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FIVE years {and almost 1000 posts!}

Monday, January 9, 2012
cupcake-1644

Saturday, January 7th marked my 5th anniversary of blogging (first post here).  And while it might seem silly to some of you to even mention it, I am feeling quite nostalgic.  You see, I started this little blog just a month before we were referred our precious little Katie Ru.  Our ONLY intent back then was to keep family and friends updated while Dave and Will traveled to China.  Honestly, no one read 3 peanuts in the early days.  I never, ever imagined that so many people would come here every day.    I also never imagined that I would make such incredible friends.  And I have.  I have fabulous "real life" friends who I cherish dearly--- But I have also made some very special friends through the blog.  Some of them I talk to several times a week!  I see some of them on a regular basis.  We have talked, prayed together, vacationed together, cried together and laughed a lot.  They are my prayer warriors.  They are my girls.  They have become some of my best friends in the world.  And I truly love them.  Who would've thought?!  Not me.

I have also made some very special bloggy friends who I will likely never meet but who bring me such joy through their comments and or posts. Of course, this blog has connected me to the most amazing people in the adoption community and that has been such a blessing! However, 3 peanuts has also connected me to amazing interior designers who take the time to say hello and comment graciously.  I have heard from young single women who look to our family for things they want in the future.  I have connected with talented women who cook and sew and do photography and I learn from ALL of you.  I have met people "virtually" that I would have never been blessed to meet otherwise.  And for that I am so grateful.

I have been blessed to learn that this little old blog has opened others hearts to adoption as well.  A few people over the years have reached out to me to tell me so. How humbling is that? Another reader has reached out to me to tell me that this post and this one  (about Harry's prayer table) started a journey for her and her family to go back to church!  She has stayed in touch with me and really credits my little Harry with helping them trust the Lord again.  How incredible is that?!

One sweet reader has e-mailed me to tell me how much a supplement  that I posted about helped her ailing grandmother.  

God has used this blog and used our family in ways that I would have never expected and I take no credit for at all. We are humbled to think that we might have helped others along the way because we are a very average family doing the best we can to get along (just like everyone else out in blogland).

So, I wanted to take a moment to THANK YOU....all of you who have read for 5 years or just a few days.  Thank you for stopping by.  Thank you for your kind comments and encouragement.  There are days when it is really hard being a stay at home Mama to 3 peanuts.  You know, we don't get a lot of kudos.  But this blog has made it all a bit more bearable. I feel like I have a network of other women out there who have my back so to speak.  So thank you. I am going to be around for a lot longer.

I would love if you would leave me a comment telling me something about YOU.  I know from my stats that I have a lot of readers who never comment (and that is fine) but I would love to get to know more of you.  Also, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I will answer them later this week (maybe in my 1000th post.)



"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary."

Margaret Cousins


{P.S. This is my 991st post too (some are saved in draft as they are private).  So, I am almost at 1000!!}


1-13-07 puppy 039



Apparently, it is another special anniversary. We adopted our schnoodle, Scout 5 years ago this week too!! Look how little she was!  We love you Scout!

67 comments:

  1. I believe I have followed since you started posting Kate's adoption trip. I have to say I was addicted since I was waiting on my Madeline at the time:).Thank you for this blog, I love your honesty. I love that I read the bible this year since I have not read all the way through in 10 years, you were a wonderful encouragement to me not to quit!
    Happy anniversary!!!

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  2. Kim,
    I think I have been reading from the very beginning because we were also about to bring Clara Beth home from China. I love visiting every post(I don't always comment because of lack of time) but I do cherish my reads and I love it when you stop by my blog to visit and comment. I feel like we are friends even though we haven't actually met but who knows someday we just might!

