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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54320370637351951172014-09-01T14:51:26.935-05:00Breezy Acres FarmJuliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-7573060001090125962014-08-31T22:37:00.002-05:002014-08-31T22:37:15.242-05:00The Salamander RoomI researched quite a bit before choosing our curriculum for school. There is so much available and it seems like every family chooses something different. We are mainly using Sonlight this year, but I am stretching out the history and science portion over the next two years so that Calla can keep up with the content and I can school them together for those subjects. I was a little nervous about what this would look like, but I am enjoying it because it's allowed me to expand on the kids' interests. I've basically been taking a topic from our week of Sonlight and choosing a book from Five in a Row and "rowing" that book for several days. It's been so fun to combine these two curriculums.

Since my kids were really into frogs/amphibians, we rowed The Salamander Room this past week. Such a cute book!

In the book, a little boy finds a salamander in the woods, brings him home, and dreams about turning his room into a perfect home for the salamander. After reading the book, the kids helped me make a list of all the things a salamander needs to live. After compiling our list, we put together our own salamander room. Katee loves to sit and play with this scene.

We talked through the lifecycle of a salamander. Above is Calla's journal drawing. It made me smile.

For their sensory tub, we reviewed the frog's lifecycle. The tub was filled with water beads, foam lily pads, and toy frogs in different stages (eggs, tadpole, froglet, frog).

The highlight was probably the principal (aka Daddy) teaching art one evening: we made clay salamanders!

The kids are pretty proud of these. ;)

We did a little nature hunt/hike one morning and played in the river that evening. It was a fun-filled week of learning together!

As we have adjusted to homeschooling the past 3.5 weeks, I have felt even more lacking in the housekeeping department. Homeschooling can be messy. And did I mention it's time consuming? ;) Thankfully, Mr. Principal called a family meeting and we implemented a chore chart system (as well as a no-wrestling-during-the-day policy! ha!).

This has honestly relieved so much stress! I don't know why I didn't do something like this earlier. I guess I thought since I was the mom that I needed to "do it all". Other times I'd think, "It's easier/faster to just do it myself." It's been so helpful to hand off several of these daily responsibilities and the kids have responded very positively. I basically give them 3-4 jobs each day. Some jobs are competed after every meal, some jobs rotate between kids, and some stay the same each day. It's really been a good thing to share the responsibility around the home. My kitchen table and floor has never been cleaner... and the kids are learning life skills at the same time. ;)

(For those who are curious, I downloaded the cards many months ago when they were offered as a free download. You can purchase them here.)

Juliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-74789717058727044602014-08-20T21:59:00.001-05:002014-08-20T21:59:43.038-05:00Breezy Acres AcademyWe have had a really great summer! (Well, minus the few weeks we were plagued with hand foot and mouth disease--I'm still losing several finger nails from that terrible ordeal!) We enjoyed a week in Colorado with great friends, soccer camp, swimming lessons, extended weekend in Branson with my family, mornings at the lake, fun with friends, BBQs, etc. Someday I might blog about our summer, but today I have to document Ori starting Kindergarten. Such a big milestone for our boy.

We decided to homeschool Ori for Kindergarten. Today marks 2 weeks in already and it has been so much fun! He is thriving, asking many questions, and talking Daddy's ear off each evening about what he learned in school. Honestly, he makes homeschooling very easy (although a certain emotional three year old can make it challenging at times. ha!).

The girls are tagging along for most of what we are doing, and I am also adding in preschool activities for them. We are using Sonlight Core A for Kindergarten; it's literature based program and since my girls LOVE to be read to, it is working out quite nicely to keep them all together. (I knew there would be a pay off somewhere to having three children all 14 months apart. ;) )

Here is a glimpse into the first two weeks of school at Breezy Acres Academy:

Fingerpainting letter "F" for preschool while Ori learned how to write "F" correctly.

For history, we read about dinosaurs and then I sent the kids on a dinosaur dig.

They dug up the dinosaur skulls, brushed off the sand with a paintbrush, and matched the skull to the proper dinosaur fact card.

Dinosaur toss!

After learning about dinosaurs, we shifted our focus to learning how people lived long ago. Long ago, people made boats by stretching skins over a round wooden frame. This boat was called a coracle. The kids made a model coracle out of pipe cleaners and plastic bags . . . they were thrilled to watch their boats float around the pool.

We also built a shelter, as the early people did not live in one place all year, but built shelters from branches in the summer and lived in caves in the winter.

We have been learning about the different seasons in science. The kids did this series of paintings representing the four seasons. I love how they turned out!

The Lego rainbow was a hit as well (after reading about how a rainbow is formed).

We've also been learning about tadpoles and frogs. Ori can hardly contain his excitement when we get to work on our frog books. The boy loves frogs. When a zoo employee asked him what his favorite animal was at the zoo, his answer was, "The frogs!"

Another favorite science activity was creating a model of the earth out of Rice Krispies. DELICIOUS. The test to be able to eat your treat? Tell Mommy the layers of the earth: crust, mantle, core.

I think I'll stop with that, although I could share so much more. ;) I am LOVING the conversations that come up throughout our days together as everything points to Christ. Homeschooling is a lot of work, but it has given intentionality to our days and I have been reminded how much I love to teach. We are excited to continue on this journey!

Juliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-45467418909614752382014-06-30T15:37:00.001-05:002014-06-30T15:37:04.242-05:00AMC Awareness Day: June 30, 2014Today is arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) awareness day. Many of you know that AMC is the rare condition sweet Katee was born with. Before Katee's referral, I had never heard of AMC and was clueless as to what it was. In fact, I found the word pretty scary.

In honor of AMC awareness day, I thought I would share a few facts about arthrogryposis in hopes that your eyes would be opened to this condition and that you would see how incredible these kids truly are (especially if you are considering adoption!).

Arthrogyrposis means "multiple joint contractures present at birth". This condition causes some of Katee's joints to be contracted, or stiff and lacking normal range of motion. AMC only occurs in 1 out of every 300,000 births and is caused by an unborn baby not moving properly during fetal development.

Common joint contractures include clubbed feet, extended or flexed knees, dislocated hips, internally rotated shoulders, extended or flexed elbows, flexed wrists, and fingers fisted or extended.

Arthrogryposis is not progressive, meaning that it is as severe as it's going to get at birth. However, it is regressive in nature. This means that even after effective treatment, the contractures can re-occur. For example, Katee's feet will most likely go back into a clubbed position during a major growth spurt and we will need to cast them again in the future. Post-treatment bracing is important to prevent relapse, but even strict bracing cannot stop all relapses.

Arthrogyrposis can cause height and weight deficits. Children with AMC tend to be on the low end of the growth charts for weight (or in Katee's case, not on the chart at all!). As adults, they tend to be 4-8 inches shorter than familial height and weigh 10-20 pounds less than their peers.

While there is no cure for AMC, many people with arthrogyrposis will walk, but some will need a wheelchair for effective mobility. Those who walk may need braces or walkers/crutches.

Most children with AMC grow up to be independent and successful adults. I am already amazed by how Katee figures out ways to do things and get around.

We are so glad she is ours!!

To learn more about AMC: www.amcsupport.orgJuliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-54564766978081473782014-05-11T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-11T06:00:05.404-05:00Life givers. Life nurturers.
Women are life givers. Life Nurturers. Those words describe the essence of motherhood.

As I read through the first 10 verses of Exodus 2 earlier this week, tears welled in my eyes. I clearly pictured women all over the world who are forced to make hard decisions regarding their children--Katee's birth mama included.

Pharaoh had ordered all the newborn Hebrew baby boys to be thrown into the Nile because he feared the Israelites would fight against them if war broke out. The passage tells of a woman who gave birth to a son. She lovingly hid him for three months, but then could not hide him any longer. She knew if she kept the child, he would die. However, if she made a basket and placed him in the Nile River, at least she wouldn't have to watch him die. And maybe, just maybe, he would be saved. I can't imagine the pain this birth mother experienced when she said goodbye to her beautiful baby boy and placed him in that basket. And then . . . God showed His mighty power. He had plans for this child that even Pharaoh's death orders could not thwart.

The baby was drawn out of the water by Pharaoh's daughter, who named him Moses. Moses's sister, who had been watching, offered to find a woman to nurse the baby. She found her mother (of course!) who was blessed to nurse her own baby for a season before taking him to Pharaoh's daughter for adoption.

The circumstances surrounding Moeses' birth were filled with loss and pain, and yet His adoption story is a perfect picture of the redemptive work our Heavenly Father does.

Just like Pharaoh's daughter saw the baby crying in the basket, about to drown, and in need of salvation, our Heavenly Father sees us lost in our own ways and in need of a Savior.

Just like Pharaoh's daughter rescued Moses from death, God sent Jesus to rescue us from death through the cross and resurrection.

Both stories end in adoption. It's redemption. Beauty in brokenness.

I am forever thankful that I am Katee's forever mama. God created us to be nurtured in loving families. However, on days like today (Mother's Day), I cannot help but hurt for Katee's first mom who could not keep her, yet gave her life. (I pictured her so well when I read that passage in Exodus and it tore at my heart.)

