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Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

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Back in the saddle


Things are better. SOOO much better. Of course, I’m saying that in the quiet that late evening brings around here, with only the hum of the dishwasher filling the air. If you had asked me earlier today how things were going, in the midst of sibling squabbles and poopy diapers, I might have had a different answer πŸ˜‰
I can’t put into words how grateful I am for all the prayers and support I received after sharing the news of my father. So to everyone who took the time to pray for us, encourage me through a comment or even if you didn’t comment but thought of us in prayer, thank you.
I am glad to be home this week, pecking away at my list of things that need to be done around this house. I really need to take some before/after pictures of my little projects, but honestly, the ‘before’ is so yucky I find it hard to actually photograph. I’ve been tackling the worst things first and after we finish the basement bathroom and the removal of the main floor carpeting (I *think* we’re going to try to install hardwood ourselves… yikes!), we’ll be over the hump for sure.
I’ll be blogging more regularly now that things have settled down a bit, I have missed it and I’ve missed you guys. I’m glad to be back πŸ™‚

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08.21.08 · Uncategorized 23

Comments

  1. KB says

    August 21, 2008 at 3:51 AM

    hey there…I spoke to you a while back about a certain SN. We have a little boy in Taiwan waiting for us to come and get him…anyhow, glad you are back…and I am sorry about your loss. With us being military as well, I know the stress a move can bring…hang in there. Loved the comment about late evening and only hearing the hum of the dishwasher…that’s what the house sounds like as I am reading your blog!

    Kristy

    Reply
  2. Branda says

    August 21, 2008 at 4:01 AM

    Glad to hear things are going a little better. God had brought you to my mind often and you are being prayed for. Good luck on that hardwood floor project! We are tempted to pull it off ourselves too πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  3. Ashley and Mike says

    August 21, 2008 at 4:03 AM

    Can’t wait to see the pics of the new place!

    Reply
  4. Tami and Bobby Sisemore Family says

    August 21, 2008 at 5:14 AM

    Glad you are back and things are going better πŸ™‚

    hugs
    Tami
    Noah’s Mommy
    http://www.tillGodbringsthemhome.blogspot.com

    Reply
  5. Susan says

    August 21, 2008 at 5:29 AM

    Welcome Welcome! You know Stef, I found it very hard to grieve after my precious Dad passed away as I was always ‘on call’ as a mom of children that didn’t need to see me in my puddle of self pity. As a result, it took me longer (IMHO) to ‘get back to normal’ (if you ever really do after the loss of such a close beloved one)

    I hope you find time to grieve. I know that sounds very strange, but often if I could slip away for a short while, let it out, I actually had a much better frame of mind to face the needs of a few very demanding mouths to feed πŸ™‚

    So glad you are doing ok. Soon, there will be more good days than bad. Hang in there sweet friend from far away.

    Reply
  6. bytheriver says

    August 21, 2008 at 6:14 AM

    Glad things are starting to look up – you guys still sound VERY ambitious – are you planning actual wood flooring or floating laminate? I have been going back and forth on floating laminate vs. tile for a while – but need to wait until the kid or kids are old enough not to konk their heads too often – much luck – Stacy

    Reply
  7. bytheriver says

    August 21, 2008 at 6:15 AM

    PS – what happened to the horn on that saddle??? Stacy

    Reply
  8. Andrea says

    August 21, 2008 at 6:19 AM

    Welcome back! You have been missed.
    One day (and project) at a time right?

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    August 21, 2008 at 11:33 AM

    Hi there Stefanie! (and family)
    I’m one of those people who never (at least I don’t think I have) left a comment, but I pray for your strength (your whole family actually) each day. I’m 20 and from CT, and I hope to adopt from China one day…ever since I was little I’ve wanted to adopt and your blog has been such an inspiration. Congratulations on the new home and Good Luck with this new school year!
    God Bless my friend!
    ~Diane~

    Reply
  10. sara says

    August 21, 2008 at 2:09 PM

    Stefanie,

    Happy to hear the pitter patter of your..keyboard! We would love to see pics of your projects & of your new house & of course, all your little helpers!

    Reply
  11. Desiree says

    August 21, 2008 at 2:10 PM

    Glad you are feeling a little better. I hope you are able to take a little time for yourself.
    I know how stressful it is with moving, kids ect. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.