    Hugs sweet friend!
    Robin

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  3. Kim, I remember very well reading and commenting on your blog. When I started on-line, my daughter was in the process of adopting from China. We lived 14 hours apart and blogging was our means of communication.So we used Skype to chat and I followed many adoption blogs because Sara did. Now, 5 years and 2 little Chinese granddaughters later, I am in a totally different group of bloggers. I am loving blogging as much today as I did back then and Sara lives just 2 hours away. In case you don't realize, Sara is FOOTBALL AND FRIED RICE and she is my daughter. This makes me want to go back and catch up with the adoption blogs I used to read. Thanks for coming by today and bringing up the good memories.
    Thanks,
    ★ Linda ★

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  4. It is amazing how you make friends through the internet...not if only I could meet a man the same way :) Or anyway for that matter. Ha.
    Congratulations on 5 years! Excited to see what the next 5 bring.

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  5. happy blogiversary, kim! your blog was really one of the first blogs i ever read and it catapulted me into "blogland"! i instantly fell in love with your sense of style, your cute family, and your journey to kate! i'm not sure how i landed on your blog originally, but i'm sure it was some kind of adoption search. anyway i'm so thankful i found you and your blog has lead me to other great ones!!

    about me...i spend way too much time on blogs! ha! i am desperately wanting to take molly to disney this year! we'll see if it happens.

    question...have you ever considered making money from your blog? i'm not even sure how one goes about it or how much you could make, but i know there are so many other popular blogs that do earn something. i know some people have strong opinions about it, but i think it's a great option for many bloggers and have no judgement towards people who have ads or whatever. just curious:)

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  6. I have followed your blog for a long time. I remember during one of the hurricanes you were displayed for a long time. I live in Florida, so I totally understood your situation and felt for you.

    I guess I have followed since then. I am a SAHM of two children who we adopted at birth. I think that is why I enjoy your blog so much because you understand that aspect of parenthood.

    I enjoy watching your children grow and all your traditions and memories you are creating. I try to do the same for my children!

    Here's to another 5 more years of posts!

    Kathleen

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  7. I am in college but I love reading your family blog. I love the pictures you post of your children and home decor and I enjoy seeing what the life of a stay-at-home mom is like!

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  8. Your blog is one of my favorites! I am a single Mom to a beautiful Chinese daughter who is 5 years old. I have stolen/borrowed many of your ideas especially from your daughter's birthday parties; the latest idea...the ornament wreath! Thanks for blogging!

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  9. HI - I have been reading your blog for a few years. It's very inspiring and I just enjoy the every day things you write about. I follow just a few blogs and I never miss out on what the Peanuts are up to.

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  10. Kim, I have enjoyed reading your blog for the past several years. I have left you a few comments from time to time. You have an adorable family!. Im enjoying being a grandmother to two precious little girls. I wish they had blogs around when my kids were growing up, its such a nice way to journal. I write about my granddaughters a lot and each year I have my blog printed into a hardback book. I was adopted when I was only 18 months old, so I have a special place for adoption in my heart. Thanks for sharing with us!

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  11. Happy Fifth Anniversary Kim!! I know completely what you mean. Blogging is more of a blessing than I ever thought possible. Your blog is by far one of my favorites to read, and I always look forward to your updates. I especially love how you encourage everyone to try your best for your family and to be true to yourself, always. I love hearing all the wonderful things your family is up to, but I also love that you are candid enough to let us know when it's been a bad day. Thank you so much for all your wisdom and fun! I'll be following until the end!! (Hopefully that's not for a very long time!!) xoxo Brooke

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  12. Kim,

    I haven't been reading all that long; probably since August and I think I found your blog via Diana's blog. I have to admit, Kate's adventures are what keep me coming back to visit! ;) I also have 3 kids and live in the Yakima Valley, central part of Washington State. Stop by and visit some time.

    jsabcfunk.blogspot.com

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  13. Congrats on 5 years! I have been reading your blog since my family (I am 13) started adopting from China. I love your pictures! You are a great photographer! Keep up the good work!

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  14. Happy 5th Kim, I have been following you for a year. I enjoy the pic and your stories. I am not even sure how I happen to your blog, but I enjoy many blogs on your blogs list. Maggie

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  15. Happy 5th Kim, I have been following you for a year. I enjoy the pic and your stories. I am not even sure how I happen to your blog, but I enjoy many blogs on your blogs list. Maggie

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  16. Kim -- Happy blogiversary! I think I stumbled upon you right after you got your referral and I was hooked! Your blog also inspired me to start my blog. Thanks for sharing your adorable family with us!