God is a protector and defender. Yes, he hears the cries of the weak and hurting children across the globe; they are not forgotten! But don't forget that He also hears the cries of the birth mothers who (for various reasons) could not raise their babies and carry that pain. And most importantly, don't forget that our powerful and faithful God promises to make all things--even the most difficult and trying--work for the good of those who love him.

I love having a front row seat to see healing take place in Katee's heart as she is grafted into our family. Her birth mom was her life giver, and I am honored to be her life nurturer.

God truly used Show Hope to draw Katee out of the water and give hope. It was through a partnership with them that Katee received amazing care at New Hope Healing Home in China. Show Hope also helped us financially so that we could afford to adopt. I encourage you to pray about sponsoring a child through Show Hope this Mother's Day. It's a gift that will transform a life and hopefully enable a child to enter a forever family.

It's a way to be a life giver. A life nurturer.

Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-88532315651699028692014-05-03T09:32:00.000-05:002014-05-03T09:32:07.017-05:00Easter 2014
With our trip to St. Louis falling during Easter weekend, Easter celebrations continued into this week. We spent Easter evening with Ian's family and the following Sunday afternoon/evening at my mom's house. It was quite the windy day, yet the cousins managed to have a splendid time hunting for their Easter eggs.

Well, minus Katee who was having a grumpy day. If you ask her about the Easter egg hunt she will say with a scowl, "The wind just knocked me down 1-2-3-4 times!! I don't like wind!" Poor girl . . . but her prizes/candy were worth it!

We finished Matthew in Bible Study Fellowship on Wednesday. The lesson was about the resurrection, so we spent Tuesday evening making Resurrection Cookies and discussing the truths of Jesus' death. Each ingredient told part of the story. The kids put the cookies in the oven, taped the oven door shut, and went to bed.

They could not wait to check the oven in the morning and see the surprise! The cookies were hollow inside, just like Jesus' tomb was found empty.

We celebrated that Jesus is alive by eating cookies for breakfast before Bible study and reading about the resurrection. It was a very special morning. :)

We are thankful that Jesus conquered death and allowed a way for us to be free from sin and reconciled to our Heavenly Father. Because of Him, we have hope!Juliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-49685208724941926342014-04-23T15:50:00.001-05:002014-04-23T16:17:25.029-05:00St. LouisThis past weekend we took a road trip to St. Louis so Katee could be seen at the arthrogryposis clinic at Shriner's Hospital for Children.

We left on Thursday and took our time getting there, enjoying stops/time together along the way.

Shriners had us stay at Haven House St. Louis and we LOVED our time there. I highly recommend it for medical families traveling to St. Louis. The staff is so friendly and we all had lots of fun playing in the gym and playroom. It was also nice to connect with other families seeking medical assistance for their children--it creates an automatic bond.

We spent over 3 hours Friday morning at the hospital. Katee was thoroughly evaluated by a team of doctors and therapists. Lots of x-rays and measurements were taken, and we learned new ways to stretch her joints. All the doctors and therapists said she was doing great and that we are on the right track with her care. So great to hear! Our main purpose for this trip was to seek a second opinion before proceeding with Katee's hip surgery. The surgery described (along with the risks and outcomes) was the same as what our current orthopedic doctor suggested. Arhtrogryposis hips are tricky compared to regular hip dysplasia and the surgery will be difficult . . .but it looks like we need to do it in the next 6 months. While we didn't learn a lot of new information, we felt the trip to the arthrogryposis clinic was worth our time.

After lunch and brief naps we headed out to see the St. Louis Arch!

It was absolutely beautiful.

Katee called it a "rainbow"; and, if you know her, you know that rainbows are her favorite. ;) (and aren't my boys cute??!)

 And the best part?

My friend, Tera, who I met online through adoption, drove from Indiana to meet us that afternoon!! She was just as sweet and genuine as I thought she would be and we had a great time together. Tera has been such an encouragement to me through our process of bringing Katee home. I emailed her a lot during our process and she encouraged me and answered my questions and pointed me to Jesus through it all.

Our kids hit it off right away, which was an added bonus.

Tera's older two girls took great care of Katee the entire weekend and Katee loved their attention.

Our Chinese princesses were a little unsure of each other, but they did have a cute conversation regarding their next birthday parities. I loved seeing our girls together! Pure sweetness.

I think my kids liked playing in the fountains best. I kinda did too. ;)

I was so impressed with Katee's endurance on this trip. She walked. And walked. And walked. It wasn't all that long ago when she could only walk (with a walker) about 10 feet before tiring. Such progress!

We went to the zoo the next morning, had lunch, said goodbye to our new friends, and headed home. I'm thankful we had this time together as a family and also thankful for friendships deepened. Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-15376437707383098832014-04-11T15:05:00.001-05:002014-04-11T15:05:32.739-05:00Hope SpokenI had the great privilege of attending Hope Spoken in March. It truly was a beautiful weekend. I went into the weekend a bit concerned about leaving Katee for the first time since her adoption, having no idea what speakers I had signed up for or even when the conference actually started. My main reason for going to Hope Spoken was to support my sweet friend Jess as she shared her story of blessing and God's faithfulness in her life.

It was a joy to see God give her the strength to stand up in front of a room full of women and share what true blessing really is. To hear her share that God is good and faithful even in the midst of her deepest suffering. Her life is a beautiful testimony and I'm so thankful for her.

It was also pretty amazing to spend four days with my friends. We had lots of late night heart talks and that is always a good thing.

As I reflected on the parable of the talents this past week in Matthew 25, I couldn't help but think of all the women I met in Dallas a few weeks ago. In the passage, the talents represent God's truth (the Bible and knowledge of Jesus Christ). God has entrusted the Gospel to His servants. "Every individual is born into different circumstances, has different levels of understanding about God and different opportunities. God holds us responsible for the treasure He gives us. We are to use the opportunities He gives, grow in our knowledge of Him and give His treasure to the world" (BSF Lesson 25 notes on Matthew).

The women I met and listened to at Hope Spoken were women who translated their Bible knowledge into living experience. They loved Jesus and desired to help others know Him too. Many of these women have experienced great pain/trial. Loss of a child, infertility, infidelity, childhood abuse, etc. All of these women could have become bitter. They could have chosen to turn from the Lord and leave their Bibles on the shelf. They could have chosen to reject God's goodness; but instead, their hearts chose to believe and trust in God. They spoke of a loving God who sent His Son to die for us and ultimately each woman chose to believe in who God is over what they felt.

I left the conference encouraged. Refreshed. God has truly designed all our earthly experiences--even the hard, sorrowful seasons--to rid us of our fleshly desires and prepare us for our glorious future with Him. We all have a story to tell!

And this little girl? She did just fine without Mommy for four days (probably because Daddy took off work and took amazing care of our babies). I received the best welcome home hugs and kisses and squeals. I don't think I could have left Katee for that long even in January, but so much healing has happened in her heart recently and I give Him all the glory for that. She is seriously a different little girl. More at peace and filled with a genuine joy. The Lord is so faithful to restore "the years the locusts have eaten" (Joel 2:25). So thankful!Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-33728882941329351532014-02-25T15:21:00.000-06:002014-02-25T15:25:23.057-06:00Three.
Sweet Katee turned three on February 10th. I really can't believe my baby is three. I've had a baby in the house for five years and feel like we are beginning a new stage . . . and while it is good and beautiful, it's really different.

Katee is such a big girl now. Naps are a thing of the past, although she seems to enjoy an hour or two of rest time in the afternoon.

At 3, she's all about changing clothes a dozen times a day, reading piles of books, and tending to the needs of her "babies" and stuffed animals. She is extremely nurturing and loves to hold our friends' babies. It's pretty sweet.

She is constantly talking and narrating as she bounces around the house pushing a stroller, shopping cart, or some other wheeled contraption. In fact, it really bothers her that her sister doesn't talk much in the mornings. I'll often hear, "Mommy! Calla not talking." I guess she can't fathom that some people do not need to need to talk all.day.long. ;) Thankfully, she is happy to have a conversation with her breakfast food.

 We are so in love with our treasured daughter. God is doing a work in her life and it is a privilege to see her grow and blossom in our family. A little over a month ago she was really struggling emotionally. I was struggling, too, and our days were honestly pretty hard. However, the past several weeks she has transformed into a joyful, content little girl. I'm not sure what caused the change, but I know there is power in prayer and feel like God is bringing healing. I know there will be hard weeks in the future, but getting to see a glimpse of who this little one truly is . . . that is a gift I treasure.

She is such joy and we all love her to pieces!!!! Happy third birthday, Katee-girl!
Juliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-60963230804800772702014-01-16T16:01:00.000-06:002014-01-16T16:01:07.717-06:00Out of the "safe boat"As I read my Bible Study Fellowship notes this afternoon explaining Matthew 14 (when Peter walks on the water toward Jesus), I am encouraged on an especially exhausting day of parenting.

A little over a year ago, our family climbed out of our "safe boat" and adopted a child. My heart is for the orphan. I LOVE adoption and could talk about it for hours. However, these little people carry a lot of hurt and pain inside of them--more than I ever thought was possible. (After all, Katee was not even two when she came home.) Please remember that when there is adoption there is always pain. Something happened that wasn't right in a child's life.

