tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652124278093901962024-03-13T22:02:34.330-05:00Today, Everyday, and AlwaysLoving the Lord with all my Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength~<br>(Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27)teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-73566813369095449082015-01-30T14:39:00.000-06:002015-11-17T15:43:21.928-06:00OUR YEAR AT A GLANCE...<strong style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">2014~ </span><span style="font-size: large;">Praising God through the challenges</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></em></strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">...He's always faithful to work things out and we can trust His plan and purpose even when things seem messed up from our view.</span></em></strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Our only family picture of the year... December 21, 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ugly Sweater 5K Run at Shelby Farms, Memphis Tennessee.</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: x-large;">KIRK and I (</span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: x-large;">TERI)</span></em></strong><br />
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Our 2014 started with a variety of challenges...<br />
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We ended 2013 with a negative surprise in our mail (Dec. 4th); long story short, it was a legal situation based on another party falsely making accusations against Kirk. The information used to file the suit was false, but still meant we had to take time and money to fight it. This caused much stress and financial burden starting the new year off not so favorable. After a couple of months and thousands of dollars, the pending legal dispute got settled and we were done with it. <i>Praise God!</i><br />
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Another challenge were the renovations on our fixer upper house- a 4+ year project. We had decided at the end of 2013 that after this school year we will be moving from Texas to TN so we could be together as a family since this is where Kirk has been spending most of his time for his job; this meant finishing our house so we can get the best price to sell. With Kirk having to be "on call" for his job in Tennessee (800 miles away) the majority of the time, the burden of finishing our renovations was left to me as the kids finished this school year. Jan-April, the laundry room and exterior siding got done in time to sell our house. <i>Praise God! </i>(here's the link for home renovation pictures) <a href="http://2616countyroad33.blogspot.com/">http://2616countyroad33.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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After challenges with selling our house (not appraising for our original contracted selling price), Kirk and I decided to suck up a ($20,000) loss, and sell the house for the lower selling (appraisal) price just so we could move on. In the big picture of things, no amount of money was worth us not being together as a family full-time for another year. We were able to be a blessing to the buyers of our fixer upper house... selling them this house at a price more in their budget. The buyers are two teachers from our school, with two young boys and a dream to add more children through foster parenting. <i>Praise God!</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moving day... we're going to miss Texas, but are VERY excited for new adventures in Tennessee.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajzuUhVu7KWgnuKi9p7yFl5SSDEzJ56dldjCDpKsaeGNqzWkxM5RTNfaZArflUHjsgmZ-TLd5L7SDtcjfUBYi_41gdkFsHOqH2-FDWTjS2aW2XbnLBVi-RztKZr3jd4Y86vWPB5eY6Gw/s1600/FUTURE+HOUSE!.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajzuUhVu7KWgnuKi9p7yFl5SSDEzJ56dldjCDpKsaeGNqzWkxM5RTNfaZArflUHjsgmZ-TLd5L7SDtcjfUBYi_41gdkFsHOqH2-FDWTjS2aW2XbnLBVi-RztKZr3jd4Y86vWPB5eY6Gw/s1600/FUTURE+HOUSE!.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our new house in Tennessee... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We got this home at a great price; sellers were very motivated.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We feel blessed and think this home is God's way of making up for what we lost on selling our Texas home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The movers unloaded our personal belongings on May 31.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolvnrsAvH-robRN5eNqC2wKYcmZIC-UG61jlrw2tsGt8DyL_Os1LTVJ0zAsnKkHfydYKDCN5sZmddXgPqZkhPovxc6EJbJfL6SqZikdKsQgxprJxRICDrNMdhyphenhyphentZnAgxPIYe03uTttZA/s1600/IMG_1767rotated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolvnrsAvH-robRN5eNqC2wKYcmZIC-UG61jlrw2tsGt8DyL_Os1LTVJ0zAsnKkHfydYKDCN5sZmddXgPqZkhPovxc6EJbJfL6SqZikdKsQgxprJxRICDrNMdhyphenhyphentZnAgxPIYe03uTttZA/s1600/IMG_1767rotated.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">...and now the work begins!!! Time to unpack.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As I write this blog post (Dec. 28), we are STILL unpacking/organizing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Getting all the way unpacked and settled will be a 2015 New Year's Resolution!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIwM6kDo_A9yzahy2UtYM6Uk47vzjqLUzOQUl0iICO8ttqE2QcbErX5Lzow7HxHRFqCVKk0YBc2nEFKHT7SCztaJUOCxl-8d7Wm-KxSlwK6oRQoHmPYogtriAjWKAoEtrhCjQ4_2mFNc/s1600/IMG_1846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIwM6kDo_A9yzahy2UtYM6Uk47vzjqLUzOQUl0iICO8ttqE2QcbErX5Lzow7HxHRFqCVKk0YBc2nEFKHT7SCztaJUOCxl-8d7Wm-KxSlwK6oRQoHmPYogtriAjWKAoEtrhCjQ4_2mFNc/s400/IMG_1846.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jessie and Joe having fun with some new friends.