    Hope you have a great week!

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  17. Congratulations on 1000. Lots of laughter and wisdom shared. A blessing to all who read it.

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  18. Congratulations on 5 years! I have been following along a few years. My husband and I just had our first baby boy and we are certain we will be adopting in the future. I love your blog for so many reasons, but mostly because your family is very down to earth.

    Thank you for blogging and keep up the wonderful work!

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  19. Congratulations on your blogiversary! I found your blog recently and had to go back and read pages of posts because your family seems so happy and blessed.

    I live in Beaumont, Texas, and my aunt and uncle adopted our Ella from China almost four years ago, though I cannot remember a time without her.

    I am interested in adoption, but I am single and don't yet have the means. However, I really enjoy your posts and your frank discussions of adoption - as well as your open mindedness in terms of adoption as well. I'm a blogger, too, but I blog about books. :)

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  20. I started to read your blog soon after you started I guess as I remember the trip to China. My daughter's referral came in june 07 so I might have heard of your blog from RQ, a DTC group or from others in those categories. Back in those days, I was so excited waiting on my first child that I spent hours reading soooo many blogs. You were in VA as I was (am). I did some travel to C'ville and thought then that I might be able to connect to you as I had to some other VA bloggers. I don't post a comment rarely but we did buy a cute pair of green sandels with pink flower from one of your on line sales.

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  21. Congratulations on 5 years. I've been reading your blog for over a year. I started reading as many blogs about Chinese adoption and family life after adoption ever since we started the process. We've been home with Jolie a year in March, and we were in the process for 1 year prior. I kept following the blogs that I loved the most. I enjoy reading about your family, love your decor, style, love of family and GOD. It's always a joy to see what y'all are up to...plus I think you introduced Hoot's mama's blog here too, and when I visited her blog, I recognized them from being in CHina while we were there. I recognized that sweet baby girl with the big bow...small world! Keep blogging!

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  22. Happy bloggy birthday, Kim! Cheers to many more years on here!!

    I also keep meaning to ask you about Scout. I noticed her in some home photos lately. Is she back living with y'all or just visiting? Did the allergies clear up for the kiddos?

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  23. Congratulations on 5 years of blogging! I'm about to hit 4 years in May. I have followed your blog for about 4 1/2 years, and have loved keeping up with your family. I always thought I would adopt from china one day, and that is what drew me to your blog. After struggling with infertility, we started our adoption journey earlier than I thought we would and we weren't old enough to adopt from china. So, we went the domestic route and were blessed with a beautiful baby boy a year and a half ago. Who knows, maybe we will end up adopting from china in a few years. Anyway, God Bless, and keep on blogging!

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  24. Oh the memories since 2007!!!! Remember when we met I didn't even know what a blog was!!! My how we have grown!!! And aged pretty well, considering!!!! You have taught me much my friend!!!! Happy Anniversary!!! And you too Scout! I miss that furry cutie!!

    I hope you got home safely without a paddle today!

    Love,
    Di

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  25. I'm not sure when I started reading your blog but I stumbled upon it shortly after we brought our daughter home from China in February 2007. I've loved reading Kate's story since my daughter is from China as well. You have such a beautiful family.

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  26. Kim,
    COngratulations on your milestone, have only been reading since I started blogging this year but love that reading your blog feels like sitting down to coffee with a friend. Even though we may be on opposite sides of the world, and our kids may be at other ends of the age spectrum!