Many of our days are filled with great joys. To see our youngest daughter bloom and learn to love and laugh (and walk!) is beyond precious. It's a front row seat to watch God transform and redeem a life. Other days, like today, are days where the pain is raw. The meltdowns? They are around every corner. Honestly, I can tend to feel upset about how her pain is affecting our otherwise "predictable" day.

Today, the storm was real and I took comfort in this: "Perhaps, as He did with the disciples, Jesus sent [us] into this storm so [we] would see the great security of His presence with [us]. . . . The moment Peter looked away from Jesus, he lost touch with Jesus' power to do the humanly impossible moment by moment. Peter had no power of his own" (BSF notes Lesson 15, p. 5).

I have no power of my own either, that is for sure. Oh, to see Christ as Lord and keep focused on Him! Jesus still invites us to come and do the impossible by trusting Him. He knows the circumstances involved with adoption and He would not have called us if He didn't intend to bring us through. He won't let us sink.

Today I am challenged to take His outstretched hand and do something hard: love selflessly and hurt alongside my daughter as she heals.
Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-17601555140471798802014-01-01T19:16:00.001-06:002014-01-01T19:16:32.708-06:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Juliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-48373598535713036092013-12-24T08:01:00.003-06:002013-12-24T08:12:58.260-06:00The gift of walking.After Katee showed us that she could walk a few weeks ago, she decided to go on a walking strike. My stubborn princess would not walk without a fight. Therapy was terrible. She refused to obey her therapist and do the exercises and either manipulated situations or sat and cried puddles of tears. It was really quite trying for all involved. Setbacks are never easy.

Thankfully, four days ago things changed. Katee looked at me intently after lunch and said, "I want walk." I tried not to make a big deal about it in front of her, but inside I was jumping for joy at the thought our daily struggle of walking practice (aka bribery session) being over.

I sat down on the kitchen floor and Katee walked back and forth between me and Ori for about 20-25 minutes. She didn't want to stop. Her walking has progressed from there. Each day she is a bit more stable on her feet. She still falls down a lot, but is able to get back up (huge!). I called Calla and Katee for lunch today and they walked into the kitchen holding hands. Cutest thing ever (and Katee kept up with Calla, who is not exactly slow and graceful!).

This video is from her 2nd day of walking. Now she is walking all over the house. Can you believe it?? This girl has taken off.

Her desire to walk is strong and she's gaining confidence--she even took several steps in the snow. I'm so, so proud of her!

Last Christmas we were preparing to serial cast her feet; I remember thinking how awesome it would be if she would be walking by Christmas 2013. We are truly thankful for the gift of her toddling around our house this Christmas. She's so amazing.Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-78384431936146925912013-12-16T06:00:00.000-06:002013-12-16T06:00:14.863-06:00Calla {4}
My sweet oldest daughter turns FOUR today. We celebrated her all weekend, and I hope she felt loved and special. This girl is really something and is growing into a beautiful little girl.

Calla is energetic and rarely still, but recently she has been asking, "Mommy, can you snuggle me?"I am soaking it in. It's worth spending an extra 10 minutes putting her to bed at night so that we can snuggle. She strokes my hair and talks/giggles as we lay side by side in her bed. I treasure our time together.

Sometimes I stare at her, and I remember all the hours I spent sitting beside her isolette while she was in the NICU. I wondered what her future held and who my little baby would grow up to become.

She was so teeny tiny and many days too sick to hold (at least for long). I had no idea at that time what a blessing this little one would be to us as her parents. She is a treasure. (A treasure God used to open my heart to special needs adoption!)

Calla is no longer a sick baby and we thank God for healing her. It is a gift to be her parents, and we don't take her life for granted.

Today, she's healthy and strong.

She's filled with joy. Lots and lots of joy.

She puts her entire self into whatever it is she is doing.

At 4, Calla is a well-rounded individual. She loves playing trucks and hot wheels, but also loves to mother her dolls, dress-up, and dance. She enjoys music and can often be found prancing around the house performing her "ballet moves." She's pretty proud that she can stand on her toes.

She loves to take pictures with Daddy's camera. She wants to be a doctor when she grows up so she can help people. Her favorite food is roast.

Oh, sweet Calla Jayne, you are so loved. Happy birthday!Juliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-21484035675480335842013-12-05T16:16:00.000-06:002013-12-05T16:19:19.211-06:00RememberingI have a natural tendency to forget the wonderful things God has done for me. I can be so focused on the present, pressing "issue" that I forget His faithfulness in the past. We need reminders, don't we?

Our Bible Study Fellowship notes this week also reminded me of the importance of helping our children remember these things too.

Our kids have yet to experience God as mighty and good personally, but we as adults have. By sharing stories and memories of how God has sustained us, answered our prayers, and given us blessings throughout the previous year, we can teach them more of God's character and also nurture a grateful spirit at the same time.

One way our family remembers the things God has done for us (the fun, special, and hard times) is through our Christmas tree.

Our tree is filled with pictures that represent significant milestones: birthdays, surgeries, vacations, family, China, etc.

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When I see the picture ornament of Calla in the NICU, I am reminded that God was with me when I delivered a 1 lb. 15 oz. baby. He was with me when she was too sick to hold, and He was with me the glorious day she came home. (Calla loves the ornament of the picture of her in her hospital isolette and carries it everywhere. It is her reminder of how God healed her.)

More recently, God was with us in China when we were figuring out to parent and love our newest daughter. He provided all we needed and didn't stop after we came home. Still today, we daily experience some intense emotional moments that cause me to question my parenting, yet He is present and gives strength and peace. Adoption has blessed and enriched our family in many ways. We are grateful.

God answered Katee's prayer to walk. She's learning His faithfulness.

The Lord was with us when we took our first family vacation to Colorado. I smile when I remember our cabin and the memories made and bonding that occurred. (I almost forgot about all the throw-up that happened on that trip. Almost.)

That's just a sampling of the ways these photo ornaments help us remember what God has done. My kids LOVE them, and I do too. Our Christmas tree makes me smile. And more importantly, it helps me remember so that I do not forget.

Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-41315268543768084262013-12-04T14:49:00.001-06:002013-12-04T14:49:30.326-06:00Ori turns 5.
Way back in September, my little boy turned FIVE. He feels pretty grown-up these days and makes sure everyone we meet knows that he is 5.

His request for a birthday celebration consisted of "eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at the park close to our house." Easy peasy. I like how he thinks and how he values time together. Honestly, I thought we should do "more" for his birthday, but Ian and I both agreed when the evening was over that Ori had the best idea. We seriously had an amazing night at the park celebrating Ori.

He received a comic book, wooden airplane, and a rocket launcher/engines for his rocket. He was pretty pleased. (Calla makes the best faces! She was really excited about what Ori was opening but couldn't figure out what it was.)

I am so thankful for my boy. He is full of life and constantly building and working with his hands. He spends a few hours of every day building something new with his Legos. He is currently working on a parking garage for Calla, who loves to play with little cars. I love watching him grow and mature and pray God uses Ori for His glory.

Here is a little interview I did with Ori:
What do you want to do when you grow up?
"I want to own a junk yard and smash cars and sell the smashed pieces to other kids who like junk."

What is your favorite food?
"Apples."

 What is your favorite TV show?
"Thomas."

What are you currently learning about God?
"That he raises the dead and makes the blind see. And that he died on the cross for our sins."

What are you thankful for?
"That God gave me all the things in my room and that Daddy and Uncle Webster gave me all their old Legos. I'm thankful for Fuzzy the Frog."

What do you like about preschool?
"I like painting and I like seeing my mommy."

Happy 5th birthday, sweet boy! I love you dearly.

(Stay tuned for pictures of Ori's "junkyard" party!)Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-57725857732656453122013-11-25T16:14:00.001-06:002013-11-25T16:14:28.263-06:00She walks!! {Katee's first steps}We made a trek to the Children's Hospital last week to discuss Katee's dislocated hip with the orthopedic specialist. In my mind, we were looking at a major surgery/body cast/big setbacks early 2014, but after examining Katee the doctor suggested waiting a year for various reasons. (Big sigh of relief for this mama!) We discussed what she is currently doing and talked about transitioning from her walker to canes at some point . . . but now it is looking like we might get to skip the canes and go straight to WALKING!!

Check this out!
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 She shocked us last Saturday. Katee is still trying to figure out how to stand on her own, and yet she suddenly decided to try taking steps. A day that seemed so far off and almost unlikely due to her physical challenges, came. Katee walked.

SHE WALKED!!!!

This girl is determined to walk farther, so we keep practicing. We've prayed that she would learn to walk since she came home. Katee knew God answered our prayer and prayed this at meal time: "Thank you God for my food. (long pause and thinking) And thank you I walk!! Amen."

I melted. So proud of my girl!Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-91133073666037889452013-11-20T16:20:00.002-06:002013-11-20T16:20:57.323-06:00"O" is for Ocean We are loving preschool at home this year. It's going really well.

For letter "O" we learned about the octopus. After reading our book and watching a Youtube about octopi, the kids were fascinated by this creature and other ocean animals so I decided to extend the theme and create an ocean sensory tub. They loved it!