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm1m36eXhtCrsRZaoohLjptEHUHNEwSshXAur5ixJjq7pyKtThO31iYbnXQ5GN0m-PI8FbXF3VWHGQ946XcDMZ0tjLZvwqfDRHFVu0Z5rERnf3Lqh5-X7pml3UR_Va8r4NFRf8Uw-xSA/s1600/IMG_1808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm1m36eXhtCrsRZaoohLjptEHUHNEwSshXAur5ixJjq7pyKtThO31iYbnXQ5GN0m-PI8FbXF3VWHGQ946XcDMZ0tjLZvwqfDRHFVu0Z5rERnf3Lqh5-X7pml3UR_Va8r4NFRf8Uw-xSA/s1600/IMG_1808.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our guest house developed mold over the past year as the property sat listed for sale unattended.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Not what we planned to use our time on, but a necessary to take care of.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We conquered the mold issue in a matter of several days of heavy duty cleaning. Praise God!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGiGQf0meNbvM7q6vwaqB0knK_lGJSXlc_9KpqHWLE22k1_5492Qatd_EoNnB7Z_hRj2Vow2ZRAFn_wNbUG6ksEtwzkc6opl9aTdLo4IYM_k4KZ3sa3Ut3UUwb7aqzvKiYVUkoVWWV1Q/s1600/IMG_1800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGiGQf0meNbvM7q6vwaqB0knK_lGJSXlc_9KpqHWLE22k1_5492Qatd_EoNnB7Z_hRj2Vow2ZRAFn_wNbUG6ksEtwzkc6opl9aTdLo4IYM_k4KZ3sa3Ut3UUwb7aqzvKiYVUkoVWWV1Q/s1600/IMG_1800.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just a sample of the mold in the guest house; it was all over the floors and furniture.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkwc9kDP1ndMZsho8zW_3vtWWa5OEeuEx_7VGMcJCbEe1tuKGJX0RLgkkpve3avDfgmvTeFy5XvF2jf8fFd3HFOwR-Jm5KVGl87X0hk0g44Qc9wtiZIDdsqImVX-xQsrMCfSgx5FIGGM/s1600/IMG_1985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkwc9kDP1ndMZsho8zW_3vtWWa5OEeuEx_7VGMcJCbEe1tuKGJX0RLgkkpve3avDfgmvTeFy5XvF2jf8fFd3HFOwR-Jm5KVGl87X0hk0g44Qc9wtiZIDdsqImVX-xQsrMCfSgx5FIGGM/s400/IMG_1985.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kirk's Mom and Dad, Bob and Lillian, came for a visit in December.<br />Love it when the Grandparents visit and we play cards all day!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrU6tFPch5axdRokpqiM-YJr_nCAX9pMl4mva_CSLrbz6ELDri9ydvLXnEzlMKOASAHkVlMtGXuvItXtpmCEYj5WJ5PaZDJMwbcJXoqGr00km32v-m-vpe8Hb3LHAE6j_ADBMMzVYr1xk/s1600/10350993_10205465820474505_645981281173631149_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrU6tFPch5axdRokpqiM-YJr_nCAX9pMl4mva_CSLrbz6ELDri9ydvLXnEzlMKOASAHkVlMtGXuvItXtpmCEYj5WJ5PaZDJMwbcJXoqGr00km32v-m-vpe8Hb3LHAE6j_ADBMMzVYr1xk/s1600/10350993_10205465820474505_645981281173631149_n.jpg" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ending the year with humor and fun!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Ready to start 2015 the same way.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>KELSIE</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Kelsie ended her Junior Year at Lee University as an RA (Resident Assistant) for Nora Hall in the dorms. When she returned to school after summer break, she and three other girl friends chose to live off campus in an apartment. Kelsie continues to work toward her Theology and Spanish Degrees. She continues to be active in the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland (holding on officer position)... Kelsie has such a tender heart for these kids.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWGIyLDFX504CLFULS87XVXZ5M28zLLXKieKzKeEAveFwcDf6gli-pglUotgm_tbO2FSyR4se5xaYhB0MT0F4AsUnaYCO0ogYkIuwRrF1sU_A0fpyQT75yJUcDvH3rBaWJEnWn_vVxgI/s1600/Senior+Year_living+in+the+apartment+with+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWGIyLDFX504CLFULS87XVXZ5M28zLLXKieKzKeEAveFwcDf6gli-pglUotgm_tbO2FSyR4se5xaYhB0MT0F4AsUnaYCO0ogYkIuwRrF1sU_A0fpyQT75yJUcDvH3rBaWJEnWn_vVxgI/s1600/Senior+Year_living+in+the+apartment+with+friends.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Savanah, Myia, Em, and Kelsie</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2edurWvQ8KIlWKuYG1aOEz8PjKO13lCvlXe0q95FlteF2j_uVGcYek_mBwQ6xn-G0plo7aEVU3oLvAZWoKytNBeZ6CfAJ9rFl5mhgh14t4GswDnQG_xy4Fa6Jlw2576ZR_MUwabxqlw/s1600/August+22,+2014_+Senior+year_Reunited+with+2nd+South!%2B%2BSwans%2Bfor%2Blife!!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2edurWvQ8KIlWKuYG1aOEz8PjKO13lCvlXe0q95FlteF2j_uVGcYek_mBwQ6xn-G0plo7aEVU3oLvAZWoKytNBeZ6CfAJ9rFl5mhgh14t4GswDnQG_xy4Fa6Jlw2576ZR_MUwabxqlw/s400/August+22,+2014_+Senior+year_Reunited+with+2nd+South!%2B%2BSwans%2Bfor%2Blife!!.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The girls like to host dinners/desserts for their college galpals. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV6kY8OUJ7OEhkU7zsVWwxgNJgyETD1eFVKjGhNO8mcR8eGnc7cgoFivNXfBBOj813IquV1AwERy1CyZ2rTH7Q9Y-N26oG4IrVWOOu5NNBuoqA_T1-7kjrO9SdMzp_FcPFLyeEGrl3BE/s1600/Kelsie+and+Cody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV6kY8OUJ7OEhkU7zsVWwxgNJgyETD1eFVKjGhNO8mcR8eGnc7cgoFivNXfBBOj813IquV1AwERy1CyZ2rTH7Q9Y-N26oG4IrVWOOu5NNBuoqA_T1-7kjrO9SdMzp_FcPFLyeEGrl3BE/s1600/Kelsie+and+Cody.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kelsie and Cody</span></td></tr>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: x-large;">ANDREW</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;">Andrew completed his Senior year of high school, "Class of 2014" at Tuloso Midway with aspirations to stay in TX for his college years to study Business/Marketing. Upon the end of the school year 2014, the rest of us Wymore family moved to TN while Andrew stayed in TX living with a friend for a couple months (during the summer) as he waited for college classes to start.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnRtPf0Djm03Exve-WklpvptYm2shXnb6zwsokIFTCO9Ft-8rEY64NThPsgESVf0NWJ7VcDyZqCzNStZrYAijtdqSxxrq3mT4qDeBqw46M5Jurjs4dDHhyphenhyphens2C8uxM-Rr3WQzpntUk0Lg/s1600/untitled-2012-2+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnRtPf0Djm03Exve-WklpvptYm2shXnb6zwsokIFTCO9Ft-8rEY64NThPsgESVf0NWJ7VcDyZqCzNStZrYAijtdqSxxrq3mT4qDeBqw46M5Jurjs4dDHhyphenhyphens2C8uxM-Rr3WQzpntUk0Lg/s1600/untitled-2012-2+compressed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of Andrew's Senior Pictures...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">an example of his laid back, skateboarding, carefree, have fun kind of personality.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These boys broke a 28 year old school record for TM Boys 400 Yard Frestyle Relay- 3:31.33</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(Andrew's personal best time on his 100 Yard Leg, 49.81) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">...a proud Coach Alaniz!</span></td></tr>