    Best wishes from Australia,
    Yve

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  27. I came across your blog just after you got sweet Kate...just playing about on the internet one day and researching adoption. I'm one of your followers and checking my fav blogs with a cup of coffee is how I always start my day :-) After 8 years of IVF and miscarriage, our hearts turned towards adoption...can I just say that adoption was NEVER second best for us, it was just a second chance! Just when I thought I couldnt carry on with the waiting, we found out that we had become parents to an 11 week old daughter, right here in the UK! We could NOT believe it. Our little girl is now 2 and I believe "we are right where we are supposed to be". Can I just send you a MASSIVE THANK YOU....you and a few other bloggers kept my "eye on the ball" while we endured our 4 year wait to Gracie. Kim, I know most probably we will never meet (I would love to!!!) but I do consider you as a friend anyway! D

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  28. Has it been 5 years!!! I remember when you started this blog - if I remember correctly your profile pic was a head shot of the 4 of you (pre-Kate) lying down on the grass! I came across your blog I think via either RQ or our yahoo group and have loved it ever since. You are one of the blogs that has been in my reader from the beginning! We were both DTC2005. I am Irish, living in Spain and this year (hopefully in April) we are going back to China, this time for a little 22 month old boy!

    So glad that you are going to keep blogging!

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  29. I'm pretty sure I have been reading since you first started posting. You inspire me and I love your blog! Just a Nonny here who would love to have a redo sometimes in raising her own children!

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  30. I have been reading your blog for all those years and comment occasionally. I thoroughly enjoy reading and looking at your beautiful pictures. I, too, am a mom to three peanuts. They are 24,19, and 17. Next year we will be empty nesters, as our youngest will graduate from high school in just a few months.

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  31. Congrats! I have been reading your adorable blog for about a year now--this is my first comment. I love the real stories you share about your much loved family :-)

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  32. Hi Kim
    I found your blog while goggling thyroid/adrenal issues. I fell in love with your family, and I believe it's thru your blog that I now follow (or stalk as my teenage DDs think!) a few adoption blogs even though I have not adopted (but my BFF has).
    I love that you have so many friends thru the virtual world. I'm hoping to have that one day also.
    I'm still trying to figure out how I can introduce my DD to your handsome son!!!
    Continue with your honesty...parenting is hard but we will survive!! May God Bless your lovely family this year.
    Blessings from Colorado!

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  33. I so enjoy reading your blog. It has actually given me ideas that have helped me be a better grandma (and believe me, if you love being a mom, grandma is even better!!!), decorator, and gluten-free cook. You also graciously answered some questions/concerns I had about one of my grandsons. Thanks!

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  34. Congratulations, Kim, on this milestone!

    Okay... A bit about me. I am a single woman in my early 30's. I have a niece and nephew that I cherish, but do not yet have a family of my own.

    I can't remember exactly when I started reading your blog, but I remember that Kate was pretty little. I can't remember how I found you, either, but when I did, I remember an instant feeling of "this is the kind of family I'd like to have someday!" You and Dave are such role models - both as a married couple and as parents!

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  35. Kim,

    I've read your blog for a few years now, and it's my favorite. Although our lives are quite different (I live in Minnesota, I'm not married), there are also several things we have in common (I have a daughter I adopted from Guatemala who's only a bit older than Kate, I - like Harry - have a serious health issue, I'm Catholic).

    Your sincere, tell-it-like-it-is posts are always a highlight of my day. And I love reading about Will, Harry, Kate and Dave. You've got a very special family - and definitely one of the cutest! Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. And I love when you show pictures of your beautiful home (I feel like I'm looking at a magazine) - or when you share your latest fashion/makeup finds. I also always like seeing photos you've taken.

    Although we'll probably never meet, I was telling someone about blogs I read and saying, "Kim . . . my friend in Texas . . . "!

    Congratulations on five years of blogging! Here's to many more!

    Carrie

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  36. Kim I have been reading your blog for at least 2 years now. I love your style and your beautiful family. I am a single mom to two precious souls from China. Thanks for sharing.

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  37. Kim,
    I've read for quite some time and admire you so much! I, too, am mama to three peanuts, and I often think that Kate and my oldest daughter are very similar and would make great friends. They're the same age, share affinities for all things girly and have sweet personalities. My husband went to dental school in Houston, and I moved there for a short time before law school. I'm a Dallas girl now and would love to meet up next time you're in town- "Weasel" lives a few streets up from me :)
    Take care,
    Michele

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  38. Congratulations on 5 years Kim!! I still find internet such an amazing concept! You really can make some inspiring connections with people that you would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise!!