The shells were made out of baking soda and water mixture and had a little ocean animal hidden inside.

Each child was given a bottle of vinegar tinted blue with food coloring to squirt on the shells.

The kids were so excited to find the treasures hidden in the fizzing ocean.

It was pretty awesome. You should try it with your little ones. The only "complicated" part was making the baking soda shells ahead of time so that they could dry over night. Go here for directions!

To continue the theme, it just so happened that we had a family vacation planned for the following week to Colorado. We decided to take the kids to the Denver Aquarium. They LOVED it. REALLY loved it.

Here's a little picture tour:

At the end you got to touch a stingray with two fingers. I love how Calla has her two fingers ready (the girl actually listened to directions!). She ended up being the only one who was too afraid to touch them! So funny.

It was a great trip that went right along with our preschool. The only bad thing is that Calla got the stomach flu that night . . .probably because she always touches everything and puts her hands in her mouth?!? I mean, the girl was licking the glass floor while watching the shark feeding!! Sigh.

It's a joy to learn alongside my three littles!Juliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-44599602834225850382013-11-12T21:03:00.000-06:002013-11-12T21:03:50.132-06:00Celebrating Forever Family Day.Today is Katee's first Gotcha Day/Forever Family Day. I used to be naive and think Gotcha Day's were full of all sorts of happy. I mean, of course the adopted child will be so thankful he/she is home, right? So glad they were rescued from their previous, "terrible" lives? But, that just isn't the reality.

YES. Today we will celebrate what God has done in our family. We saw Him move mountains to bring this child home. YES. We will celebrate Katee as our beloved daughter and praise Him for His faithfulness in her life. There will be much joy in this celebration! But, the hard truth is that there is also much pain surrounding this day.

You see, adoption represents a difficult tension. For us to become a family of 5, Katee had to suffer significant loss. Loss of the family that was intended to raise her. Loss of all that was familiar to her.

She lost everything that was "supposed" to be and everything she knew.

While we were overwhelmed with joy last November 12 when Katee was given to us, she was overwhelmed by trauma, pain, and confusion.

My heart broke last week as I pondered some fear/anxiety/trying-to-control type behaviors that "suddenly" reappeared in my daughter right around her forever family day. Behaviors I hadn't seen for months came back at full force. I had heard of adopted children struggling around certain "anniversaries", but I didn't get it. How did she know it had been a year since she experienced that pain? Was it the smells in the air? The changing seasons that reminded her of when she first came home? Whatever the trigger was, her pain was raw and deep.

Last Wednesday I sat at my kitchen table and wept for my daughter and the loss involved with adoption. I asked God to continue to heal her hurt and make her aware of His everlasting, infinite love for her.

I felt like God faithfully gave me insight into Katee's heart. He gave me more patience and less frustration. More love and less anger. Isn't He good?

Katee's doing much better the past few days. I hear her telling herself (and even her babies while she's playing) things like, "I'm safe with my mommy" and "God sees me." At the tender age of two she is learning to combat the fears in her life with truth. I'm thankful adoption is also a story of redemption. I'm thankful for a God who knows, sees, and cares.

We celebrated Katee today and the work God has done in our family. It's a beautiful thing. Today was so good, but certainly bittersweet.

Happy 1st Gotcha Day, Katee Qing! You are one amazing and loved little girl!!Juliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-72567722322463141052013-11-10T22:05:00.000-06:002013-11-10T22:05:04.362-06:00One year ago today {meeting katee}
I've been missing China this past week. It has a piece of my heart.

One year ago today we met Katee (unexpectedly) at her foster home, New Hope. She was supposed to be returned to her orphanage prior to Gotcha Day, but they did not call her back.

I will never forget how surprised I was when she came around the corner and was placed immediately in my arms. I even remember how she smelled.

An unexpected blessing. An answer to my prayer.

Our actual Gotcha Day (Nov. 12) was rough--nothing fairy tale about it! But this day? It was a dream come true.

Seeing Katee happy and silly in her familiar place helped me through the hard days/weeks/months of grieving that followed Gotcha Day.

I knew she would learn to trust us and that her smiles and joy would return.

They did. God is so faithful! He is weaving our family together and we give Him glory for the work He has done in Katee's life this past year. We are so blessed. Juliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-8065615014283184002013-10-10T22:29:00.004-05:002013-10-10T22:29:44.220-05:00progress, progress, progress!Katee progressed so much this past month.

She figured out how to turn her walker (hallelujah!) and now uses it out in the community: library, church, parks, etc.

It's really great to see her enjoy walking. However, it isn't so great to feel stressed about keeping track of two other little kids who tend to move about in one speed--fast--while Katee is still learning and moving rather slowly.

Thankfully, after several trips to the park to practice walking together and not running ahead, Ori and Calla figured out that they can indeed walk S-L-O-W-L-Y too. Phew.

Physical therapy is going well. Katee shares a really good bond with her therapist, Miss A. In fact, she talks about Miss A. all week long as she moves about the house: "I bend my knee like Miss A, Mommy!" "I stand all by myself like Miss A did!"

I have learned to expect that there will be good therapy sessions and frustrating sessions. Sometimes Katee works hard and I am blown away by what she does, and sometimes she acts silly to try to get out of the hard stuff. Manipulation at its finest. ;) Ultimately, I'm thankful for the team of professionals working together to get this girl up on her feet!

Have I mentioned that Katee is growing up way too fast??

After 10 months of sleeping next to Mommy and Daddy, she moved into her very own big girl bed and is doing well. As of last week, she's pretty much potty trained too.

She's also more independent. I caught her using her walker and climbing up the step stool to get her own spoon for lunch the other day. She was really proud.

Parks aren't a struggle anymore as she can climb up the steps and go down the slide all by herself.

Katee can push a dump truck around the yard just like Ori and Calla too. This is a new development and it's pretty much all she wants to do right now. I love it. She waited a long, long time to join the dump truck fun.

My baby has almost been home a year. I kinda can't believe that. She's been through a lot: 5 months of castings, 2 surgeries, lots of new people and environments, not to mention a new language and culture. For about 9 months she was either in my arms or within arms reach all.day.long. Now, she's all over the house playing with her siblings or joining me with what I'm doing. It's a beautiful thing to see trust building. We adore her.
Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-38003218277455261552013-09-05T15:43:00.001-05:002013-09-05T15:43:11.778-05:00Big truths for little minds.I started teaching a toddler class at church a few weeks ago. (Typing that almost makes me laugh because I taught middle school, not preschool and certainly don't know all the cute transition songs, etc. that preschool teachers seem to know.) "Qualified" or not, it is my sweet little class for the year and I adore them.

While preparing for my class, I greatly appreciated reading through the curriculum, A Sure Foundation by Sally Michael, and found that it offered so many reminders of what I want to be doing day in and day out with my own three little ones.

I was reminded to teach simple truth statements frequently and casually all day long so that my kids (and the little ones in my class) see that God is part of our everyday life and not set apart. He is essential for life.

Repetition is good; that is how young children learn. Children don't understand "God is good" or "God is big" the first time we say it, but as they hear that truth again and again and see it applied to different scenarios they will begin to understand that God is good and He is big.

We need to teach them a bit beyond their present intellectual understanding. They will not understand all the phrases we say, but The Holy Spirit will bring understanding as the children mature. The great truths we teach them about God now will show glimpses of who God is and can play a role in the child's eventual salvation.

Some simple truths to teach your toddler aged children include:
God is good.
God is big.
God is strong.
Jesus loves you.
Thank you, Jesus.
God made everything.
God is with us.
God knows everything.
Jesus loves _______.
We need God.

These truths can be taught through playing and interacting with your child. Since these statements were recently impressed upon my mind and heart, I have been pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to incorporate them into our daily conversations.

Today it warmed my heart to overhear Ori as he played with Katee (lovingly nicknamed "Bear Cub"). He was sitting talking with her and said, "Bear Cub is SO big! Bear Cub is SO strong! But God is the biggest and the strongest. He can hold the whole world in his hands. We can't do that." She giggled.

Before bed I always ask Katee the following questions: Does Daddy love you? (yes) Does Mommy love you? (yes) Does Ori love you? (yes) Does Calla love you? (yes) But who loves you most of all? (Jesus!) It's pretty special and serves as yet another daily reminder that Jesus loves her.

Most importantly, I was reminded that I have to be spiritually alive and full of love and appreciation for God in order for this to be a natural overflow of my heart/faith.

I'm so thankful for these reminders to teach truth to my children. What a privilege.

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:14-15
Juliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-89247752523263420662013-08-26T17:02:00.002-05:002013-08-26T19:15:49.951-05:00Renewal day by dayI couldn't sleep last night.

Katee was literally attacked by mosquitoes this past week and her little body is covered in bug bites. I kept hearing her little fingers scratch at the bites, and I would get up and apply cream to try to ease her discomfort. It's so sad. (And now we know we have to be really careful with her! Mosquitoes love her--and I can't blame them as she is oh so sweet!)

