I have shared so much of our lives with you. When I started this blog my goal was only to document Dave and Will's trip to China to bring our daughter home. I never imagined that I would still be journaling on line all these years later. But I am so glad that I have. First and foremost, this blog has served as our family photo album and scrapbook. I always say that some day when I am gone, my children will be able to come here and see how fiercely I loved them.
But this blog has brought us so many more blessings. I have made incredible friends through blogging…some that I have met and become real life friends with and some that I have never met but I cherish just the same. Kate's adoption has inspired other families to adopt. I never had any idea God would use us that way. Harry's prayer table brought a family back to God and church. Again, we never had any notion that things like that would happen. So, thank you. Thank you for saying hello when we see you out and about. Thank you for reading and for praying for our family over the years. It means a lot to me. If you feel comfortable, I would love for you to say hello in the comments today. I love to know who is reading over the years. Tell me how/when you found 3 peanuts.
Now onto Christmas Day. Thankfully, Kate and Harry woke up at a reasonable hour.
Harry and Will asked for some clothes and a few things. Kate asked Santa for a balance beam. That was what she really wanted.
The kids coming down the stairs…
I think Will is still asleep here;)
And here is when she saw the beam….
Running to look for the beam:)
This was the first gift Harry saw. It was a total surprise for him and he loved it. I took his shirt from the Junior Olympics (which is too small to wear now) and put it in a t-shirt frame. I love this idea to frame a kid's first t-ball jersey or favorite t-shirt. Harry LOVED it. You can get it here.
Harry also got a new fishing rod and reel…
Dave did too…
Will, Harry and Dave are kind of obsessed with fishing these days.
Will really wanted this patagonia fleece. And everyone else in the world must have wanted it too because it was SOLD OUT everywhere locally and online. Finally, I found it at the last minute at Zappos and it was here in time. I love Zappos. I think Will has worn it almost everyday since Christmas so I'd say it was a winner.
Will gave Kate a skien of beautiful yarn and a box of graham crackers. She had asked for both and was so happy. Kate learned to knit on the 23rd of December and was in heaven with this yarn!!
Kate gave Dave a winter hat and Will gave him this Southern Marsh baseball cap.
I think he is all set for hats.
And Miss Katie Ru asked just days before Christmas for a hot pink "Columbus" fleece. It is Columbia but she calls it her Columbus;) And she wears it constantly. We like cozy fleece here.
Harry and Kate are so cute together. I love how they love one another. Kate bought Harry some stinky fish stuff. She knows what he loves.
I bought this sign below for Kate's room. I thought she'd love it. She was not a fan. It is too bright so we returned it:)
Scout always gets a new toy or treat in her stocking too…
See that beautiful hand made portrait/ornament with my monogram hanging on the tree?
Kate made one for each of us. That one is me. I love it.
Kate made one for each of us. That one is me. I love it.
There is a funny story about this Santa toy. I bought it at Marshalls months before CHristmas with a few other things. It was in a bag in my closet with the other things…HIDDEN. One day I came home and Scout had it out and was playing with it. She had gone upstairs (which she is not supposed to do), found this toy amongst several other gifts in a bag and brought it down stairs to play with. I have no idea how she know to go looking in my secret hiding place for her Christmas present but she is one smart dog! I had to hide it up high until Christmas.
We had a nice brunch as a family and then Dave and I got busy cooking Christmas dinner. This year we served beef tenderloin, ham, sweet potato casserole, roasted asparagus with shaved parmesan, mixed greens with pomegranate seeds and goat cheese, my homemade world famous macaroni and cheese, Aunt Waukita's zucchini casserole (yum!), biscuits, pies and a yule log. I also made gluten free mint brownies (interest recipe…lots of work not very yummy).
We had a great time telling the jokes from our crackers.
I did not make the yule log this year but it was delicious.
After dinner we played a game we like called the family game. We had never played it with Dave's brother and the nieces and nephews before but it was a lot of fun!
