.) We tried having them in the bathroom together, but there is way too much mischief going on. Think climbing on the stool, putting hands in the potty, helping their sister with getting toilet paper off the roll, etc.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKHtwE3_WcF0kfaCLnerrK51chPZFQXkHWSVoc_XKguXi8He7C-8IAerkdNF5e4c1a3957kykSjyifzlICnQjOIWRbhSfLK0_7lvWIWnV3Yb8zTGOvm0noHtYcS_fbdmRlZZ4rQE5yQw/s1600/IMG_4880.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKHtwE3_WcF0kfaCLnerrK51chPZFQXkHWSVoc_XKguXi8He7C-8IAerkdNF5e4c1a3957kykSjyifzlICnQjOIWRbhSfLK0_7lvWIWnV3Yb8zTGOvm0noHtYcS_fbdmRlZZ4rQE5yQw/s320/IMG_4880.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Christmas 2009)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Today at 1 yr 3 months 2 weeks and 6 days, Abigail went the whole day in the same diaper because she kept it clean and dry by using the potty! I will not be fully convinced that this is the real deal until it happens for a week or so. Cross your fingers for us!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkPQz0sugcQzsucV3yj2b18CyH7tgdOJ9R6Olp8AWVx8WPN97Ii1VBPIoi0rb-qGQ0U-BmC5CDhUFmf2gJJUGjstIXx3MqruuzriUOrA2zKl7V8-6ayi_DHwDyxn9Ekhvx30vtcJtvVM/s1600/IMG_5427.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkPQz0sugcQzsucV3yj2b18CyH7tgdOJ9R6Olp8AWVx8WPN97Ii1VBPIoi0rb-qGQ0U-BmC5CDhUFmf2gJJUGjstIXx3MqruuzriUOrA2zKl7V8-6ayi_DHwDyxn9Ekhvx30vtcJtvVM/s320/IMG_5427.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(15 Months)</div>Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-13162633401175206672009-09-15T20:19:00.002-06:002009-09-15T20:27:00.673-06:00Surprise - You Get A ....New Roof!<br /><br />So the roofers showed up today at 11:30 - unexpectedly - to start replacing our entire roof which was damaged in the hail storm. Steve was not home and I had just started to feed the twins when the doorbell rang. We weren't expecting them for at least 2 more weeks, but they were able to squeeze us in over the next two days.<br /><br />This project is not quiet by any means and tomorrow promises to be even louder when they begin using the nail guns. Miraculously, the twins were able to take their afternoon naps despite the sporadic hammering, sawing, and loud thunks right over their bedrooms!<br /><br />Kate was fascinated with the conveyor belt system they used to get the packs of shingles up to the roof. She also enjoyed watching from the front window as it rained shingles and trying to spot the workers through the sunlight.<br /><br />I think tomorrow we are going to try to take everyone out of the house for most of the day!Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-85544820735031885872009-09-11T20:28:00.007-06:002009-09-19T15:51:19.336-06:00A Night of Firsts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mwLbPkKZ8P14otHsVPpliswlLsNcoP7WIaOoA0vARkp05hFYdMcOBNYE5TQZuHyqGLj6WKh7uzp0S0F6ouNht5HpoHulY1-4iFHFbmsMKG3UarUlXS0hoTLWbPb5skX1dm8bhnk5bSg/s1600-h/IMG_4023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381889539843151426" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 379px; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mwLbPkKZ8P14otHsVPpliswlLsNcoP7WIaOoA0vARkp05hFYdMcOBNYE5TQZuHyqGLj6WKh7uzp0S0F6ouNht5HpoHulY1-4iFHFbmsMKG3UarUlXS0hoTLWbPb5skX1dm8bhnk5bSg/s400/IMG_4023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Tonight we walked to the park with everyone and the twins got into the baby swings for the first time. Of course we didn't have our camera on us.