In my sleepless state, I also continued to process what had been a frustrating evening for me and Katee. As I was giving those frustrations to the Lord, all I could think was, "I hate arthrogryposis." I don't say "hate" often, and I don't know if it's okay to think that way; but, right now that's how I feel. Ian and I had spent some time outside trying to teach Katee to turn her walker. I don't know if she really isn't strong enough to turn it, or if she was just frustrated . . . but it did not go well. Her little muscles are so weak, her joints are contracted, and she wasn't able to do the task (yet! I am confident that she will, with time.).

She just recently got out of her boot/bar brace and started bearing weight on her legs. It's hard on her. She started sobbing last night while walking with her walker and told me she was all done. We hadn't walked very far, so I pushed her a bit more before sweeping her into my arms. It's that difficult balance of pushing her to independence and past what she thinks she can do and offering my arms as a place of rest and comfort.

When we came inside, I told Ian that I was really frustrated, and that I didn't know how to motivate her to try harder. He reminded me of how easily I give up whenever I try to run. When it gets hard, I want to quit too. I truly am no different than my two-year-old. Sigh.

I desperately want her to learn to use her walker well and eventually learn to walk on her own. It's going to be a journey of patience and persistence. And while I hate that arthrogryposis has made her earthly body not work quite right, I know that some day it will be exchanged for a perfect, heavenly body (2 Cor. 5:1). There will be much groaning in the mean time, but I pray that God would use my daughter for His glory and that His strength would be made perfect in her weakness.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:16-18

She and I will go back out this afternoon and practice walking/turning again. There will probably be some more groaning and frustrations, but I am thankful for Christ's renewal day by day.

**Update: Since I posted this (and I debated posting it, but this is where I am at right now and want to document the journey), Katee stood by HERSELF for about 3 seconds and turned her walker around in the kitchen where the floor is more slippery. Isn't God good to encourage our hearts when we need it? Katee was giggling so hard at her accomplishments.Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-91883521118645113182013-08-23T16:41:00.001-05:002013-08-23T16:43:09.836-05:00August 2013In my absence from the blog world . . .

The kids and I went on an adventure to Colorado to visit dear friends. I thought I just might be crazy to tackle the 9 hour drive on my own, but we did it! The kids were AWESOME (besides the time they got really wiggly in line at Starbucks or the time Calla peed all over the playground equipment at the rest stop).

We truly had a fabulous, restful time and I came home refreshed. Time with friends is so good.

Shortly after Colorado, we took a family vacation to Branson, along with my parents and siblings/families. The long weekend was filled with jet skis, swimming, water parks, cave tours, ice cream, and late nights playing games.

Once home from Branson, Ori and Calla started preschool. They love school, and I have to admit that it's my favorite time of the day too. Katee is absorbing a lot as she observes and participates at her own level. I treasure the time we spend together learning truths about God and His world . . . and mastering our ABC's too. :)

For those curious, we are using All About Reading Pre-reading and Sonlight P4/5 for school this year.

And . . . the biggest news is that Katee's AFOs FINALLY arrived a week ago!!

 The arrival of the new braces meant a big shoe shopping trip. Katee has wanted to wear shoes since we brought her home 9 months ago (but couldn't), so this was a huge deal to her!

She was pretty excited and wanted to sleep with her new shoes. (We did not get the shoes pictured above; I found out that Katee is pretty opinionated about her shoes and that pair just didn't make the cut!)

I am amazed at the progress she has made in just a week's time. We have a new physical therapist who is really pushing her. I find myself wanting to jump out of the chair and rescue her during therapy when she is learning to do things that are extremely hard for her. For example, she can pull up to a standing position, but plops down on her bottom when she wants to get down. Her therapist is teaching her to bend her knees to get down and Katee struggles with this. Her left knee is an obstacle in the process and I hate watching her struggle. But . . . she can do it!! And she is very proud of herself when she does it correctly all by herself.

Walking has given her a new independence and we are so, so proud of her. Katee works hard--the girl took her walker "off-road" on Day 2. Love her!!

Now we will see if I can get back in the habit of blogging. :)Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-40589291394405826682013-07-22T14:44:00.000-05:002013-07-22T14:44:26.731-05:00Moving on up.
We met with Katee's orthopedic specialist on the 11th and he was pleased with how her feet were maintaining their position. He told me that when he sees us in 4 months that he wants to see Katee on her feet. I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped to the floor . . . in a good way. We left that appointment with a prescription for AFOs (ankle braces) and physical therapy. So exciting!!

Katee got fitted for her AFOs last Thursday and I am really hoping they are ready this week. She is so ready to be out of her current brace (although she will still wear it at night) as she has been learning lots of new tricks.

Like standing (she has to either lean on or hold on to something, but she is getting straighter!).

Cruising along furniture.

I don't have a picture, but she is also putting weight on her knees and crawling! (Remember, her left knee joint is contracted and lacks flexion, so this is pretty big.)

She's ready to move and is not the most content in her brace right now. She knows change is coming and this girl is ready to put on some tennis shoes! ;) I can't wait to watch her learn to stand and eventually walk. We will begin physical therapy twice a week in August and I think that will really help her. I have heard mixed messages about how she will walk (independently or with some kind of aide, etc.), but I will never ever tell her she can't do something.

She's amazing. What a gift!Juliehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-24891958064280890782013-07-21T21:37:00.001-05:002013-07-21T21:37:49.762-05:00Bring Me Hope Today I am excited to share an opportunity for you to touch the life of an orphan in China. When Nicole expressed a desire to share Bring Me Hope summer camps with my readers, I jumped at the chance. A team from our church served at this camp a few years ago and I know firsthand that lives were impacted and changed because of this ministry. Please read Nicole's words and prayerfully consider sponsoring a child for camp this summer.

I knew that traveling to China to be part of the Bring Me Hope summer camps would change my life, but I had no idea how deeply and permanently it would wreck my heart.

It was only five days that I spent with those three orphans, but I still remember it like yesterday. We ate our meals together, sang the silly camps songs, hiked the Great Wall and pasted and glued our hearts out at craft time. As they opened up and shared their stories, I felt myself coming undone from the inside out. How do you not when a gorgeous, twelve-year-old girl tells you that she was orphaned after her parents died in a murder/suicide?!

Shock. Then heartbreak. Then the tears.

Fast forward six years. My trips to China have continued, my new dream in life is to get to 30 years old so I can bring our own son or daughter home. From that first week at camp, I saw what a difference five days at a summer camp could make in the lives of chinese orphans, as well as their foreign camp buddies; I never wanted to stop being a part of this mission. Bring Me Hope is dedicated to improving the lives and futures of Chinese orphans. It begins at summer camp and continues with year-round programs to meet the ongoing needs of orphans in China.

We are currently in the middle of four weeks of summer camps in five chinese cities. A great need right now is raising the rest of the camp sponsorships to make the fourth week of camp possible. As a sponsor, you will become part of the team that makes camp happen for the kids. Sponsorships of $125 or more will receive a phone call and letter from one of the children attending camp.

Your camp sponsorship will provide Chinese orphans with a safe place to experience healing, be assured of their value, and be given opportunities to explore fun, new things like swimming, art, music and field trips. Camp also connects orphans with people who can advocate for them year-round.

We would love to invite you to partner with us. Would you help make these last weeks of camp happen with a camp sponsorship?! {You can do this on our website here} We also hope you would consider about joining us at the 2014 camps. It is an adventure that will change your life. Most of all, please pray with us that these children's lives could be changed through the power of love and family.

"We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they are not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes." -David Platt

Juliehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432037063735195117.post-70529307356894255312013-07-02T15:10:00.000-05:002013-07-02T15:17:03.730-05:00Tanganyika OuttakesIan laughed several times while editing pictures from our recent family trip to Tanganyika Wildlife Park. He also informed me that I use tortoise shells to help me stand up.

I told him I would never push on a tortoise shell to help me get up. But he has proof . . . and he is correct.

When available, I absolutely will use a tortoise shell to help me get off the ground.

(In my defense, Katee is a little awkward to hold in her brace and she is getting bigger and bigger and my arms are not getting stronger and stronger.)

Apparently, I also make very attractive faces when birds land on my shoulder to eat their sugary treats.

And poor Calla.

She was enjoying the very same tortoises that kindly aided my ability to stand up, until one about got her.

She jumped up and decided that she didn't really care for tortoises.

Snacking on the bench with Katee was much safer. :)

We had an awesome day together . . . more to come!