    About me... I am a fellow mom-of-3; 2 older boys and a younger girl; I also live in Texas; am Catholic; and I have been married to my best friend for 13 years now! I have only posted once, but have been following you since Lent 2011. I truly enjoy your honesty, and your candidness about trying to be the best parent you can be. It's a never-ending, exhausting job, but I love how you take one day at a time, and find beauty in the little things. I read your blog for inspiration. Thank you very much for allowing "strangers" to take part in your lives! :)
    - Jenni

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  39. Happy Anniversary!!I have been reading your blog almost since the beginning too. We started on the china journey in April 06' and switched programs to Taiwan and brought home our daughter Hayden in Apr 09'
    We have similar taste, I lived in your big city for a few years and now in another big city in the same state. I have celiac and also am married to the most amazing man!!!

    I just always feel like I am checking in on a friend when I stop by. Your Kate and my Hayden are like two peas in a pod....so similar. LOL

    Here's to many more years of blogging. I too have made so many friends both virtual and "in real life" because of blogging and adoption!!

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  40. Love reading your blog! I started following you just this past year (I think!). I am a photographer and I stay home with our son. I loved the post last year when you shared your read through the Bible plan. I actually printed it out and successfully went through the whole Bible last year. What a wonderful and amazing journey that was. This year I'm thinking of trying it again!
    I appreciate your photography and updates of everyday life :)

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  41. Hi Kim! I've been reading your blog since we started our journey to adopt our daughter, Grace Katherine (who arrived home almost two months ago). We have two boys, ages 5 and 7, and I'm friends with DiJo (I live in her neck of the woods). I've been particularly drawn to your posts about how hard it was on Harry when you first brought Kate home -- we've been struggling at our house with some of those same issues with our "baby" boy. Thank you so much for sharing -- I've been touched and inspired so many times by your words!

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  42. Congrats!! Jodee and I found you and were hooked -- sneaking peeks from the office!! Love reading about your family and your decorating. You know I have 2 boys too (much older than yours)and my sweet girl from China so I can relate -- at least bit from an older point of view!

    janet

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  43. Hi Kim,
    I found your blog via Diana’s blog back in 2007 while waiting for our own referral from China. I also have two biological boys (21 & 18) and had always felt God leading us to adopt a little girl from China. We adopted Lyndsay in September 2007 from Jiangxi. Lyndsay asks all the time to look at 3 Peanuts and see what Kate has been up to. The first time she saw pictures of Kate she asked if she was her Chinese sister. Lyndsay also thought it was hilarious when Kate used her foot as a telephone, so every now and then Lyndsay will say “hello pudding & hello carrot” :) I love your blog, your faith and all the valuable ideas you’ve given over the years. Thank you and happy 5 years!!

    Wendy S from Colorado

    http://youtu.be/-TrtWB5QXPw

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  44. Hi Kim! I've been reading your blog for a few years now, probably 3-4 years. But I've never commented. I've wanted to a few times, but just felt weird doing so. So today I'll tell you a bit about me and then maybe I won't feel so weird posting in the future!

    I'm 31, been married just over 5 years, and am a SAHM to my perfectly adorable 17 month old daughter, Miriam. I never wanted to be a SAHM, always told friends I'd be a terrible mom if I didn't work because I'd be bored. But Miri came along and I fell head over heels in love with her and decided there was no way I could leave her. So here I am. And I feel so blessed that my husband has a job that allows me to be home. I found your blog through Diana's blog. And I found her blog because my cousins adopted a little girl from China and Diana commented on one of their blog posts and I followed the link. I grew up in a family formed by adoption. My only sibling, my little brother, was adopted from Swaziland. My parents were missionaries in Swaziland at the time. He was 5 weeks and 1 day when he came into our lives as a foster child. I was 3.5 and had been praying for a baby brother or sister since I learned how to pray. We remained in Southern Africa until I was 10, and then moved "home" to Durham, NC. Adoption weighs heavily on my heart (but not my husbands), and I pray daily for guidance about the direction for our family.

    I so enjoy checking in on you daily and look forward to hearing your stories about life - the good and the bad. Thanks for sharing so openly.