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Andrew with his Bronze medal for the 50 Freestyle (3rd Place in Finals with a time of 22.52) at the</div>
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Regional VIII Swim Meet in San Antonio, Texas.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Officially Graduated!!! Class or 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Adian, Dalton, Harvey, and Andrew </span></td></tr>
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Moving into the dorms...</div>
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Freshman at Texas A&M Corpus Christi!</div>
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2014-2015 School Year ~TAMUCC</div>
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Some of first year College life...</div>
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Andrew made it through RUSH week and was accepted into the Delta Chi TAMUCC Fraternity.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: x-large;">JESSIE</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Jessie loves her friends! At her school in Corpus Christi, Jessie was active in her school band bouncing between 1-2nd chair trumpet player. Jessie does well academically as a participant in the GT (Gifted and Talented) Program. Jessie also enjoys staying active in fun-run 5K's with her family and friends. The move to TN was a scary and sad thought for both Jessie and Joe; but the transition to their new school went well so far, and Jessie immediately started making new friendships, getting involved in school sports (her 7th grade year), and being accepted into the CLUE program, for students with a higher IQ (</span><u style="font-family: georgia;">C</u><span style="font-family: "georgia";">reative </span><u style="font-family: georgia;">L</u><span style="font-family: "georgia";">earning </span><u style="font-family: georgia;">U</u><span style="font-family: "georgia";">nique </span><u style="font-family: georgia;">E</u><span style="font-family: "georgia";">nvironment, similar to GT).</span><br />
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Spring 2014~ Kailin, Jessie, and Abby</div>
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Jessie with her friends from London ISD (end of 6th grade), right before our move to TN.</div>
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(Cyntia, Abby, Jessie, and Angela)</div>
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Jessie (7th grade) made the middle school basketball team at her new school. </div>
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The team is a mix of 6-8th grade.</div>
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Amelia and Jessie before their first basketball game of the season~ (October 2014)</div>
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On the first day of school, the first person Jessie met at her new school, was Amelia. </div>
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Amelia and Jess seemed to "click" from the beginning and have grown to be great friends. </div>
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OH NO! During the second quarter of a basketball game, Jessie took a fall on the court and ended up in the ER with a broken wrist! The same wrist she broke last year, just in a different spot. A very sad girl, as this injury prevented her from finishing the season actively playing; she sat on the sidelines cheering her team mates the rest of the season.</div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: x-large;">JOE</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: large;">Age 9/10, Joe is a quiet boy, who enjoys playing outside with his friends. He also enjoys running in fun-run 5K's, collecting WWE wrestling figures, and has hopes to get a dirt bike once we get settled in our new house in TN.</span><br />
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Joe with his "sewing" category project for the Nueces County Fair, 4H competition.</div>
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Joe also entered 2 concrete mosaics. He had a fun time with his projects.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ethan (Joe's Best Friend), and Joe and the London Isd end of school (4th Grade) awards</span></td></tr>
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Joe and Jessie starting their new school in TN~ Barret's Chapel School</div>