Juliehttp://email@example.com


text:
Roasted Beets with Orange Vinaigrette
Notes: You can make this salad up to 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before serving, and season to taste with additional vinegar, salt, and pepper. If you combine red beets with yellow or pink, the red will discolor the others; toss each separately with a portion of the vinaigrette, then combine just before serving.
Yield: Makes about 7 cups; 6 to 8 servings
More From Sunset
Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
- Calories: 33
- Calories from fat: 2.7%
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated fat: 0.0g
- Carbohydrate: 7.5g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sodium: 333mg
- Cholesterol: 0.0mg
- 2 1/2 pounds (including tops) golden, pink, or red beets (each 2 to 3 in. wide; see notes), rinsed and greens trimmed and discarded or reserved for another use
- 6 tablespoons orange juice
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced shallots
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper
- 1. Place beets in a 9- by 13-inch baking pan. Add 1/2 inch water. Cover tightly with foil and bake in a 375° regular or convection oven until tender when pierced, 45 to 60 minutes. When cool enough to handle, peel and cut into 1/2-inch wedges.
- 2. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine orange juice, vinegar, shallots, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the warm beets and stir to coat. Serve warm or at room temperature.
My Notes
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Roasted Beets with Orange Vinaigrette Recipe at a Glance
- COURSE: Salads, Side Dishes/Vegetables
- CONVENIENCE: Entertaining, Make-Ahead
- CUISINE: American, New American
- MAIN INGREDIENT: Vegetables
- DIETARY CONSIDERATION: Low Calorie, Low Carbohydrate, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Meatless, Low Saturated Fat
- COOKING METHOD: Convection Oven, Bake
- OCCASION: Thanksgiving
- PUBLICATION: Sunset
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Safety Upgrades Coming to Fort Campbell Blvd. In Clarksville
by Emily Luxen
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Major safety upgrades are coming to one of the busiest roads in Clarksville.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced plans to add crosswalks at five intersections along Fort Campbell Boulevard.
Clarksville City Councilwoman Deanna McLaughlin worked with TDOT to make the changes after multiple accidents involving pedestrians. From 2007 to 2011, six pedestrians have been killed along the busy seven lane road.
"Fort Campbell Boulevard to date has highest amount of traffic accidents of any stretch of road in Clarksville," said Councilwoman McLaughlin. "Anytime someone loses their life on a stretch of road it impacts everybody."
The project will include adding signalized crosswalks, countdown pedestrian signals, and extra signs at five designated intersections: Fort Campbell Boulevard at Quinn Lane, Cunningham Lane, Concord Drive, and LaFayette Road, as well as Providence Boulevard at Peachers Mill.
McLaughlin believes the changes will protect pedestrians and drivers, and prevent accidents.
"I think it will make it safer," said Councilwoman McLaughlin. "Hopefully, it will make drivers more aware there is pedestrian traffic in this area. I am hopeful it will encourage pedestrians to cross at these intersections."
TDOT is paying for the project, and it is expected to cost about $300,000.
Engineering work is underway now on the project. All work should be complete by April 30, 2014.
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
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Quote: Everyone has potential... It is an infinite resource that cannot be exhausted, but can be lost in the clouds of fear and complacency. It may take courage to embrace the possibilities of your own potential, but once you've flown past the summit of your fears, nothing will seem impossible. - Michael McKee
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Was a gift for my wife and all that she does to be successful in what she is doing.


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Don't forget to check out the Coupon Database for all available coupons. This site uses affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.


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Garden Gate Get-A-Way Bed & Breakfast near Berlin, Ohio, is known for their special packages. While they are located in the middle of Holmes County Amish Country they add more options for visitors to Ohio Amish Country. Most of the packages are weekend packages. You will find Christmas With the Amish dinner tour packages, Murder Mystery Weekends, Dinners with famous Authors, Wine Tasting Dinner Tours, Musical Concerts, and more! Garden Gate Get-A-Way Bed & Breakfast not only offers Amish Country lodging, but they will map out itineraries of the area, host a nightly campfire to unwind, plus offer these fun-filled weekend packages. For more details your can visit the bed and breakfast website at www.garden-gate.com.
Written by Carol Steffey, Garden Gate Get-A-Way Bed & Breakfast, Millersburg, Ohio (330) 674-7608 www.garden-gate.com
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Ohio Amish Country Bed and Breakfast Specializes in Packages
Posted by Garden Gate Get-A-Way B&B at Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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Tin Hau Temple in Cha Kwo Ling
Child-Giving Rocks in Cha Kwo Ling
Sam Shan Kwok Wong Temple in Ngau Chi Wan
Hong Kong Public Records Building
Devil's Peak Battery
Lei Yue Mun Wishing Tree
Tin Hau Temple in Lei Yue Mun
Tai Wong Ye Temple
Kwun Tong MTR station exit D1 or Lam Tin MTR bus station, take KMB route no.14X; or take a mini bus at Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong; or at Woo Sung Street, Jordan; or Yau Tong MTR station exit A1, and about walk for 5-10 minutes. If you depart from Hong Kong Island, you can take MTR to Sai Wan Ho Station, and take "Kaito" Ferry from Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier.
The gigantic banyan tree beside the Lei Yue Mun Rest Garden has been regarded as divine. Villagers believe that they may have their wishes granted by adoring the tree while tourists and visitors like to tie coloured ribbons or place their prayer cards to the tree guard, praying for good luck and dreams to come true.
Lei Yue Mun Lighthouse
Lei Yue Mun Night Scene
Wilson Trail (Stage 3)
Lei Yue Mun
Seafood Bazaar
Lei Yue Mun
Chinese Cake Shops
Lei Yue Mun


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Do Arizona lawmakers need a lesson in writing legislation or are liberal pundits telling lies about the legislation they wrote to protect businesses from predatory customers? Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed legislation written by Arizona lawmakers to protect businesses from predatory customers under threats by liberals to pull Apple and the Super Bowl out of the state. The cases for which this law was written was over a caterer in Colorado who refused to make a cake for a gay wedding and a photographer in New Mexico who wouldn't photograph a gay wedding. They both refused on religious grounds, whereupon the customers filed suit and demanded the state prosecute them for bigotry and hate crimes.
Was the law they wrote reminiscent of previous laws that denied blacks the right to enter a restaurant? The dilemma here is not how to protect businesses from customers, but defining the employer/employee relationship and who can be forced to do what by the other. People who go into a restaurant are doing so to participate in the business's event - eating. But when someone hires a photographer they are not going to his event, rather than are hiring him to attend their own. This is not a business customer relationship, but an employer employee relationship.
A restaurateur runs a service in which he is an employer whose employees serve his customers. A photographer or a caterer runs a service in which his customers are his employer. Employers cannot force employees to do something against their will, as in this case, and therefore the employer does not have to employ that person's service.
On the flip side is a pair of Moslems who were hired to drive delivery trucks, yet refused to drive trucks delivering alcohol, which all of them do, being fired from their jobs. Here again liberals are prosecuting the employer for not keeping employees who refuse to do the job for which they were hired. Liberals want it both ways and they can't have it.
The question in all of this is; can government force employees to obey their employer and can government force employers to accommodate their employees. There is a word when government uses force on people to make them do something against their will that is immoral, unjust, or unnecessary and it is called slavery. People didn't have to pay for a service if they didn't want to, but now they do – ObamaCare, or they go to jail. And people didn't have to provide a service if they didn't want to, but now they do?
The "tolerant" liberals are the most intolerant and vicious people on the planet. Agree with them and they will treat you like wonderful people, but disagree and you must be destroyed. Just the opposite is Christianity on the Right and what Jesus told his followers, "Tell others about me, and if they do not want to hear your words walk away."
In any case, what kind of fool wants to force someone to perform a service who doesn't like them, especially preparing food for them? In their self-righteous hypocrisy these liberal's two-faced reprisals may come at a heavier price than they expect. (Kinda gives new meaning to the phrase, "eat sh*t and die!") The only thing worse than someone being an impertinent ass is someone who, in their ultimate depravity, wants to make it a federal crime!
EEOC prosecutes company for Moslems
Attorney General Holder advocates State AGs not uphold laws with which they disagree
Suggested Links
- Bringing fascism to the White House, Obama's stealth war on America
- Obama is as American as pai apel and doesn't understand American Exceptionalism
- Barack Obama – man caused disaster and weapon of mass destruction
- Flat-heads vs. flat-earthers, 1 in 4 don't know Earth revolves around Sun
- Young liberal wisdom; IV – Republicans are only for the richest 1%


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KNOXVILLE (AP) - University of Tennessee officials hope slashing the price of an historic mansion that was once home to several UT presidents will make it more palatable for purchase.
The price of the 11,400-square-foot Georgian-style mansion was cut from $5 million to $2.9 million in March, a year after it first went on the market in a cost-cutting move.
UT is spending $25,000 per year to maintain it and paying newly-hired president Joe DiPietro a $20,000 allowance in lieu of living there.
Any bids on the property have to be approved by the UT Board of Trustees and the State Building Commission.
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What's In Season
Your guide to the best fruits and vegetables each season and how to use them.
Here comes summer!
When you see blueberries and watermelon, you know that summer is on the way. Ripe plums pair with sweet and savory flavors; plus, don't miss the chance to try fresh okra!