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  45. Wow...five years! I started reading at the beginning; we were in MOPS together in your "old town", and I waited to hear when Katie Ru came home....and cried my eyes out when I read that blog post. She was adorable then, and it's been so fun to watch her grow since you moved.
    You spoke at our MOPS meeting; you said some things about relationships that stuck with me; I loved your spirit of teaching yet learning at the same time. It speaks miles that you have touched so many with your blog.
    Here's to another five years!
    Laura

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  46. Hi Kim! Congratulations on reaching this milestone! I am a 21 year old young woman from Ireland! I have been reading your blog for about 2 years. For me your blog is a place of inspiration. I know that none of us are perfect but your family is exactly what I imagine and hope my 'perfect' future family to be like. I love reading about your sweet family and getting a little insight into Texan life. (I have stored up some of your interior design tips for future use - your home seems absolutely beautiful). From reading about your journey to Kate, and also from reading some other blogs, my heart has been opened to adoption. So thank you for your honestly and realness in sharing your family's life with us readers - it really is appreciated.

    Here's to another fabulous five years for you and your family.

    Barbara

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  47. Congratulations Kim! It has been a pleasure journeying with your family. Here's how I found you. I was introduced to your blogs a few years ago. It actually started reading CB/CP pages of very ill children. Thru one special family who through tragic lost of their young son to cancer arose goodness. They adopted a little girl from Guatamala. It was from that blog alone, I became apart of this community. I soon met wonderful families. I also enjoyed the wonderful photography of Shana of (Waiting for Sophie). It was how I found YOUR blog. I didnt know then that God has begun to weave me tightly in this new community. I believe God has created us as His vessels. All vessels to be examples of His GRACY and MERCY. As we all sail on "the sea of life" we all (sometimes unknowingly)create ripples. Ripples that increases and touches all that it comes in contact with. That ONE ripple has connected me to LOTS of families. I didn't know it then, but GOD had great plans for our family as well. We were on the threshold of an empty nest and just ready to settle down and enjoy 6 wonderful grandkids. Adoption was NOWHERE on the radar. True to God's teachings "our plans or not His plans". On Nov 18, 2011 we became newly adopted parents to a precious and beautiful 4yr old. We thank God for this blessing and the many wonderful people He has brought into our lives. Again congrats on your ALMOST 1000th post.

    Give Scout a hug for me also. Cute dog!!

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  48. I am blessed to have found your blog and I sooo hope one day to meet you ..
    Love you sweetgirl..
    Hugz..

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  49. hey kim,

    you know i've read your blog for years and just love it!!! we moved up to nj for 5 yrs and that was when i started reading ur blog- u were living in va. now we r back in ga and i just had twin boys in october. so i have preston-7, cooper-3, and grayson and harrison who are 2 months. i still read ur blog daily but honestly barely have enough time nowadays to shower, much less comment :). u r an inspriation to me as a mom, wife, cook, and decorator!!! we have so much on our plate right now with the 4 bys and 2 little ones, but i can honestly say that if we ever adopt, u will have played a role!! u were actually the first 'adoption' blog i read, in which i've connected and love several of ur closest friends blogs. keep up the amazing work!!!

    hugs,

    emily
    p.s. i would love to start a blog, but don't have the time right now to figure it all out- stay tuned, maybe once things settle and at least the twins r sleeping through the night!!!

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  50. I think I have been following your blog the whole five years! Your journey to Katie Ru, and the adventures of your three children helped me survive the LONG wait for our sweet MeiLeigh. We arrived home from China on November 10, and we are blessed by her every day. I don't comment often, but I drop by every day or so to see what is happening with the peanuts. You have inspired me to use blogger as a scrapbook for MeiLeigh... and I started that on January 1 with plans to print as a book at the end of the year. Your family is always in my prayers... I appreciate you sharing!!