We had to get Scout in the photo too;)
Here are two more videos I want for my own memories …
This one is the letter our elf, Happy left…
And the letter Santa left on Kate's beam…
That is it for Christmas. It was a good one.
I have a couple of posts planned for favorite things and books and such. Be back soon.
Please make are to say hello in the comments.
Loved Kate's excitement on Christmas morn!!!! I have bern reading your blog since Kate came home and have enjoyed your candor, sweetness and your passion for your family and faith. Happy 2015!
ReplyDeleteAni, I know you have been a reader and kind commenter for a very long time. Thank you for all your kind words over the years!
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI'm a blog-lurker if there ever was one. Not a blogger but a voracious collector of RSS feeds -- as a librarian, I come by it honestly -- but I always enjoy your blog. Can't remember how I came across it initially, but it must have been years ago when I was actively searching for China-adoption blogs. We have two girls from China, age 9 and almost 6. My younger one is on a USAG pre-competition gymnastics team so I enjoy getting a glimpse of what we are in for! I've also thought about buying her a beam. We live near Princeton NJ and previously lived in Greenville SC for several years ... I do miss lots of things about the south. Happy new year!
Well thank you so much for de-lurking, Sarah. This is exactly the stuff I like to know. Thank you for reading and good luck to your gymnast. It is so good for them if they love it.
DeleteLuckily our beam was lovingly passed down from another China adoptee!!! Kate is really enjoying having it at home.
Kim
Hi, Kim! I've been reading for years and believe I found your blog through Weasel's Journey. It's been so much fun to watch your precious family through the years- thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMichele, Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate it. I love Eloise. We have met in real life a few times. She is one of those friendships that blogging has blessed me with. And now you as well.
DeleteKim
I've been a silent reader for awhile (:
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure when I first found your blog but it was probably about 3 or 4 years ago. I'm also not positive how i found your blog but it was probably when i was researching china adoptions. I've always had a spot in my heart for adoption and actively started reading and doing a bunch of research on it in high school, and even now into college. Most of my papers i've had to write have been on adoption, both domestic and international, and I always feel like there is so much more for me to learn and read about.
Thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself. I love to hear about college aged people reading ! Happy New Year!
DeleteHi Kim -- what a wonderful Christmas! Looks like so much fun and perfect! You know me and I've been reading you from Day 1. I started reading China adoption blogs after we came home with Maddy in 2003 and somehow found you and shared you with Jodee! Especially love that your boys and mine were about the same ages when their little sisters came from from China. That's one of the many things, besides a love for plaid, that we have in common! Love keeping up with your sweet family! We are headed to DisneyWorld at the end of May to celebrate Maddy's 13th birthday -- want to meet up?? :) Happy blogversery (however you spell that!). :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet. I am so grateful to have gotten to know you and Jodee through the blog world. Happy New Year!!!
DeleteWish we could meet up at DIsney. Kate has been pestering me to go back recently;)
Hi Kim! I've been reading for the past couple of years and have been totally inspired by how you live your life; personally and professionally! I found the blog while I was doing my masters in education and considering a MFT - still haven't decided for sure about applying for a program though. I also live a gluten-free life (in avoidance of migraines and whatnot) so I always appreciate your food posts. I love your insta too!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Kerin
Hi Kerin,
DeleteThank you for introducing yourself. Seems like we have a lot in common with our professional lives, migraines and gluten! I'd love to follow you back in Instagram!