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The kids are blessed that Barret's Chapel is also a K-8 and they'll be at their new school together... (2014-15 school year Joe in 5th grade, Jessie in 7th grade)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The boys with the dirt bikes Kirk bought for Christmas!!! <br />Joe is thrilled to have his own FIRST dirt bike to ride around the property... something he was hoping for from the minute he heard we were moving to a property with lots of running around room!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>More Fun~ </i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blues Tunes, Memphis BarBQue and Neon Lights... Beale Street, Memphis Tennessee</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Met up with Mom and Dad in Tunica, Mississippi for a couple hours of gaming and visiting at the casino.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><img height="225" src="https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/983814_10202716744669356_8287683224675420164_n.jpg?oh=1b1c8a11a5981c5a81ece258f3b196eb&oe=56BCCA79" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">High School GalPal annual get together in WA... <br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>Celebrating our 50th Birthdays in 2014!</u></b></span><br />Nikki, Margie, Peggy, me, Cathy, & Kim.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><img height="300" src="https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10626730_897280610299754_860027808817852431_n.jpg?oh=29d5a477781920ca13a3d55a2e8d86ab&oe=56E52078" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
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teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-77632480664988128652014-01-25T21:14:00.000-06:002014-01-27T17:21:00.406-06:00Our Year at a Glance<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>2013 </strong></span>In all honesty, this year was a blur of busyness and challenges. But through it all, there were many blessings along the way that we are thankful for.<br />
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After being offered his new job with FedEx in late August 2012, we waited "patiently" for Kirk to get his class date to begin training. September passed- no call to start, October passed- no call, November passed- no call... December, no call... It was nice having him home for all this time since we worked on our "fixer upper" projects and also a true blessing we had built our savings account for such a time as this to live off of while he wasn't working, but I must confess, the waiting got harder and harder with each passing month. THEN in January 2013 Kirk got the call to start his FedEx class date for training in early February to fly the B757. He found a crashpad to rent in Cordova, TN with three other FedEx pilots and began this new chapter of the flying career he always dreamed of. It was at this point in time, our life became a blur for the rest of the year. Our family had to adjust to Kirk commuting back and forth between TN and TX with him spending more time in TN than at home in TX. <br />
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To start the New Year off right, Jessie and I ran our first 5K race together.</div>
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"Color Me Rad"</div>
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Kirk completes his flight training with FedEx and takes a "selfie" during one of his first trips in April.</div>
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...living his dream!</div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>THE KIDS~</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Kelsie</span></strong>, our Lee University student (Cleveland, TN), finished her 2nd year of college in May. She spent time over the summer in Columbia with other Lee students focusing on her Spanish and cultural studies. Kelsie is currently in her third year at Lee.</div>
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(above) Kelsie speaks at a church while in Columbia.</div>
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... she enjoys her "fro-yo"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJktSWdDBmobzhFi3hu3KqMvmgWxFx7njuZZ8Kw7MehFND2gIr4AJyWFL0ab4btFx46Y4JNs_Q2aHN-rM5a2BZoa-sRTZrCIlN0RNQ9uYeNeCg_dgW5YuQ0ciJd5YmVzBur3g2Xwklo0/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Kelsie places 2nd in Ho-am Form in Taekwondo completion through Lee University.</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Andrew</span></strong> swims (Junior year in High School) making it to Regional competition.</div>
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He was named MVP for his High School boy's Swim Team.</div>
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Andrew worked a summer job for the city as a life guard and used much of his money he earned to buy an electric guitar and music equipment. Andrew's passion for pop punk is growing day by day.</div>
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...Andrew's still into skateboarding as well. He is currently a Senior in High School.</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Jessie</span></strong> participates in Ballet Folkorico through her school for her 3rd year as a 5th grader. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/85059595" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </div>
<a href="http://vimeo.com/85059595"></a><a href="http://vimeo.com/user3212178"></a><a href="https://vimeo.com/"></a>.<br />
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Jessie broke her wrist falling off her bike several days before her birthday...</div>
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... after 2 weeks with a temporary cast and 6 weeks with this pink cast, Jessie finally gets it taken off! Jessie is currently a 6th grader.</div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Joe</strong><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: black;">turned 9 this year while we were visiting OR. He got to have a celebration at Grandma and Grandpa Wymore's house in Hood River and another when we got home to TX.</span></span></span></div>
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(wet hair after a shower)</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">Since Joe enjoys WWE, we went to see our first WWE show for a late birthday gift. Joe is currently a 4th grader.</span></span></div>