<br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div>However, we did get some pictures of the first of many baths with all three of them in the tub. Kate thought it was pretty neat to have them in there with her. They didn't enjoy her splashing around as much as she did! You could tell she loved being the big sister by helping to hold Abigail.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381888556346196210" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 247px; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5wetMq3-pTxeL6W2x8GtROLtehjxTID5M6Q830KH6R87bKfslgcMsuV7nj76YgM-uvm5J1LRAJJRz5IWvFC_v8zQqqnW9gKzugpJqMtt8B-i3CMTIHaMdaGqq1VRrVZr7midF3CMi_4/s400/IMG_4048.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381887776665434674" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 321px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlvHwaTXgSfxD9PsXzFBV_ql5UGuA_DYGu-ANOktuEHAZgA0PGAo1kGAjRYLFJsLVvYqJWNg6HWE-c-tZANgPbKgoMgXOuXcGms3rxkFyimJa9Dyq5sN7Ythlr6y6NZgDjn329hugIZ4/s400/IMG_4037.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-74215789469064441892009-09-10T21:48:00.000-06:002009-09-15T20:41:24.027-06:00Working Just Like Daddy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_MWdTaflkpJJjB04DC033Jfs1TTu0vEfJRvus8JFx49eIZRyuZTaz1uRPY30QOxtbUXMYYEvKmp2E2Dgpgob20fnhOwwLwhw8hq5uF7xyF3qiikjdU2cXCgfDG9jM4bGgA-vkthHWmo/s1600-h/IMG_3886.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380424067401255234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_MWdTaflkpJJjB04DC033Jfs1TTu0vEfJRvus8JFx49eIZRyuZTaz1uRPY30QOxtbUXMYYEvKmp2E2Dgpgob20fnhOwwLwhw8hq5uF7xyF3qiikjdU2cXCgfDG9jM4bGgA-vkthHWmo/s400/IMG_3886.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is Kate's definition of "working" - Playing games on her computer just like Daddy. I swear this is what she thinks her dad does all day for a living. Boy is she in for a rude awakening!<br /><br />Note that the glasses are on upside down, but are necessary because of the glare on her computer screen. "Please don't bother me" is a phrase she likes to throw around while she is concentrating on learning her letters and numbers!Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-51368442278472349032009-09-03T20:16:00.005-06:002009-09-11T21:47:45.162-06:00Happy Birthday Week!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCDbRsDC-lAnTsODDNE2g1XnnHJSWxY3vyrFssWjg43H8eILx7r7ts8Q67H_xVxcPyw7YWiP-JiAj8VTRahDu00iehh8HJ3MBDNtuD8JSdwza70Hm2y1xdYqQpI8Pp6UfiygiPXLsk3o/s1600-h/IMG_3917_2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCDbRsDC-lAnTsODDNE2g1XnnHJSWxY3vyrFssWjg43H8eILx7r7ts8Q67H_xVxcPyw7YWiP-JiAj8VTRahDu00iehh8HJ3MBDNtuD8JSdwza70Hm2y1xdYqQpI8Pp6UfiygiPXLsk3o/s400/IMG_3917_2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380420454297358610" border="0" /></a>Since Steve and I have birthdays that are only four days apart we basically celebrate for a week straight by taking advantage of all the birthday freebies!<br /><br />We went to White Fence Farm for a delicious fried chicken dinner, Red Robin for hamburgers, Outback for steak and Baskin Robbins for ice cream cones - All on different nights of course!<br />Kate likes going to White Fence Farm because they have a small animal farm, tractors, and a play area just for kids her size. It was a beautiful night so we took the opportunity to get some family photos.