Oh Kim--I am having trouble with blogger and I this is now the 3rd time I have written this post--so if you get 2 more similar posts--don't think I have gone insane--but at this point maybe I have LOL!!!!! I started following yo when Kate was first home--I found you though Amy Clark who had adopted a daughter from my daughter's orphanage ( a couple years after we had adopted our daughter). I recall way back when, I had asked you a question and Amy say my comment and told you I was "safe" --it was probably a question about Kate's clothes!!!!!! I have LOVE following your blog over the years! a few years ago I lost contact with Amy--but still think of and pray for her and her sweet Jane everyday! Even though we have never met--I feel a connection to you--by reading your posts and following your blog, I have gotten some of our favorite recipes (Tortilla soup...), got turned onto Matilda Jane and ditched my point and shoot for a "real" camera!!! I also found Lisa F through your blog and not only has she helped my photography skills but has become a cherished friend ( we live fairly close together- yet I would have never found her with out your blog). I appreciate how lovely yet :real: your blog and your posts are!!! In more ways than you can know you have inspired me to be a better mother, person and photographer!!! Having never met personally, I can't even express how much it means to me when you personally answer my questions and concerns!! I love that you are walking some of this parenting walk ahead of me and I hope and pray that my daughter will follow in your boys kind and God loving foot steps! I hope that someday you will come East to visit family and we will get to meet--until that time I will follow you on any social media that I can--I love your realness, your faith and your style! I know a lot of people have stopped blogging--I for one hope you never do---it is always a treat to see a new blog post ( kind of like in the old days getting a letter in the mail from a friend!). Thank you for sharing your blog and making it public so people like me can follow along and be inspired! Thank you for letting us into your life!
ReplyDeleteBarbarann,
DeleteThat is so kind of you to write. Amy was my buddy in out DTC China group all those years ago. I know she went through a difficult time and I lost touch with her too. I will say a prayer for her and Jane today. Thanks for reminding me of them. I feel a connection to you too and love seeing a little more of your life on IG.
It isn't always convienent, but it is so worth taking the time to blog. I know my family treasures the memories saved and put into books because I blog. I believe I found your blog via another adoptive mom. Because of blogs kept by adoptive moms, we now have Avery (1 year home). Seeing other families just like ours made the dream of adopting seem so much more possible. You have a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteKelleyn,
DeleteThank you for commenting today. That is so exciting that Avery has been home a year. That went by fast!
It is tough to make the time to blog these days as FB and IG seem quicker but I hope to keep going for as long as I can. Happy New Year to you and your family.
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI actually happened upon your blog several years ago while searching for home decorating ideas. I check in regularly to about five blogs and yours is one. You have inspired me in home decor, fashion, kid fashion, health/nutrition, faith, and parenting. Thank you for sharing your heart and I look forward reading more in 2015! Happy New Year!
Amanda from KY
Amanda,
DeleteThank you. It is funny because I love home decor but work and teenagers and gymnastics have kind of pouched it to the back burner lately. In fact a good friend and I were just lamenting that fact today. Your kind comment really touched me. Thank you.
Hi Kim! I wish I could remember when I first started reading but I can't. I think it was about a year or so after Katie Ru came home? I love reading about your cute family and your traditions, ideas and advice inspire me. I love the way you said that you want your children to know someday how 'fiercely' you loved them. What a great word. It is amazing that your stories have touched so many people. Keep blogging
ReplyDeleteJen, Thank you for the thoughtful words. Hopefully, my kid know NOW how much I love them but I think when you a re older your perspective changes. I am glad they will have this to look back on. I have peeked in on your blog but it looks like it has been a while since you posted. it is super hard to keep up with.
DeleteBest,
Kim
Loved the Christmas post and I have loved reading your blog over the last eight years. So happy we got to meet in person, I just wished we lived closer to each other!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Robin
Robin,
DeleteI am so glad we have met too. You are very inspiring to me. I wish we lived closer as well. I would love being everyday friends with you.
and you inspire me! I am sure we would be great everyday friends and the teacher in me knows that in my comment that should have been wish! I should really wear my reading glasses more!!!!
DeleteMaybe Paul will have to travel to Houston again and I can tag along again and see you!!
Robin
Hello, I don't remember how I found your blog but it was about 4.5 years ago when I found that I was moving to Houston. I love photography so the combination of your beautiful photos and a family thriving in Houston drew me in. Happy Blogging Anniversary.
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, Thank you so much for introducing yourself. I took a peek at you photos. They are fabulous. I hope you are still having fun with photography. I love it but have not kept up with it at all. Happy New Year!