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In my spare time, I am not much of a reader. It seems that I usually only read for an assignment, and not for pleasure. As I continued to complete this assignment, I found that reading didn't feel much like an assignment at all any more, it was quite enjoyable. Children's books are amazing and enlightening. I felt like a kid again, and I let the books carry me away into my imagination.
Throughout my Children's Literature reading journey I definitely covered a broad range of genres and themes. In the entirety of the semester I read 120 Children's books. With 68 of them being "Easy" books, which turned out to be my largest genre recorded and read. I enjoyed the easy books, because they were comical, appealing to young readers and they had great messages to be relayed. The next genre that I focused a lot on and that I enjoyed was multicultural books. I read 12 all together and the two ethnic groups I focused on the most were African and Spanish/Latino. The stories I read about these cultures were the most in depth and personally stories by far. The stories focused on personal struggles and achievements, in which are priceless. I read around 7 books on children with exceptionalities and their difficult journeys. These books really touched my heart and I learned how these young children coped with their disabilities. I also read many books about Folklore, I read 10 magical books. I believe that Folklore is a must have genre in this class room. I love stories about princesses and mystical creatures. I noticed I read about 6 books about friendship and kindness. These two elements are very important to relay to young children and what better way to send a message to child other than in a book.
In my readings of different genres and class, I believe that I did a god job on reading a broad spectrum of books. I read about different cultures in Africa and they struggled to have a voice in America. I also read about young Latino families trying to move to America in hopes for a better future. Although I did not get a chance to read about other ethnic groups I feel that the African American's and the Latinos have had a very hard time being accepted in the American community, and their stories are some I will never forget. As far as my target age group for my books I focused on books that could be read from Kindergarten to 5th grade. I am an Elementary Education major so I felt that these books were the most appropriate for me in my field. I did read several novels that could be read in a Middle School environment, but I must say I enjoyed my younger aged books way more. Especially after I read some of them to a Kindergarten and second grade class, I knew that's where I belonged. I felt that I could have been a tad bit more diverse in my reading selections, but I did gain a ton of information and I truly enjoyed the books that I chose.
From my reading I gained a new prospective on children and their braveness and maturity. The book I read titled "Carmine's Story" literally brought me to tears. This young boy was fighting a battle with AIDS that he got from his mother during birth. Carmine was the most humble and accepting child I have ever seen. He knew he was going to die, and he was fully accepting of that. I also learned that illustrations are very important to children when reading a book. If the illustrations are bland and do not catch the eye of a child, then the reader will not remain engaged in the book. Children focus on color and sounds, not just the text alone will captivate a young reader. When I first began to select books, I would just grab whatever cover appealed to me, and read. Most of the time I used this strategy the book either didn't appeal to me as I thought or I simply didn't care for the book. I started to do research on topics and genres that I was interested in, and before I would checkout a book, I would use the online data base to find exactly what I wanted. This was the best idea I had all semester, I finally started to read books that I enjoyed. As I stated previously I believe this was the break through that made reading more pleasurable. My favorite books would have to be "The Bear Who Shared", which was a big hit with the Kindergarteners that I read to, and "My Diary from Here to There", this is about a young Latino girl and her families journey to America from Mexico, this book touched my heart and made me aware of how hard it is to make such a journey as she and he family did. These two books both conveyed meaningful and important messages to the reader. My new favorite authors would have to be Amada Irma Perez, she is the author of "My Diary from Here to There" and I also read another book by her titled "My very own Room" which is a sequel to her other book. Her writing has so much emotion and heart put into it, that as a reader her stories become real. She also with her stories being about Latino's, writes then in both English and Spanish. I love the fact that the books are bilingual and this stood out to me the most. The genres that I enjoyed the most are definitely the Multicultural and Exceptionalities genres. These two were the most meaningful and information genres I came across. These genres can be easily used as lessons and informational guidance.
Reading to me is a way to explore your soul and to invigorate your imagination no matter what age you may be. Reading a book is like opening up a can of worms, you never know what you are going to get. I also learned not to judge a book by its cover, literally. A book is about what's on the inside, the detail, the illustrations, and the meaning behind it. When I first received this assignment at the beginning of the semester I was terrified, but now I am grateful that I had this opportunity, and I can't wait to be a teacher and pass my love of reading onto my students.
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posted by ccbell at 8:33 pm (EST) on Nov 27, 2012


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Why was it that things had to end the way that they did? Itachi couldn't help but feel a strange sense of bitterness rise within him at the thought of how cruel the world was. It wasn't right that his entire family had to suffer the way that they did and that Sasuke had to continue to suffer. But more than any of that he hated that he had to become the instrument of all their misfortune, pain and sorrows.
Still, the words spoken to him touched him and with them also came the age old pain he wished that he could leave buried forever.
"I…I understand." He at last spoke, resolve once more resurfacing. All he had to do was push a bit further and for a little bit longer and soon his plan would come to fruition and with it he would be at long last granted his rest. "For Sasuke I will continue to fight until my last breath and in hopes that I can do you proud one last time."


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Amazing Home Library Ideas
It seems nice to have a place in a house where we can spend our leisure times while doing our favorite activities or hobbies. If you love watching movies, you can build a home theater in your house. If you love doing exercise, you can build small fitness area in your house. If you love reading, you love reading, you can build home library in house. It's a brilliant idea to build such places if there is enough space in your house.
Now we would like to give you the idea of designing home library. If you love reading and have a lot of book collection, you need such a cozy place to put and read those books. You can join the library with your home office that makes you easier to find some references for your work. The place to build the home library can be in the home basement, in the attic, or anywhere in your house which has enough space.
You can design your library in classic or modern library style. For classic library, you can use wood bookshelf and furniture in natural brown color, while for the modern library you can use modern bookshelf with minimalist design and attractive color.


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Lyrics & Chords
Hello all….
Here Im uploading the song Devakanyaka….
Its one of my fav songs….I just gave it a try….Don't know whether I could do justice to the song….I sang it in my way….
Kindly listen to it and give your feedback!!!
Song-Devakanyaka Soorya Thamburu Mittunnu….
Tha Kathir said
As I listened your third upload today.
Really, you hava a blessed voice and singing skills.
This only with my knowleddge and I am not not qualified to justify.
You are almost or exactly there.
Keep the real feel and singing dear.
Please listen my uploads and write your feel about it. I love Music & friends, n the god inside of me.
Kala Vijay said
Shruti,very nice singing with right feel with your powerful vocals.keep it up.
(by any chance if i missed out any of your uploads and not commented,pl feel free to scribble me.)
'cannot live without music'
ராஜ் குமார் அஞ்சன் said
Shruti!!! Nice singing… Would like to suggest you a few things, if I may… Feel confident while singing and the landing notes need to be stronger…. Liked the way you emoted in the charanams… A proper recording set-up would project your vocals better… Will look forward to your future posts… Good Luck!!!
♫ ♫ Raj ♫ ♫
If there is affinity, no matter how bitter it could be, one is always contented… If there is no affinity, let love be in your heart…
Thinkal govind kumar said
Thanks for the scribble !
You are blessed with a nice & expressive voice with lots of talent !
With some more hard & continuous practice you can very well come up as a seasoned singer !
Nice effort of this difficult song !
Kudos !
Please keep it up !
GOD Bless !
Loving Best Wishes,
Thinkal Govind Kumar.
Saroj Nair said
nice song pick, nice voice and singing
could have been better
Ramesh Tadi said
Shruti, first time in ur space, beautiful song, lovely-sweet Vocals and awesome rendition… do agree with Raj, esply abt the landing notes pointers… goodluck…
Vishnu Mohan ( busy mode) said
Sruthi de song adyayi kelkkua nice singing, nalla voice aanutto enikku ishtayi. nannayi practice cheythal nalla oru singer aayi maaram
Pinne Aksharasthudatha valare important aanu vakkukal onnu koode vekthathayode paranju seelikkutto :D
all the best
Anbu Mohamed said
Thank you for the scribble and inviting me. Listening to your song, I feel you have a good voice. Pointers already mentioned above. Take care of them, practice well and definitely you can excel in your singing. All the best !!
♫♫♫ Anbu J. Mohamed ♫♫♫
Sushanth Shankar said
Hi Shruthi…
Thank u fr the scribble… :) listng to u fr the first song… Valare nalla song selection… Nalla voice… Nallavannam paadi… you will need to work on the off notes here and thr… Secondly, try to reduce the nasal influence in ur voice… Nallavannam practice cheyyu… Also pls continue to learn carnatic… :)
All the vry best! :)
Adithi said
Good singing Shruti! Keep practising! :)
Peace if possible, but truth at any rate – Martin Luther
Ajay m nair said
v.good selection of the song… one of my fav and in my list too… infact iam practising to cover this…. u need to concentrate on the landing notes… and also try to give more expressions…. otherwise it was a nice cover…. keep singing… all the best
"The above comments are made upon my v.little knowledge…. the recipient plz forgive if iam wrong"
english CHUVAYULLA malayalam….:)
ella portions um ore depth L padaan sramikkooo.
esply….end portions…
keeep it up….:)
*anil aryanad
"Someday I will give back what you have given me. Thank You."
Jenefa (inactive) said
Shruti, Thanks for the scribble! You have a sweet voice and nice singing as well. No suggestions from my side, as already experts have pointed out :) Keep singing and sharing :)
My Uploads
Kumaran.k.k. ( i am back ) said
lot of improvements in recording and in your voice than your last post !!
other points already covered by my muziboo mates above !!
keep it up !! you hv nice voice !!
cheers !!!
always yours,
"music, the language of universe"
My Playlist
Raja Mohamed.j. said
Awesome Shruthi….Im enjoyed your Kayathri manthiram. good singing…!!keep it up.@
Music are my breath:)
Neil swanson.. Still not doing well but keeping the faith .surgery looking re october thanks for the prayers and well wishes ! said
HI Shruti
DONT know these songs or genders. but i do judge by over all quality of vocals and
music……u have surpassed expectations with
ur vocals full o f modulation and presence.
very clean and crisp almost angellic like.
enjoyed. best wishes NEIL SWANSON
My Newest originals
Sojan Chacko said
Beautiful singing Shruti!! and you have a great voice! Thoda practice karogi tho bahut hi aage jaogi!
Hi Shruti sis, I am surprised to listen this song in your lovely voice…great singing, eventhough I didn't understand the language, I still loved the way you sang the song…Keep singing and sharing.
Please check my recent renditions :
Nain Lad Jain He
Madhuban mein
Thanks and Regards,
Pls check my latest upload
latest Song
Jaya Ganapathy said
Hai Shruthi,
Very difficult song, very good attempt!
Shruthi, you have a very powerful, expressive voice, only need to mould and tune it!!
Practice, you will be one of the Best in Muziboo, God Bless you!!!
Harish Nambiar said
nice voice shruthi……i m not a trained music learner….still chila portions nannakamayrunnu ennu thonni……keep singing n practicising
Priya Shankar said
Nice…. like it Shruti…. keep sharing.
Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart
Aditya music is life said
very nice shruthi keep it up
Tulasi Ramachandran said
Good Job Shruti…. I just love this song….
by Shruti Vasudevan- music makes me happy :)
uploaded over 3 years ago
- 134 Plays. Last played on September 28, 2014
- 3 Favorites
- 14 Likes
- 29 Comments
- 20 Devakanyaka MP3 Download