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More Fun Run 5K's... with Jessie and this time Joe joined us!</div>
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(above) Our London ISD school 5K PTO fund raiser. </div>
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"Neon Vibe" (glow in the dark) 5K</div>
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Since Jessie's wrist was broke during our scheduled 5K, we walked the race so she could still participate without re-injuring her wrist. Jessie's friend Abby also joined us for the race.</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #274e13;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">SUMMER~</span> We made a trip back home to WA and OR!</em></span></strong></div>
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We visited Kirk's parents in Hood River, OR</div>
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and my parents in Castle Rock, WA.</div>
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Jessie thought it was very cool to be in different locations the "Twilight" movies were filmed. The split screen above shows Jessie at the same school that Bella and Edward filmed some of their school scenes. Below, this waterfall was also in the movie.</div>
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We hiked to the top of Multnomah Falls!!!</div>
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We helped my Mom and Dad (Jerry and Jerielle) </div>
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celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary by throwing them a surprise party.</div>
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Mom is a huge Elvis fan and the kids enjoy seeing her Elvis collection she's accumulated over the years... the collection is mostly in 4 rooms of mom and dad's house, but each room in the house is not void of "something" Elvis.</div>
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Me, Curtis (my brother), Traci (my sister)</div>
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Jerielle (my Mom) and Jerry (my Dad)... all who still live in WA state.</div>
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I love you guys!!! </div>
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When we visited WA/OR, I got to visit my high school girl friends I've kept in close contact with- Shelley, Peggy and Margie... we all turn 50 years old this upcoming year! YIKES! </div>
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...we had a great time spending the night at Margie's family cabin with the beautiful view of Mount Adams (WA) in the background. Nothing like a gal-pal sleep over to catch up with old friends.</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Kirk and Teri~</span></strong></div>
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This year, Kirk and I celebrated 30 years of being together and our 25 year wedding anniversary! On June 25, 1983 we had our first date; we dated 5 years and got married July 16, 1988. The 1983 photo was taken a month after we started dating and I had one of the kids take a quick photo of us a week before our anniversary as Kirk headed out the door to leave for Memphis since he was going to miss our actual anniversary day because of work.</div>
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A sweet gift Kelsie and Joe made. </div>
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There are rice krispie treats in the foil kisses.</div>
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Our fixer upper house continues to consume much of our time. For me, being a DIYer is a full time job. I work on the house while the kids are at school, and when Kirk is home on his time off from flying, we work on the house together. In 2013, we focused on the exterior of the house, finishing the front porch, and beginning taking down the vinyl siding replacing it with fiber cement siding. The laundry room also got demo'ed and updated, making the interior of this house officially complete. {click <a href="http://2616countyroad33.blogspot.com/">THIS LINK</a> for all the home renovation pictures I've posted so far} We will have our home all the way complete to sell in March. So far 4 different inquiries have been made to us about purchasing this house with two of the inquiries being very serious. One inquiry is a couple who own all the farm property around us and really want to buy the house. They are very sweet people who make frequent follow-ups; when ever they drive down our country road, they stop by to say "hi" and check in on, "are you still planning to move"... "let us know when you are ready to sell". The other serious inquiry is a family who are both teachers at the same school our kids attend just .5 miles down the country road. We prayed for God to bring us a London family with children for this house, and we believe He brought us the Lockett family. As it is, they are living in their motor home looking for a house with a little land that fits in their budget. Our house is on 2 acres and will be the lowest priced house in the London ISD. The average priced home on the market in London ISD is $375,000-$425,000 (average) with a number of homes $500,000-$650,000 on 1 acre lots. Come March time frame when the house is completed, the Lockett family will have the first right of refusal for purchasing this house. They are in a good position to move right in when the time comes. Only God knows how the sale of our house will unfold, but we are confident what ever happens, this house will sell fast. </div>
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Andrew, Joe, Jessie, and Kelsie on Christmas morning.</div>