DeleteI have kept up with my photography but unfortunately not my blog. You can find me on Instagram, Katian83, I post I phone and camera pics there. Happy new year to you and yours!
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 7 years! I am a 26 year old attorney living and working in New York City. I came across your blog 6 years ago when I was in college. I can't even remember how I came across it but it ended up being a permanent bookmark for me. I have continued reading because I enjoy hearing updates about both your family and clinical practice. Keep up the great work!
Here's to another 7 years!
- CMR
Catherine,
DeleteThank you so much for introducing yourself. Sometimes, I tell my boys that young women in their 20's or in college read here and they don' t believe me! Now I have proof! Thank you for reading. And best to you.
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI am a very new reader! I discovered your blog via instagram last month and have since read through many of your older posts. I love how you write about family and the joys and challenges of life with three children.
Happy blog anniversary!
Best,
Emily
Emily…Welcome. I am kind of surprised to have new readers because I don't post often anymore. Thank you for introducing yourself.
DeleteI have been reading your blog for a while. I think it was around the time you had hurricanes in Texas and you had to evacuate. I could relate as we live in Florida and are also familiar with hurricanes. I am also a fellow adoptive Mom. I love watching your family grow. Sure wish I had the interest or energy to cook like you guys do!! Ha ha. Thanks for still blogging.
ReplyDeleteKathleen ,
DeleteSo it sounds like you started reading right when we moved back to TX about 6 years ago. My energy for cooking comes and goes for sure. Last night we ate hot dogs! And while that is rare, it happens. Happy New Year!
I found your blog through another blog about 4 years ago (I can't remember exactly where) and I love it! I truly find you to be very inspirational as a mother and wife. I don't yet have children but I hope that I can raise mine half as well as you have raised yours!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Amanda. I think raising kids will be the most important thing God has me do here. I work hard at it so it is nice to hear that it shows. Although I mess up too! I am sure you will be a great Mom someday because you are already thinking about such things.
DeleteHi Kim! I started reading your blog 5 years ago! My new boyfriend at the time (now husband) is allergic to all nuts except peanuts. I began lovingly calling him ‘Peanut’ and wanted to find a peanut charm or accessory for myself. Your blog came up in the search results and I’ve been a silent reader ever since! This may sound strange coming from a stranger, but it’s been a delight getting to know your family. I always take something away from your posts on marriage/family. Your recent post about how the main job of parents is to love their children unconditionally has stayed with me. Although I’m not a parent, I think that is an important reminder to all!
ReplyDeleteWarmly,
Anne
Isn't that funny how you found us. I am glad you stuck around. Yes, that unconditional love is so simple but sometimes so hard too. I do think it is our biggest job though.
DeleteHi Kim!!!! I'm mommyjennyblog (your IG friend) aka Jenny. I believe I have been reading your blog since you adopted Kate. I love keeping up with your family. Your sons remind me of mine, and Kate reminds me of the fun I used to have with my daughter when she was small (she's 22 now, sniff sniff). I love following you on IG, but I love your blog even more. You are always so HONEST. Keep writing, and I will keep reading :). Thank you for sharing your life with us!
ReplyDeleteMommy Jenny! I had not idea you've been reading us that long. You inspire me so much on IG and I did not know your daughter was 22. You look awesome! Thanks for such nice words.
DeleteHi Kim! I'm not quite sure how I found your blog, but I believe it was thru Diane's blog (First a Pearl and 3 Rubies). I started reading adoption blogs FAR before our family adopted our daughter. I want to say I was looking for some "pearl colored" shoes for what was then our goddaughter and Diane's blog popped up in my google search and the rest is history!! I believe I was divinely led to adoption blogs, because 4years later, we adopted!! Being an "older adopted mom" I was so out of the loop on things!! I was back into the of preschool prep, smock dresses and red Primigi shoes!! Oh the wonderful families I have met thru their blogs has been joy filled. I admire the commitment that you and the many blogges I follow to update virtual strangers and invite us into your family constantly. Kim, I have enjoyed your watching The 3 Peanuts grow up, your recipes, your fashion and your all around love for family. It has been a joy following your family and thank you again for allowing us a peek into your family's life and the wonderful updates that accompany them!