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8ySEq_Q_88EPuMLkAUY1G-Khxt1Q0TfhNT3MsbiQfqS9zBVzWv9pjIOrXAL5_iaDNUa0VdJ0rweZVRav11yBPuIVQJqg2M5b4Kx_s1jYWizPOF5cbBKhz44Exh8WRsQTc4-wAowOsP0/s1600-h/IMG_3896.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8ySEq_Q_88EPuMLkAUY1G-Khxt1Q0TfhNT3MsbiQfqS9zBVzWv9pjIOrXAL5_iaDNUa0VdJ0rweZVRav11yBPuIVQJqg2M5b4Kx_s1jYWizPOF5cbBKhz44Exh8WRsQTc4-wAowOsP0/s400/IMG_3896.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380421555033767506" border="0" /></a>The twins sat in high chairs at Red Robin for the first time and loved being able to look around at all the balloons and TVs! We went really early and only took up three tables with all our gear and children.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXryFqPcoPHBdfTuOBbJ4tFA_q5OAViW3zEtDfvxVspuPuJ-cS-G6j-4HykqnGQ2iUVosz7B3WlAouNYzQegcO2SgHroWeVnAm0e-LgfVPaocQEoz9mmdt_W9jMZ7hLAGWh0p5GWKsnW0/s1600-h/IMG_3901.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXryFqPcoPHBdfTuOBbJ4tFA_q5OAViW3zEtDfvxVspuPuJ-cS-G6j-4HykqnGQ2iUVosz7B3WlAouNYzQegcO2SgHroWeVnAm0e-LgfVPaocQEoz9mmdt_W9jMZ7hLAGWh0p5GWKsnW0/s400/IMG_3901.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380421545776792290" border="0" /></a>Kate spontaneously sang Happy Birthday to each of us which made our birthdays very special indeed!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qgwyuJNkpSJlTbzGG8taTxjrcddv4KnIOP-QpxeRW07Gq3VK7k1r4l2wLQYQo3tdubKqa2AwhK12Cq3syXj1apsAcHD93nQ16EwQSMESiPdF540Tc6VoPnNiXTLJyFKPaeX6p2TXOKQ/s1600-h/IMG_3935.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qgwyuJNkpSJlTbzGG8taTxjrcddv4KnIOP-QpxeRW07Gq3VK7k1r4l2wLQYQo3tdubKqa2AwhK12Cq3syXj1apsAcHD93nQ16EwQSMESiPdF540Tc6VoPnNiXTLJyFKPaeX6p2TXOKQ/s400/IMG_3935.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380420458451110466" border="0" /></a>Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-23787834093937081242009-08-26T20:19:00.007-06:002009-09-11T21:29:24.608-06:00Crazy Month . . . Crazy LifeThis month has been absolute craziness for our family:<br /><br />-The twins have had two colds in three weeks. (Think green oozy snot running down their faces.) Thank goodness the rest of us had smaller versions of the sniffles although Kate did have a lovely hacking cough for a few days.<br /><br />-I got mastitis from breastfeeding which feels like you have the flu really bad (fever/aches/etc) during one of the twins' colds. Just what you want when babies want to be cuddled and you don't want anyone touching you.<br /><br />-We figured out the hard way (via vomiting) that Abigail does not tolerate formula well at all. Since we used the freezer stash up every once in awhile we are having to supplement. Eveline is being a real trooper and taking one for the team by drinking the formula/breastmilk mix as necessary and letting her sister have straight liquid gold.<br /><br />-We were saddened that Steve's grandma passed away, but were very thankful that he was able to go back to MI to be with his family and attend the funeral. It was amazing how God worked it out for us to use our frequent flyer miles to fly him to MI for a few days and my mom to CO for a week! I did have all three by myself for an entire day (8am until midnight) and I was much calmer than I expected even when Kate had three potty accidents. Of course each accident occurred while I was tied up feeding the twins their solid food!