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  51. Happy Bloggy birthday:) I've followed you blog well before I turned 30 or even had one of my own (saved in favorites). I think God can use just about anything. Since my husband and I had decided that we would adopt from China after I turned 30, I started researching like crazy. That's when I came upon the "China Adoption Blog world" :) It really helped encourage me, educate me, and even at times calm some fears that were plaguing me:) I've loved reading your storie's over the years and hope to read many more:) I think God can use just about anything! While

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  52. Hmmm....I don't know how long I have been reading your blog but it has been a long time! You always seem to give me a little spring in my step:) Love you girl!

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  53. I haven't commented in awhile but am a loyal follower :)
    i graduated college 2 years ago as a nurse, but looking forward to the day when I can start an adoption of my own!!

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  54. I love your blog and am thrilled you are still posting. I first found your blog when you were in VA and settling in with Kate. I was fascinated by your adoption journey as I am sure that is something I am supposed to do in my life but just haven't been able to convince my husband.

    I always enjoy your posts...the peanuts, your perspective and of course decoraating/shopping. Thank you for sharing so much with us!

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  55. I found this blog on complete accident over the summer last year and have been following your family ever since. Even though I am just graduating from undergrad, through your blog I have learned that my heart is in adoption and when the time comes to start my family I know exactly where to look.

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  56. Hello my friend. I hope I am one you count among the "real friends" you have made as a result of blogging. I still laugh each and every time you post something that I own, or wish I owned, or your sweet Kate is dressed in something that one of my two has as well. You and I have such similar taste and I love that! I love too how much our girls resemble one another with their sweet round cheeks.

    It was so fun to meet you in person in Florida and I hope we'll have that opportunity again some day.

    Happy Anniversary!

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  57. I believe I found you first on Adoption Websites and have followed your family ever since.

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  58. I think I must have found you through Shana? When she was waiting for Sophie. I think I read her entire blog in one night and came across yours! I'll never forget you seeing Kate Emerson "playing in traffic" so many years ago :)

    I love the mix of "fun" and family over here! I love your fabulous decorating and style ideas, as well as your tender heart for Christ and your family and friends.

    Me? Not much to say about me :) I'll be around till you close the living room curtains!

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  59. Happy 5 years! I started reading your blog last year. A friend sent me your link because we have 2 boys and were in the process of adopting our daughter Ella from South Korea. I fell in love with your little family and dreamed of what our life would be like after our daughter came home. Your blog is one of my favorites! All three of your peanuts are precious. What a beautiful family you have! Thanks for blogging and sharing.

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  60. I have read your blog for quite awhile now. I love hearing about all your family activities. I loved hearing about your adoption of Kate. My children are grown but my oldest daughter was adopted when she was two so I love reading about adopted children and what a blessing they are.

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  61. I've been following your blog since you were waiting for Kate... I don't always leave comments but I just love reading your posts and seeing all of your wonderful photos of your beautiful family!

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  62. Congratulations Kim! My name is Lindsay and I've been reading your blog since sometime last summer probably. I found it through Lesley Estes' blog, which I follow as we are both adopting little boys from the same orphanage in Haiti. I think you had a post related to Harry's food allergies that caught my attention as I've been GF for a couple years now and then I got hooked! Your photos, crafts, and style are beautiful and your faith and family are inspiring. And, it's fun to read your blog because your lifestyle is much different than my small town Colorado mountain life. =)

    http://hentschels.blogspot.com/

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  63. Oh gosh!! Hi Picky! I'm from Beaumont, Tx as well!!! Wow!!!

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  64. I have followed your blog ever since Clare Winn mentioned you in hers years ago (she is a friend from school and I worked with her husband.) Your precious family has had me hooked ever since! :)

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  65. Wow! Five years! That is amazing. I want to say thank you for being such a help to me with Lola these past few months! It is amazing how God can use a blog, isn't it? I always think of you and sweet Harry when we are at our appointments (she's regressing again =( so we've been quite a bit lately) and all that you guys have been through and are going through and it is such an encouragement!

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  66. so happy to have found you. you are a blessing in large ways and small. happy anniversary! all my best to you and your family. donna

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  67. Congratulations on 5 years - what a milestone! I've been reading for a few years and love keeping up with you and your family.

    Something about me: I just had my first child at the end of December and absolutely love being a mom :)

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