ReplyDeleteDawn, Thank you so much for all those nice words. You have been such a loyal reader. I always look forward to hearing what you have to say because you are always so positive. Thank you for always being here:) Happy New Year!
DeleteHi! I've been reading for several years now, but I'm not sure if I've ever commented! We have similar styles in fashion and decorating and I love reading about your kids. Seaside is also one of our favorite places to visit!
ReplyDeleteThank you so kindly Casey. And thanks for commenting today:)
DeleteWhat a fabulous Christmas. Love your family!
ReplyDeleteThanks MCW! Love your family too. See I feel like I know you after all these years. Hopefully we'll meet someday:)
DeleteHi Kim, Happy blogiversary! I found your blog very early on through Shana's first blog, Waiting for Sophie. I have not kept up with many of the blogs I used to read (I had just graduated college 8 years ago!) but I still love following yours. I love your taste, writing style, photographs, and lovely family. My partner and I plan to adopt and I find your story incredibly inspiring. I now live in Connecticut and work in art book publishing. Thank you for sharing your life with us readers!! Best, Tamara (New Haven, CT)
ReplyDeleteTamara,
DeleteThank you for introducing yourself. Good luck to you and your partner as adopt someday! I am still really good friends with Shana and we talk a few times a week. She is one of my closest friends!
Hi, it's Mia's mom, Joanne from chinaprincess blog! I think I've been reading you since the beginning! What's funny is that Shana, Sophie Lu's blog is the first blog I ever read and that was while I was in the beginning stages of thinking to adopt :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing journey it's been !!!
Hi Joanne! That is funny. I found Shana's blog just a month or so before we got Kate's referral. And now she is one of my closest friends. I hope you all are doing well. Hugs to you and Mia!
DeleteHi Kim!! It's Brooke (cbrookebj) from IG!! I've been reading your blog for a little over 2 years but never commented!! I'm not sure how I found it but so glad I did! I love following you on IG and how real and honest you are in your blog and in general! The relationship you have with Kate reminds me so much of my mom and I! Congratulations of 8 years!! Xoxo
ReplyDeleteHi Brooke. I did not know you read the blog. I thought we were just IG friends! Thank you for the kind and thoughtful words. Hugs.
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI've been reading since college (and now I'm 26!) when a roommate suggested it to me. I knew nothing about adoption, so was intrigued, and your pictures are stunning! The same roommate inspired me to start a blog of my own!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful stories over the years!!
Joyce
http://rejoycetoday.blogspot.com
Joyce,
DeleteThank you for commenting. It is so nice to see what a diverse group of readers I have. I am going to pop over and take a look at your blog.
I found your blog in 2012 when I was searching first birthday ideas for my daughter and somehow in my searches I came across a birthday party you planned for Kate. I was hooked and had fun going back and reading all the older posts that I had missed. I have to admit that I read many blogs and yours is by far my very favorite! I get so excited when I see a new post pop up in my Bloglovin feed! I love all the beautiful photos and I also enjoy your philosophy on family and the way you raise your family. You inspired me to start a blog to document my daughter's life and I have been doing that for almost a year now. Thank you for sharing your life and family!
ReplyDeleteThank you Chrissy. I have been to your blog and think it is a lovely way to capture the memories of your family. Your daughter is adorable!
DeleteHi Kim, Maureen from Finding Mei Mei. I found your blog when we were considering adopting and have loved it ever since! Love your family updates, parenting advice and honest posts. I'm impressed you have been blogging for so long! You may not remember but you commented on my blog when we were in China adopting Vivian and it was very encouraging (especially b/c she was grieving so very hard). Thanks and happy 8th Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteHi Maureen! I do remember. I lost track of your blog (hate when that happens). but I am going to pop over and say hello.