<br /><br />-Kate has learned how to use the potty - sort of! She excellent at No. 1 and very determined NOT to have anything to do with putting No. 2 in the potty. She has now also developed a phobia of using any potty but our own and will hold it as long as necessary.<br /><br />-The twins are pushing themselves backwards in order to get places. Crawling is probably just around the corner! I had better come up with a plan to keep them semi-contained or we could be in real trouble once everyone gets moving.<br /><br />-Our roof was totaled in a recent hail storm so Steve has the added task of getting that fixed along with several other repairs. We are thankful for insurance and a new roof, but it is just one more thing to get done!<br /><br />We are hoping that September won't have as many challenges, but I think we both have realized that we keep waiting for things to return to "normal". Reality check - this is the new "normal" and it probably will be for quite awhile. Did I mention how much money I would pay to be able to sleep for one whole day?<br /><br />I hope this picture makes you smile like it makes us smile! Kate loves to help me vacuum & now apparently all she needs is a housecoat, curlers in her hair, and 89 cats. We love our family - It makes all the craziness worth it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tp_CnAnUDfgygWmtqE4FEK-L63dZlkVEDE7RKYigxH_UXH76NUzvYO-gGpBtJyHhLPvK5EclMwVQIft7Dcq5SpBYXQRn_MQGruEkGaWGxsHtBszDePeXLYIgiR7ZBa51mIy8JoXhCD8/s1600-h/IMG_3520.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tp_CnAnUDfgygWmtqE4FEK-L63dZlkVEDE7RKYigxH_UXH76NUzvYO-gGpBtJyHhLPvK5EclMwVQIft7Dcq5SpBYXQRn_MQGruEkGaWGxsHtBszDePeXLYIgiR7ZBa51mIy8JoXhCD8/s400/IMG_3520.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380417597380612018" border="0" /></a>Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-68654239543630130852009-08-24T20:06:00.004-06:002009-08-26T20:16:15.250-06:00Conversations with Kate Volume 2Here are a few more snippets from our recent conversations:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Said to Grammy upon finding all the front porch seats taken while Grammy and Grampy were visiting - </span>"You get up and go cook in the kitchen!" (She was told she couldn't speak with those words or tone to others, but it was really hard to keep a straight face.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">After noticing that Grammy had put the wrong lid on her sippy cup - </span>"I don't think that is a good idea."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I found her with several hair bows in her carseat and asked her where she had gotten them all - </span>"China." (Probably true. Her new shoes that she was wearing for the first time came with a Made In China sticker in them that we had removed earlier that evening.)Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-58504900192365532042009-06-18T14:34:00.002-06:002009-07-08T14:49:46.174-06:00Father's Day Treat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBZnnsetAQO8eMc6g1RqZ6r9cX2wPC4kqi3PKFkJOhxOKnCG3XlxItC_yWamJvftZu25n4S9P6C1YvOKH9aPVMQZAWE_PxYN865787glCf1F-VKTRn8icaUnN_F2OG9iNImBBPF76x08/s1600-h/IMG_3419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBZnnsetAQO8eMc6g1RqZ6r9cX2wPC4kqi3PKFkJOhxOKnCG3XlxItC_yWamJvftZu25n4S9P6C1YvOKH9aPVMQZAWE_PxYN865787glCf1F-VKTRn8icaUnN_F2OG9iNImBBPF76x08/s400/IMG_3419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356193412172339970" border="0" /></a>Kate took Grampy and Steve to her first ever MLB Game for Father's Day and boy did she