Monday, April 18, 2011

going private

After much contemplating, we've decided to temporarily make "Ship Shops & Pop Pops" private. I'm sad to do that, but we can't deny our out of town family and friends the privilege of seeing our sweet Sam! Sure, sure...I could write a blog post and then email pictures of him to those out-of-towners, but let's be honest - I'm still figuring out a new normal with three kids that allows me time to brush my teeth, so spending extra time on the computer is out of the question!!

Here's how it'll work...if you are interested in continuing to read the blog, please send me your email address. You can do this via email (mindybrown25@gmail.com), leave a comment, send me a message on Facebook, send a telegraph - really any way works for me! I will then "invite" you to view the blog and you'll have to log on. The truth is that I had no idea how many people were actually reading this until we started posting videos from our adoption journey! People showed up out of the clear blue sky and I LOVE it!! I knew Mom read it out of obligation ;) but some others have been a pleasant surprise! So if you'd like to be "invited" to keep reading, I'll need your email address - and I don't mind if I don't know you - you can join in on the fun as well!

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So now that the legal stuff is out of the way, I must share with you pictures of my prince and his princess! On Friday night, my hubby escorted my oldest to a Cinderella Ball. She was beautiful and my hubby was (of course!) a hottie!

her prince picked her up at the door with a rose in hand





I did find a picture of Sam that I think is safe to show you. He was glued to the door a few mornings ago as he watched his daddy cut grass in the front yard!


Many of you have asked how things are going and I must say that things are going really well! Sam is sleeping good and we're beginning to figure out what he likes to eat. We're seeing signs of bonding which is so amazing! He (ok - WE!) have had a few rough days but that was mostly due to him having shots and ridiculous amounts of blood drawn for testing. As I said earlier, I'm trying to find a new normal as far as schedules and routines go, but I haven't landed anywhere yet. Many days I'm still on survival mode!! I had a father of five speak some very wise words to me the other day..."Enjoy the chaos with the joy of the Lord as your focus!" I pray I can do just that!

21 comments:

  1. Love your awesome new family and enjoying the journey! Love yall! Add me to the list! Kfolds85@gmail.com
    -Katie

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  2. I LOVE the Cinderella Ball pictures. SO, so sweet! The lawn mowing picture is also adorable. I was beyond excited to meet Sam Sunday. Of all times that we were asked to walk out of church silently . . . REALLY??? That's the first time I got to see him! I would love to continue seeing your blog. My e-mail address is cathyandgregm@yahoo.com Cathy Miller

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  3. Ive missed hearing from you. I was use to hearing from you daily then poof it was over!:(
    Please add me to the list: gigi0423@comcast.net
    We luv ya'll! Angie & Lexi

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  4. I'm so glad to know everyone is adjusting well! Please add me! angeldelaine@hotmail.com

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  5. Hey Mindy! I would love to keep reading. My email is adventuregirl20@gmail.com. This is Nicole Williams, by the way. :)

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  6. yeaaaa! i was hoping you would make it private so i could still see sweet sam :) my email address is iambooher@gmail.com and my parent's is cnbooher@gmail.com. I'm sure they are going to want to follow along as well :) love you guys! Praise God that things are going well!

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  7. Of course we want to private with you! purpleflowerchas@yahoo.com Can't wait to see the rest of the story! Chastity Ashlock

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  8. Mrs. Mindy! I would LOVE to still receive the updates about your precious family. Could I please be added to the list to view the blog? I SO enjoy reading about your adventures with Addie, Ellee and now, little Sam. My email is hope_now_72@yahoo.com

    Velvet Hale

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  9. Min, please add me to the list so that I can keep up with what is going on out of obligation:):):):):):)
    Love you bunches,
    Mom:)

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  10. Mindy,
    I would love to keep updated with everything going on. I have been so amazed at how God is working in your life. Thank you for the inspiration. Hope your days get easier with schedules, food selections and everything else that you are experiencing. My e-mail is kym.clausen@armhc.org.
    ~Kym Benjamin Clausen

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  11. Of course I am family but for good measure, I want to be added to the list!!! Anna and I have been reading and looking at all the posts, pics and videos. She CAN NOT WAIT to meet her new cousin!!!! She made him a little card and I was going to mail it but decided to just bring it to Sam this weekend. It is too cute!
    Tell Addie that she made a beautiful princess!!
    See ya in a few days!! : ) elizabethbrown@marykay.com

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  12. Hey Mindy! I would love to be able to keep up with your sweet family! I am so excited for ya'll as you take this new journey...and seriously - all THREE of your kids are just too precious. :-)

    Jenna
    jennamtyson@hotmail.com

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  13. Awww....Addie looks soooo happy & pretty!! Turn around about 3 times and she'll be going off to prom!! I love your blog. You are really an excellent writer.
    "Miss" Jennalynn
    twograndbj@gmail.com

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  14. courtney.searcy@my.uu.edu

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  15. I'd love an invite! alilgeneral@gmail.com

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  16. Yes, please! I have loved reading the story of your family.

    hleaves@yahoo.com

    Thank you! So excited for y'all!

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  17. Hi Mindy,

    I would also like to continue reading your blog. My email is: chari273@yahoo.com.

    Thanks!
    Chari Fireline

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  18. Please put Grammy on the list. I love seeing my sweet grandchildren. Tell Addie she is truly a princess and Grammy and Granddaddy love her. I wish we could be their Friday, but I don't think we will be able to make it. I will keep trying to work on it. Love all, Grammy P.S. tell Lee he looked like a handsome prince too.

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  19. Please add me too! rebecca.petrie@yahoo.com

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  20. I LOVE Princess Addie's dress! Please tell her that I said she looked just beautiful and I'm sure she had lots of fun.

    Please keep me on your list of friends who MUST read more about Addie, Ellee, Sam, and the rest of the Brown family.

    Love y'all,
    Jan Evett
    jevett@gmail.com

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  21. Love the pictures and please add me to your long list!!! Can't wait to see all of you! Love and hugs to you all. AJ

    joycemd55@yahoo.com

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