DeleteAlso it's quite possible this posted from my husbands email, as Im commenting from my phone and think his email is signed in on my browser. =) -Pam
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog Anniversary, Kim. I love reading your blog. I think I found it via Henley on the Horn or Ni Ha Y'all. I am a teacher of 4th grade, and I spent almost 4 weeks in Beijing a few summers ago teaching in a children's summer camp. I fell in love with the Asian people. I have two grown daughters, two Godly son-in-laws, and four precious grandchildren ages 4 and under. I live in North Carolina. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda. Thank you for commenting. You sound like you have a very full and blessed life:)
DeleteKim, Happy Anniversary. I can't wait to see Kate on her new beam. You failed to say what you got for Christmas, I know that Dave and the peanuts made certain you had a great day. Your tree looked beautiful this year...I love the personalized ornaments.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we have never met in person, I do consider you a friend. I found your blog years ago thru Sophie Lu. So sad that Shana has stopped blogging. I found Sophie Lu's blog when my two dear friends went to China for their daughters. Since then my cousin and his wife have also gone to China for our sweet Chloe. I have enjoyed watching your peanuts grow up! I hope that you never stop blogging. I enjoy catching up with you on FB but enjoy reading blog and seeing all the photos. It has been a joy getting to know you and I thank you for being a great prayer warrior (especially with the year I have just gone thru).
Happy New Year dear friend.
Norah
Hi Norah, I am so blessed by you. You have always been a kind friend to me and the blog. I pray for you all the time and your family. I know it has been a tough season. Hugs,
DeleteKim
Hello Kim, I am Belén from Spain. I started reading your Blog many years ago and it has always been my favorite one. You are, for many reasons, an inspiration for me, Kim. Thank you very much for your Blog.
ReplyDeleteBelen,
DeleteEvery time a see a comment from you, I get a BIG smile. I am so grateful that you have followed us for so long and that you always leave such kind, uplifting comments. Kisses,
Kim
Thank you Kim.
DeleteHey there!
ReplyDeleteTell your family that you have another college reader!! I live in the same community as the Knudsen's (Madison and I are friends, having cheered and taken classes together throughout middle and high school). I love blogs and somehow found yours through Paige's! Yours is one of the handful that I check in on weekly!!
Thank you for sharing your family memories and your faith with us!
~Jordan
Hi Jordan! I love Madison and the whole Knudsen family. Thank you for reading and I wish you all the best in college. I was a college professor for many years and college aged kids are my favorite!!!
DeleteHi Kim! I'm a working mom of 3 reading from Virginia. I found your blog about three years ago when I was looking for information on adoption. While we have decided adoption is not for us, I still like your blog for ideas on parenting and family traditions. With two boys and now a 4 month old daughter, I like watching a family that is similar but a few years ahead. I think I've only commented one other time to suggest alternative migraine therapies for your son. Migraines are no walk in the park, and I can't imagine such a young kid having to deal with them. *hugs* Thank you so much for all of yourself you've shared over the years!
ReplyDeleteHi Mandy!
DeleteThank you for commenting both today and the time about migraines. We are so happy to report that Harry's migraines are few and far between now. And when they occur, we have a great treatment plan. I so appreciate ally he tips and information people shared with us during that tough time. Thanks for reading.
Hi Kim, I also found your blog through First a Pearl, Then Three Rubies. I have been reading since this summer, and went all the way back to when you adopted Kate! I love your writing style, especially your posts about family traditions, parenting, and fashion (especially when you include links haha). I am a stay at home mom, and live in NY. I have two sons, ages 4 and 1. I have always wanted to adopt a daughter from China. Unfortunately, my husband is not on board. I pray about it every single day, and hope that he changes his mind. I feel so strongly that God is calling us to do this.