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As this photo was taken, Dad (Kirk) sits in Memphis and misses celebrating Christmas morning with us this year.</div>
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Kelsie's college room mate, Emily, flew down on a oneway ticket for a visit to end our year. Kelsie and Emily left to drive back to TN on Jan 6th for the start of their second semester at Lee.</div>
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With 2013 now behind us, we look forward to all that 2014 has to bring which will include a move to another state once Andrew graduates this spring from high school. There will be many new adventures ahead~teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-29120911138071772992013-07-25T21:25:00.000-05:002013-07-25T21:25:32.902-05:00Getting Into the Groove2013 is already OVER half over... in a handful of days it will already be August. CRAZY!<br />
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I've been reflecting on my <a href="http://teri-free2bme-aspirations.blogspot.com/">dreams and aspirations for this year</a> and although I've done pretty good with most of them, I have allowed myself to get distracted and off track with all of them over this spring/summer [April, May, June, July]. I feel as though I've literally lost a several months because I lost focus... I lost my groove. End of school year activities and the kids being home on summer vacation really does a number on a person's "routine" and getting things done, that's for sure. April-June was a blur.<br />
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Now that 3 of my 4 kids are back to school, I'm experiencing small victories of getting back on track and <em>getting into the groove</em>! I love that saying... although my older kids would accuse me of speaking "old people talk" when I say phrases like <em>getting into the groove</em>. With the kids now being back to school, it feels good for me to get back to a good routine during the day and pacing myself on focused DIY tasks on hand each day. <br />
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Over the next several months, I will be mov'in and groov'in on my 2013 list of things I want to accomplish by the year end. I'm excited to have some new "before and after" photos on our Home Renovation which continues to be an ongoing project. And although I've maintained a 25 pound weight loss from when I started my journey to healthy eating and exercise last Sept 2012, I am getting back in the groove with using MyFitnessPal. This program helps me stay disciplined and focused so I can drop the rest of the 15 pounds by year end to hit my healthy weight goal of a total loss of 40 pounds [weight I gained between 2009-2012].<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am excited to proclaim it feels good to be</span> </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>GETTING INTO THE GROOVE!</em></span></strong></div>
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teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-41551785232636642322013-05-28T18:52:00.001-05:002013-05-29T18:42:33.569-05:00Traci Eccles~ Longview teacher first to earn national certification <strong>It makes me sad there is so much evil in society; people who do things to hurt other people. Whether to deliberately hurt them out of vengeance, or hurt them as a result of selfishly covering their own mistakes not realizing the harm to others, evil is all around us on a daily basis. God's Word tells us, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21 NIV) </strong><br />
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<strong>My sister, Traci Eccles, has had her share of evil in the past five years and she inspires me as she continues to move forward in her life to overcome evil [with good]. I blog today about Traci to share her story of one evil she is currently dealing with. </strong><br />
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* After of traumatic experience with being sexually harassed by a co-worker five years ago, Traci found herself crushed by a "good old boys" network of which her harasser had a key position of power.<br />
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* Traci settled with the school district and resigned from her job believing it would be the best way to leave the emotionally damaging experience behind so that she could remove herself from the negative environment and find employment teaching in another school district.<br />
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* Unfortunately, the school district blatantly violated every part of their end of the agreement after the resignation creating a smear campaign against Traci which resulted in her more or less being black balled in the area she lived. Traci chose to leave the state in order to get a job in education, which she did; she has a 20 year spotless record of excellence in her profession and was offered a job promptly in the state of Texas to live close to me and my family.<br />
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* An inaccurate article about the sexual harassment appeared in the local Longview Daily News Paper during this time that effectively turned the tables on her by making Traci look like the villain and her harasser the victim. She believed at the time that after everything she had already come up against, she had no recourse about these printed lies. However, Traci knew that any critical reader would see right through the article because it is written with such flagrant bias that it is almost comical.<br />
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<strong>Why does this matter five years later? </strong><br />
