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!