ReplyDeleteHi Danielle,
DeleteThank you for your kind comments. It is hard when one person wants to adopt and the other is not 100% on board. I have been there trust me. At one time I really wanted to adopt a sister for Kate. Dave did not feel that it was the right thing for us. We prayed about it for a long time. I am sure if we had adopted, it would have been great. But I also see something that happened that would have made it really tough at the time too. I think if it is God's plan, he will put the desire in your husband's heart. Best,
Kim
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI am another silent reader who found your blog through Shana’s blog about 3 - 4 years ago. I have always had an interest in adoption stories and although I’m nowhere near the stage of having kids yet, I enjoy reading your thoughts and advice about parenting, families and faith.
Currently I am on exchange at UVA (from Australia) and your blog has inspired me to start one of my own, to keep a record of my year abroad!
Thank you for sharing your life with us. Reading about your family brings me much joy and I hope to have a family like yours someday! God bless.
- Andrea
Hi Andrea! We lived in Charlottesville when we adopted Kate. I am sure you must be loving UVA. I will go take a look at your blog. Thanks for the comment. God Bless you too.
DeleteHello Kim,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog in May 2007 after surgery for breast cancer and the adoption of my newborn son. I have followed along every since then. I really have enjoyed following along and watching the peanuts grow up. Adoption has also been special to me as well. Thanks so much for sharing the 3 peanuts with me.
Cindy, I am so sorry that you were going through such a difficult time in your life. I hope tat you are fully recovered and feeling healthy and strong now. Thank you so much for you kind words. It means the world to me.
DeleteKim
Congrats on the milestone! I found your blog before I had kids... Probably 2009. You blogged about monogrammed host and hostess chairs in your dining room.
ReplyDeleteYour blog also introduced me to Matilda Jane clothing!
Oh that is funny. I see my monogrammed chairs on Pinterest a lot but not linked back to me which is funny. thank you for commenting and reading.
DeleteHi Kim! I rarely post, but since you requested it this time, I thought I'd leave a note :) I began reading your blog when I began college in 2009. I had just learned about "lifestyle" blogs and such, and it was nice to escape the frustrations that sometimes come with the journey freshmen have in finding new friends, navigating college life, etc. I've always enjoyed seeing pictures of your gorgeous Southern Living-worthy home and to see such a sweet family. I'm a big fan of taking pictures and videos to capture moments in our lives, and I know your kids will appreciate it as they grow older and can look back upon all of these sweet moments :)
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind, Ashley. Thank you.
DeleteI think I found your blog back when I was waiting to bring my first daughter home from China...that was 9/08, so it has been a while!! Happy Blog Anniversary--here's to many more :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing yourself E. I popped over to your blog and will definitely visit it again. You daughters are adorable.
DeleteThank you for introducing yourself E. I popped over to your blog and will definitely visit it again. You daughters are adorable.
ReplyDeleteHello Kim
ReplyDeleteMy name is Laura and I am coming out of the blog-stalking world to say hello - and to tell you that I have been a long time reader of your wonderful family journal - going on 8-9 years! I began my journey with your beautiful family when my husband and I began our adoption process from China - I stalked to help me learn about the adoption process, and learn what other families were experiencing, all by searching for adoption blogs. I found so many wonderful and inspiring stories, including yours. Sadly, my marriage did not last, and the adoption went along with that. But, I had already fallen in love with your story and your family. Your story is one of the few I chose to keep following - Baseballs to Bows and Hoot's Mom are my other faves! And now the joys of Instagram! Thank you for sharing your family and life with us all - For keeping it real, and for setting a wonderful example. I so wish I could have adopted, or had a child - it may not be in God's plan for me - not as a fertility challenged, single, 46 year old. But my heart fills with joy seeing your family grow, and watching who they are becoming! Much love to you and your family - MIss Laura ~
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI am yet another silent reader who found your blog several years ago. I have enjoyed reading about your family and many traditions. I am a single mother of one teenager daughter who is involved in many different activities who keeps us pretty busy. I am amazed at how well you juggle 3 kids so well :) I would love to have an online scrapbook filled with all of my memories, thoughts and pictures to look at in years to come, so please keep it up, you and the kids will love it. Thank you for sharing your family with us!