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* This negative (inaccurate) article from 2008 continues to be the very first hit on any Google search that includes her name, Traci Eccles. Oddly, it connects in no way to any other name in the article or the district itself. In fact, you can put in the title of the article and it does not come up in a Google search.<br />
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* Traci has relocated back to the Vancouver area and is currently looking for a teaching position.<br />
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* Nearly every employer these days relies heavily on checking the online reputation of potential hires before even considering interviewing a candidate for a job (especially in teaching).<br />
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* Less than one year before the negative and slanderous article was published in The Daily News, they did a full page article with a picture raving about the first ever Nationally Certified teacher in the district (who happened to be Traci Eccles!)<br />
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* This article has [somehow] been blocked [by The Daily New] so that it does not come up on a Google search even if the exact title is used. And it does not come up in a search of her name or any combination of words in the title.<br />
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<strong>What can we do to help Traci?</strong><br />
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* All she wants is a fair chance at employment by allowing both articles (published in the same newspaper less than a year apart) to appear on the first page of a Google search of her name. Any employer who sees both articles would hopefully be able to see that something very strange was at play here.<br />
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* Most people are aware that the amount of traffic (number of hits) a particular Internet article gets is what determines order on what comes up on a search. It is ridiculous to believe that there are so many people looking at the negative article on a daily basis five years later, that it would remain on the top as number one. This has been investigated and it could only be accomplished through internal linking to other high traffic pages at its source (The Daily News). In the same way, it is only possible for the newspapers own webmasters to prevent the positive article from getting any traffic by making it almost impossible to find. If you do link to it and you try to print it, it will print blank.<br />
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<strong>HOW YOU CAN HELP!!! I have included the link to the hidden article below...it is very difficult to locate through a basic Google search. If it does start to get hits, I would not be surprised if the link ends up being quickly broken. If you feel led to help, all you need to do, is click on that link to The Daily News article once, or many times, closing out each time. Don't feel you need to read it, it really isn't that interesting... although I'm VERY PROUD of my sister for achieving this accomplishment. </strong><br />
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<center>
<img alt="" height="332" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tdn.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/ea/4ea30760-c98d-5856-bcf0-7a4e127bfa82/4ea30760-c98d-5856-bcf0-7a4e127bfa82.preview-300.jpg" width="400" /></center>
<a href="http://tdn.com/business/local/longview-teacher-first-to-earn-national-certification/article_bf7209a6-8869-5921-abd8-92334980904b.html">http://tdn.com/business/local/longview-teacher-first-to-earn-national-certification/article_bf7209a6-8869-5921-abd8-92334980904b.html</a><br />
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<strong>My hope is with the help of people LIKE YOU who believe in what's right, this hidden article gets so many hits that it ends up somewhere on the first page of a Google search of any one searching her name so that future employers see the positive. Also by writing this blog post, perhaps a future employer might stumble on the article through this venue. God is in control!</strong><br />
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<strong>Traci has left this awful experience in the past but it still seems to haunt her. She is an awesome teacher, sister, and friend. God will bless Traci's faithfulness to Him as she trusts in His providence in her life. </strong><br />
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<strong>To the "good old boys" in Longview... </strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">...as for you, you meant evil against Traci, </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">but God meant it for good.</span></em> </strong></div>
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<strong>(personalized from Genesis 50:20 ESV)</strong></div>
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<strong>I am confident everything happens for a reason, and God will bring much good out of Traci's trials. Please include Traci in your prayers as the Lord may lead.</strong></div>
teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-14989278201471799212013-05-26T19:09:00.001-05:002013-05-26T19:12:20.929-05:00Memory Verses # 10 and #11The past couple weeks have been crazy with end of school events and one mini crisis after another. God is always faithful and with His strength and constant presence, I am doing A-ok despite the craziness.<br />
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Siesta Scripture Memory Team verse for May 15 is from Romans 12:14 (NIV)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Bless those who persecute you;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">bless and do not curse.</span></div>