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Septoplasty is a reconstructive plastic surgery performed to correct an improperly formed nasal septum that may be caused by:
The nasal septum is a wall that divides the two nasal passages. The septum is made of cartilage and bone. A deviated septum is one that is twisted or deformed so that it does not evenly divide the two chambers of the nose. This may cause problems with proper breathing or nasal discharge.
Septoplasty is usually performed with the traditional surgical technique from inside the nose. An open (external) method is rarely used. When open surgery is performed, small scars will be located on the base of the nose, but they usually are not noticeable. Scarring is not visible when internal surgery is performed.
Children vary greatly in their anatomy and healing ability, and the outcome is never completely predictable. Complications may occur, including, but not limited to, the following:
The following short-term side effects may occur. If symptoms do not subside, consult your child's physician.
The following are some of the symptoms that may indicate a need for you to promptly contact your child's physician:
A visit with your child's physician is usually scheduled a few weeks after surgery to make sure that the nose is healing properly. If non-dissolvable packing was used, an earlier visit will be required to remove it. Consult your child's physician if you have any questions.
Reviewed by: Steven D. Handler, MD, MBE
Date: April 2009


text:
LONDON (AP) - Crystal vases, brooches, books: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II received dozens of traditional gifts last year, but she also got some unusual items, from a chocolate Windsor Castle to some enameled beetles.
Buckingham Palace released a list of official gifts received in 2013 by the monarch and other members of Britain's royal family Wednesday, including a family photograph in a gold frame set on a jeweled ostrich egg and a five-strand pearl necklace, given to the queen by the president of the United Arab Emirates when he visited in April.
The High Commissioner for Bangladesh gave the queen four enameled Scarab beetles, while the maker of Mars Bars gave her a chocolate version of Windsor Castle and a chocolate carriage after she visited the company's U.K. headquarters.
(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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Primary runoff election: May 27
›› Election section
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›› Editorial Board endorsements
- Sep 20:
- Few fireworks in first Texas governor's debate
- Sep 1:
- Wendy Davis makes campaign stop in El Paso, promises to fight for average Texans
- Aug 5:
- Claudia Ordaz has first City Council meeting as District 6 representative
- Jul 20:
- Claudia Ordaz elected as new representative for El Paso City Council District 6
- Jun 23:
- El Paso City Council race: Ordaz leads in District 6 campaign fundraising
- Jun 15:
- Texas elections: A big shakeup in Davis camp as gubernatorial hopefuls prepare
- Texas Tribune: In CD-23, Advantages Are Seen for Both Gallego and Hurd
- May 27:
- County Commissioner elections: Stout defeats Lewis in runoff
- Norma Chavez concedes to Cesar Blanco in District 76 runoff election
- County Clerk Delia Briones surges ahead of former employee Valerie Sanchez
A little known elected position in the county has drawn nearly 30 candidates to eight available seats in the March primary: Justice of the Peace.
Judges in what's known as the "people's court," justices of the peace preside over minor misdemeanor criminal cases punishable by fines as well as minor civil matters involving less than $10,000. They serve as judges on a sort of small claims court.
The justices also issue search or arrest warrants, preside over hearings pertaining to suspension of driver licenses, and conduct marriage ceremonies. And perhaps they're best known for handling juvenile cases, including truancies and curfew violations.
"Not a lot of people know about that elected position except when they're faced with a truancy case or a small claim of some sort," said Andres "Andy" Gonzalez, a social studies teacher who follows local politics. "On one end, they can marry you; on the other, they can preside over some cases that can impact your record or your wallet."
There are eight justices of the peace countywide, and about 820 across Texas, according to the Texas Association of Counties. They're elected to four-year terms and have no term limits. Justices don't have to be licensed attorneys, but must take related education courses.
In the El Paso County March 4 primaries, 25 Democratic candidates are vying for Precincts 1 through 7, which includes two seats for Precinct 6.
Three Republican candidates are also running for the Precinct 7 seat, which is being vacated by Justice Bruce King. He is running for county commissioner for Precinct 4, the seat previously held by Dan Haggerty, who died last year.
In El Paso County, justices of the peace are paid $74,811 a year — the third highest salaries among all similar positions in the state, according to an analysis by the Texas Tribune. Only Travis and Bexar counties pay more: $108,000 and $89,000, respectively.
Their budgets are set by County Commissioners Court, which a few years ago approved raises for elected county officials to equalize pay among groups. Salaries had differed over the years as the officials had either filed grievances for higher pay or cut their own salaries as part of countywide budget cuts in 2009.
Precinct 7 may be the most hotly contested justice of the peace seat in the county, drawing six Democratic and three Republican candidates.
Among them is Ida Gardner, the longtime precinct court clerk who also works as an associate municipal court judge in Anthony. She's running on the Republican ticket against attorney and former assistant district attorney Kelly Dickson and Robert Garcia, the court coordinator in the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 office.
On the Democratic ticket, candidate Brian Kennedy, the director of the El Paso Sports Commission, is facing attorney Sergio Coronado and attorney and former state district judge Reed Leverton.
Both Gardner and Kennedy filed about a year before the primary, saying they wanted to start fundraising and campaigning as soon as possible.
Texas law allows Gardner to keep her post as a municipal judge, which she says is only a part time job and doesn't plan to resign from if elected.
She says she's the most qualified to run the court, for which she has worked nearly 24 years.
"I know what the need is and how to run the court," Gardner said. "There's no learning curve with me."
If elected, Kennedy said, his duties at the Sports Commission would change to allow his staff to take over some of his work and his salary could be adjusted by its board of directors.
Kennedy oversees the Sports Commission, a 501c3 nonprofit which is under contract with the county to book and manage events at the El Paso County Coliseum. He is not considered a county employee.
Kennedy receives nearly $250,000 in "reportable compensation" and more than $56,368 in "other compensation from the organization and related organizations," according to IRS filings.
He said he decided to run for the position not for the paycheck but to better address truancies. He said he plans to hold night court and better coordinate with schools to make the process more efficient and implement truancy prevention programs.
"Truancies are the biggest issue, and I believe I have solid ideas to improve the system," Kennedy said. "Not just in truancies, but overall. I bring good business practices and can help make that happen."
More than 2,200 truancy cases were filed in the county's eight justice precincts from January to August 2013, according to the latest data available from the Texas Office of Court Administration.
The county's justices together had more than 113,000 cases pending in December, according to the latest figures by that state court administration office.
Those figures show the justices disposed of some 53,600 cases last year, but at the same time had nearly 60,000 cases added to their dockets.
Those statistics did not include the last quarter reports by a few of the courts, the agency's records show.
The agency reports the county's eight justices collected about $3.8 million in fines and court costs from January to August 2013, the latest figures available.


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532 Broadway Ave E has a Walk Score of 98 out of 100. This location is a Walker's Paradise so daily errands do not require a car.
532 Broadway Ave E is a 21 minute walk from the 98 at the FAIRVIEW AVE N & ALOHA ST stop.
This location is in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Seattle. Nearby parks include Tashkent Park, Bellevue Place and Thomas Street Mini Park.
Nearby schools include Lowell Elementary School, Bright Water School and Hutch School.
The closest grocery stores are Summit Foods Mart, Mercato Belliagio and Thomas Street Market.
Nearby coffee shops include Roy Street Coffee & Tea, Joe Bar Cafe and Joe Bar. There are 82 restaurants within a 15 minute walk including Olivar, De Luxe Bar & Grill and Aoki Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar.
532 Broadway Ave E is near Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle University and Nordstrom Headquarters.
There are excellent bike lanes and the terrain is mostly flat. 532 Broadway Ave E is very bikeable, biking is convenient for most trips.