    Reply
  12. Andrea says

    August 21, 2008 at 2:45 PM

    LOVE THE SADDLE PICTURE!
    You have to show pictures when yu are finished!
    Go ahead and tackle the floors.
    Tell Chris that my brother(a state trooper) and my husband(a M.D.) put down the floors in the exercise room……and Honey, If THEY can do it- Anybody CAN!
    it took them a day to get in the swing, After that they were cookin’ with steam. Looks pretty good. We did have to have someone come in and do the base boards and shoe molding. They were too scared to tackle that.:)

    Kiss the kids for the People Down South.

    Andrea

    Reply
  13. Rebecca says

    August 21, 2008 at 5:21 PM

    And we are glad YOU’RE back! I’ve missed you!!!

    I’ve been praying. πŸ™‚ And I am glad that things are settling down. It just takes time, after a big move like that!

    Love!
    Rebecca

    Reply
  14. Cindy says

    August 21, 2008 at 5:46 PM

    Glad you are back, we have missed you and the wonderful kiddo’s!!

    The floors are not that hard, we did them last summer, even the girls helped!!

    Good Luck

    Reply
  15. The Ferrill's says

    August 21, 2008 at 9:23 PM

    Ohhh…hardwoods will be nice, won’t they? I do love them. Now the thought of putting them in…not so much. But I am thoroughly convinced that you and Chris can do ANYTHING you set your mind to! Hardwoods? After all you’ve done the past few months? Hmmmph. Piece o’ cake, huh? πŸ˜‰
    I continue to lift your family up to the Lord for smooth transitions and peaceful hearts!

    Reply
  16. Amie says

    August 21, 2008 at 10:45 PM

    Good to see you round again partner.. I don’t know. The saddle took me to another place.

    Seriously good to see you back. I liked what Susan said.. about making sure to find time to greive.. That makes sense. If you need some time away you can always come here. Cause coming to a different house of 7 kiddos is going to give you time to chill.LOL. oh well.. maybe you come here and we both go to a spa.. or I would just settle for a a random bed in a quiet place. wait,that didn’t sound good.

    Hope your place eventually got quieter than mine did today.

    WE all love you and we are so glad to have you back! Partner. sorry felt wrong to leave it unsaid.

    πŸ™‚
    Amie

    Reply
  17. kris says

    August 22, 2008 at 1:22 AM

    Well, you have been missed and I’m so glad you’re doing better. It was great catching up yesterday! I am officially drowning in Fay πŸ™

    Reply
  18. Anonymous says

    August 22, 2008 at 1:23 AM

    I would love to see Before and After pics! I adore home improvement. πŸ™‚

    As for installing your own hard wood, you can do it!! We tackled one room at a time last fall and we are crazy about the results.

    M

    Reply
  19. Michelle says

    August 22, 2008 at 2:06 AM

    I’m so glad to hear things are getting a bit better. I am sure it is nice to have the Iowa trips over for now. You have been missed, so I’m also thrilled to hear you are back in the blogging business. If you and Chris tackle the hardwood floors, I want you to give your kids the camera and capture that to post. πŸ™‚

    Still praying for you, my friend.

    Reply
  20. dthoff3 says

    August 22, 2008 at 8:15 AM

    My wife and very much enjoyed reading about your wonderful family. You are amazing people. We are writing from a room at the Victory as we spend the fourth day with our new daughter. May God continue to bless you all. Visit us at http://journeytobreemei.blogspot.com.

    Reply
  21. Jill says

    August 22, 2008 at 2:51 PM

    Glad to have you back! Still thinking of you all!

    Reply
  22. Heather says

    August 25, 2008 at 11:57 PM

    We are so happy to have you back – cannot possibly imagine what life has been like these past weeks, but certainly know who has been holding you up;)

    Thinking of you and most definitely praying for you.

    Love,
    Heather

    Reply
  23. kim says

    August 26, 2008 at 3:20 AM

    Hi Stefanie,
    Im so glad things are feeling better. You are a gem. We love you!
    Kim

    Reply

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I'm Stefanie. Wife to one, mom to 13. Occasional blogger and t-shirt maker. Wannabe photographer and exerciser. Constant grace-needer and orphan advocator. more
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