have fun! The highlights included meeting Dinger (the mascot) who signed her glove, downing a hot dog bun (that's right - no hot dog), buying her Rockies hat, and watching the fountains shoot every time a home run was hit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj6Kq-ic0OgFozcXCjfgWFm8GPDgVTCaiKnU67MwvRefDypvUKK4fXsqRoqGuLCIPYQKQU-YZI8vpWjSQL2_a3OPEkfdbiTdaspcd5e0OOgalqwmy6NHOYFEP75T34fyZeaOuuLzopSM/s1600-h/IMG_3392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj6Kq-ic0OgFozcXCjfgWFm8GPDgVTCaiKnU67MwvRefDypvUKK4fXsqRoqGuLCIPYQKQU-YZI8vpWjSQL2_a3OPEkfdbiTdaspcd5e0OOgalqwmy6NHOYFEP75T34fyZeaOuuLzopSM/s400/IMG_3392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356192277412259650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T5Xd0XKuEX4Q1dLBaw_huj7v7v8KnrgOwjAOVxMGfT9cjrU2HatVCayVhtlAa7n-ELOKz7XhIW8In0lgklIGWUp6DJ-mkECe75LDttuwJnGx45hGvF1Tff8NNqcWHE-M11cTFyedhZM/s1600-h/IMG_3422.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T5Xd0XKuEX4Q1dLBaw_huj7v7v8KnrgOwjAOVxMGfT9cjrU2HatVCayVhtlAa7n-ELOKz7XhIW8In0lgklIGWUp6DJ-mkECe75LDttuwJnGx45hGvF1Tff8NNqcWHE-M11cTFyedhZM/s400/IMG_3422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356193424100287394" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks to Grampy she was ready to catch a fly ball in case it came her way!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6TdgWi3Sv_8mGhNnvUFPdT2IaO329TIbih-CUmRcN8GcRCljiIWf_XDwN2AT2zTNyYnE8wfC9hmeq59ig1c9gugf_ZPIL25MtEoVKtY5Tm0dVK0bvlwawQQhShGt676IQQCOcpgQ8-Q/s1600-h/IMG_3373.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6TdgWi3Sv_8mGhNnvUFPdT2IaO329TIbih-CUmRcN8GcRCljiIWf_XDwN2AT2zTNyYnE8wfC9hmeq59ig1c9gugf_ZPIL25MtEoVKtY5Tm0dVK0bvlwawQQhShGt676IQQCOcpgQ8-Q/s400/IMG_3373.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356192259129710578" border="0" /></a><br />Put me in coach - I'm ready to play!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjZfCSFUgrT3GkPSFwzC-ZnGhWn96CJO9np7cszCR9xUJMJwy3UYnAJoEendkfG0up12YgJuIT_cZDLhry1givHkVm8KZecRZZE_1leLjcWOqRFo_bEUuL4pcJU-ULiIn1MmAH5tukyU/s1600-h/IMG_3380.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjZfCSFUgrT3GkPSFwzC-ZnGhWn96CJO9np7cszCR9xUJMJwy3UYnAJoEendkfG0up12YgJuIT_cZDLhry1givHkVm8KZecRZZE_1leLjcWOqRFo_bEUuL4pcJU-ULiIn1MmAH5tukyU/s400/IMG_3380.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356192265953746370" border="0" /></a><br />It was quite hot, but they were able to move down to different seats that were in the shade. Otherwise, they may not have lasted long. We now hear regular renditions of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game".<br /><br />She also has bases that we have set up in the back yard which she runs around after "hitting" the ball Steve pitches. A slide is <span style="font-style: italic;">always</span> necessary at home plate!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZTquxvkDMsZ8JPjLr8jeQTWZSee5Q5p0GhyphenhyphenI1t2M5EXg-jBTsr0n0GWeTcGwshLfyuGAtNl69WTIjPPy_LzX1aWso7AD5ExMFTN-XU8EP5e7ZS9I5eJuO39WnBz89YhzoCejLq3KKjg/s1600-h/IMG_3421.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZTquxvkDMsZ8JPjLr8jeQTWZSee5Q5p0GhyphenhyphenI1t2M5EXg-jBTsr0n0GWeTcGwshLfyuGAtNl69WTIjPPy_LzX1aWso7AD5ExMFTN-XU8EP5e7ZS9I5eJuO39WnBz89YhzoCejLq3KKjg/s400/IMG_3421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356193414063524514" border="0" /></a>I think that they tired her out. Hopefully they had as much fun as she did!Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-22076513285199710592009-06-16T20:59:00.003-06:002009-06-16T21:09:00.502-06:00Conversations with Kate Volume 1The following comments/conversations have taken place over the past several months:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">During prayer time before bed - </span>"Thank you Jesus for dying on the grass"<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">While watching me change Eveline's stinky diaper - </span>"Holy Smookes!" (She can't seem to remember that it is Holy Smokes!)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">While watching The Birdman play for the Nuggets during the playoffs - </span>"Wow! He has stamps all over his arms."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In response to Steve asking her if she would like some stamps like The Birdman </span>- "Oh yeah!"Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-49620663054811773622009-06-14T20:54:00.001-06:002009-06-16T20:59:14.524-06:00Bad Mommy!Once again, the blog has fallen by the wayside! Pictures from the past few months <span style="font-style: italic;">might</span> just get posted since Grammy and Grampy will be here in a few days for TWO WHOLE WEEKS!<br /><br />Kate cannot wait until they get here and I am pretty sure that Abigail and Eveline are excited to show off their newly found love of rolling over, rolling over each other, and the move they have perfected...rolling over and squealing like little piggies because they can't roll back over.Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-86041013724612221472009-06-09T14:18:00.002-06:002009-07-08T14:28:42.190-06:00The Little Artist<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbRo6SFIz0dzryJdzQSkW4buBJU7mgsy3TyZhd7vSs9MmjWv4cDr_shho1UOMxhqCNwWMUXXcczcJxyjyXvEdnfHjjIWV-KMogVx4i16LKd-AB9D-GJMV2S4QYtWcCswgCb-yFuUlJZk/s1600-h/IMG_3346.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbRo6SFIz0dzryJdzQSkW4buBJU7mgsy3TyZhd7vSs9MmjWv4cDr_shho1UOMxhqCNwWMUXXcczcJxyjyXvEdnfHjjIWV-KMogVx4i16LKd-AB9D-GJMV2S4QYtWcCswgCb-yFuUlJZk/s400/IMG_3346.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356188892927538626" border="0" /></a><br />Kate received a MagnaDoodle for her birthday from her little friend Emily. Most of the time her drawings are recognizable. Tonight she created this masterpiece all by herself. She still can't seem to decide if she likes her right or left hand better. She will draw a little with one hand and then color some with the other and then switch again. We may have a southpaw on our hands...Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-81535364514434409092009-04-14T20:56:00.003-06:002009-04-14T21:12:01.162-06:00Happy Birthday Uncle Bernie!We hope you had a wonderful day today! Happy Birthday from all of us - We love you!<div><br /></div><div>PS - Kate decided that the song "Happy Birthday" was way too cliche and went with a number she felt was more appropriate.</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzVoKg312lHhwIc7aF3qCaS2lPF165xcp883I0-ZbUgSjnDy4haKZ0hzJVyHrePa2kLvQci2oNsDyM3cMUGjA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-16895173462105680692009-04-11T20:07:00.002-06:002009-04-14T21:11:43.513-06:00Bigger and BetterOur friends Gavin and Sarah had a 32" TV that they don't use so they passed it on to us. Steve is thrilled that he no longer has to watch golf on a 19" screen. It was suprising to look up and be able to see the picture without squinting. Since our original agreement was that we wouldn't replace our old one until it stopped working, Steve is very thankful for our generous friends! Funny though, there was nothing good on TV tonight...Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-69111553441328374202009-03-29T22:07:00.006-06:002009-04-14T21:04:29.448-06:00Roll Over, Roll Over<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qZnhABYwkjcLblLXAAKXGBg8i0d_eIG7L8MrUp9_C0gwA97LLwbQLNwUBPm4VnF7WZtNP0SWku7BbuMdMev3mrfVLbXOo-iOF9aaq79wZwpxjZPP-3wynDllJxuAXLDFsRmfA24Ykis/s1600-h/IMG_2470.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qZnhABYwkjcLblLXAAKXGBg8i0d_eIG7L8MrUp9_C0gwA97LLwbQLNwUBPm4VnF7WZtNP0SWku7BbuMdMev3mrfVLbXOo-iOF9aaq79wZwpxjZPP-3wynDllJxuAXLDFsRmfA24Ykis/s400/IMG_2470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324714314101105746" border="0" /></a>Kate enjoys holding her sisters and "helping" them learn to roll over. I wasn't here for the first episode of Kate's training exercises.<br /><br />Step 1: Stretch out the legs<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDti1Buet1imV3pmsHWXXlpVMHfr8B2dzytVVBxK8czHc5ChyXHoD0ySVCAV9iaBEbR3DIeK5Aii9hBGBuf0sBVPQbcMJoHnmZFbDGEX4VFPaExDxA1sucpOQ9K5TbzIp3WINeGXqQCIM/s1600-h/IMG_2557.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDti1Buet1imV3pmsHWXXlpVMHfr8B2dzytVVBxK8czHc5ChyXHoD0ySVCAV9iaBEbR3DIeK5Aii9hBGBuf0sBVPQbcMJoHnmZFbDGEX4VFPaExDxA1sucpOQ9K5TbzIp3WINeGXqQCIM/s400/IMG_2557.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324714321060652770" border="0" /></a>Step 2: Grab the front of your sister's shirt<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7ExeifhGwbBbjHSfUXmIsSQxy9Qn6Ysx3qF1HOrU_AfNR0YyTaYtNH7O83ZxNbPsU9PWvy2x_u2HZXLRU2b65SOIuxPgxCj59gZ9Z26Jaa9nzYj1Hdc7JbaX1F6CO1X31qM9vznQdI0/s1600-h/IMG_2562.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7ExeifhGwbBbjHSfUXmIsSQxy9Qn6Ysx3qF1HOrU_AfNR0YyTaYtNH7O83ZxNbPsU9PWvy2x_u2HZXLRU2b65SOIuxPgxCj59gZ9Z26Jaa9nzYj1Hdc7JbaX1F6CO1X31qM9vznQdI0/s400/IMG_2562.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324748088516352242" border="0" /></a>Step 3: Pull and Flip<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJeMDH9flaOqF8m69qM3oVFN02OIrptlsnSbRVumq4_DzhWTtVv3HJthrGvs_6zfS3GzHWKJE9PEExtdWeLP12YIgEb4l3d3hVVKpGcSmXF1xJgodp-OEv3IHYePUJFMhl30TvLQspc4/s1600-h/IMG_2561.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJeMDH9flaOqF8m69qM3oVFN02OIrptlsnSbRVumq4_DzhWTtVv3HJthrGvs_6zfS3GzHWKJE9PEExtdWeLP12YIgEb4l3d3hVVKpGcSmXF1xJgodp-OEv3IHYePUJFMhl30TvLQspc4/s400/IMG_2561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324714324141914306" border="0" /></a>Neither Abigail or Eveline seem to mind and don't cry at all when she does it. This is always supervised very closely by daddy and I have been keeping an extra close eye on her to make sure she doesn't try to help them stand up or anything.Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-2075695885718105012009-03-25T20:26:00.004-06:002009-04-11T21:38:32.273-06:00Look Both Ways<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfsQ9LRsKw4f4mBJJ3L55pWWmU1kbsxbybY6HRufX0WVyeeEHpVSbUCDyzf2UGM6Qb_5nfDn8V2pcgi720WoC7YODCfLIFf-4UMBCQp2dEO9-WpcPP6YfzGBUAs0BlIbBSQ27gzTgxts/s1600-h/IMG_2566.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfsQ9LRsKw4f4mBJJ3L55pWWmU1kbsxbybY6HRufX0WVyeeEHpVSbUCDyzf2UGM6Qb_5nfDn8V2pcgi720WoC7YODCfLIFf-4UMBCQp2dEO9-WpcPP6YfzGBUAs0BlIbBSQ27gzTgxts/s400/IMG_2566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323287600678215602" border="0" /></a>We have noticed that Abigail doesn't like to look right very well or very often. We have been working with her to make her follow a toy all the way across from left to right. It will definitely be a point of discussion with Dr. Julie in a few weeks at our next appointment.<br /><br />We are praying that this isn't anything serious and that by helping her exercise her neck muscles it will improve on its own.Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5026677786200969200.post-78113476529484506742009-03-21T22:51:00.000-06:002009-04-10T22:06:58.909-06:00Thank You!Abigail and Eveline wanted to let their uncles and aunts know the following:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Uncle Bernie & Aunt Leona</span> - We appreciate our new wheels! We hope that we can see you guys again soon and would love for you to take us for a jog.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUA6tGF_kizDyxxeP4l_XObDPuLP1nrWMB_yyXR7rhmC04ARvSCsYSmcvuywQhLmrTAcP9MXJdIFK4YGRcoqOYiDPT5uHGgUPFI4Ps_qcnn-OThVmVFBiltvAuJ22po_23kWl2lYLi2S8/s1600-h/IMG_2455.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUA6tGF_kizDyxxeP4l_XObDPuLP1nrWMB_yyXR7rhmC04ARvSCsYSmcvuywQhLmrTAcP9MXJdIFK4YGRcoqOYiDPT5uHGgUPFI4Ps_qcnn-OThVmVFBiltvAuJ22po_23kWl2lYLi2S8/s400/IMG_2455.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322923756471870754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_zL9YiJF_pnVhW5-QycZTA8Xlv0RKXCIvsdIVMJkjJ05DiQ689HUK18HzHPh1pNiPlu_Du3I81vDFmByk-hi9CZU8idfLeA7xfB5xEHevnNopAvehVKbB1q7UOMQkX85yxan5lsqNEE/s1600-h/IMG_2447.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 390px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_zL9YiJF_pnVhW5-QycZTA8Xlv0RKXCIvsdIVMJkjJ05DiQ689HUK18HzHPh1pNiPlu_Du3I81vDFmByk-hi9CZU8idfLeA7xfB5xEHevnNopAvehVKbB1q7UOMQkX85yxan5lsqNEE/s400/IMG_2447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322923748971147234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Zio Brian and Zia Rita</span> - We love looking at ourselves in the mirror and batting wildly at the crazy animals on our play mat. (Eveline is the vain one who can't get enough of looking at herself!) We spend time on this almost everyday. When we come to MI next we can't wait to see you! PS - We are saving the rest of our gift card for candy - Lots and Lots of Candy, but don't tell Mom.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIV2r3s8A_piSewIfU4T6YeWyJJp2eL8Ux_T6Jv6inDjJvUftucLXVHoBWIThBZ2iK-I53D4hb_a9JZVZFZQnoqjU4nA0h_9gYr80Q6v3RkmZ-TkHk5lMRq7XC5_8JNqPcbZw06p1mcU/s1600-h/IMG_2273.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIV2r3s8A_piSewIfU4T6YeWyJJp2eL8Ux_T6Jv6inDjJvUftucLXVHoBWIThBZ2iK-I53D4hb_a9JZVZFZQnoqjU4nA0h_9gYr80Q6v3RkmZ-TkHk5lMRq7XC5_8JNqPcbZw06p1mcU/s400/IMG_2273.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322923766426287026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieseQ2HZ3QhUdqhxcqTGwhgzzcF7ow1DzemYlwurqmSE_18eGxa6IHbYhZA7RBrpCnRTNQ7swWVHabi8wCfoZCDvQxmvRreilf-j13PKuq4APiNLTgercpgta_IFeC-veHPRjuHakXUmE/s1600-h/IMG_2279.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieseQ2HZ3QhUdqhxcqTGwhgzzcF7ow1DzemYlwurqmSE_18eGxa6IHbYhZA7RBrpCnRTNQ7swWVHabi8wCfoZCDvQxmvRreilf-j13PKuq4APiNLTgercpgta_IFeC-veHPRjuHakXUmE/s400/IMG_2279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322923761112075234" border="0" /></a>Derdowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04346506611046037261noreply@blogger.com0