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Siesta Scripture Memory Team verse for June 1 continues with Romans 12:15-16 (GOD'S WORD Translation)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Be happy with those who are happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Be sad with those who are sad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Live in harmony with each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Don't be arrogant, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">but be friendly to humble people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Don't think that you are</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> smarter than you really are.</span> </div>
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Thank you Jesus that you are my example to follow.</div>
teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-39730206508909325542013-05-03T15:02:00.003-05:002013-05-03T15:04:31.189-05:00SSMT Verse #9<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I need this word! This is my memory verse #9. May 1-15, </span><a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/05/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-9.html/comment-page-54#comment-475323"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SSMT 2013</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Be joyful in hope, </strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>patient in affliction, </strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>faithful in prayer.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Romans 12:12 NIV </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>PRAYER: </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>Lord, help me in these areas... </strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>in Jesus Name, AMEN.</strong></em></span></div>
teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-82737401412073816072013-04-16T10:12:00.000-05:002013-04-18T07:49:17.429-05:00Siesta Scripture Memory Team, Verse #8<br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">"...In this world you will have trouble. </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">But take heart! </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">I have overcome the world."</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">John 16:33 (NIV) </span></em></strong><a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/04/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-8.html"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">SSMT #8</span></em></strong></a></div>
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This is Jesus speaking to his disciples- His closest followers- in the upper room during the Last Supper prior to His crucifixion. He is also speaking to you and I- His current day disciples/followers, through this verse. <br />
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I chose this verse to plant in my mind and heart because this world is indeed filled with trouble and I need the encouragement from Christ, that He gives me in this verse. <br />
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As I read between the lines, I am reminded that "this world" is my temporary home... that my time in "this world" is only for a moment compared to the eternal home I have with Christ in paradise. <br />
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In different Bible translations, the word "trouble" in this verse (John 16:33) also translates to, tribulation, oppression, difficulties, suffering, distress, and frustration. That pretty much covers much of what we go through in our everyday lives here on earth, "in this world". <br />
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When Christ states He has "overcome the world", I am again encouraged that His death "in this world" was only a death of His physical body. He lived His life on earth sin free in a world filled with sin. He rose from the dead three days after a brutal crucifixion for the sacrifice of all sinners who believe in Him and is alive. He gives this same gift of life with Him here in this world AND eternally in paradise to anyone who believes in Him. Christ Jesus has indeed overcome the world. This reality, I surely take heart!<br />
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Today I begin to memorize John 16:33 with an attitude of gratitude to Jesus that He is my Savior. Through Him I share in His victory and joy that He has overcome the world for you and me!teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-13928332715990875092013-03-28T10:01:00.002-05:002013-04-02T10:27:52.144-05:00Soul Cancer~<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Cancer is a serious health issue; it has
touched my life through family members who have battled it- breast cancer,
ovarian cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, and leukemia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cancer affects the health and drains energy
from the body of those enduring with it; it can kill when left untreated. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Although I have personally not fought the
battle of a physical cancer of the body, I do know what it’s like to battle a
cancer of the soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">My Story<o:p></o:p></span></em></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">On the outside, it appeared I was living
the good life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a stay home mom
married to a pilot in the military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
lived in a nice house in an upscale neighborhood, drove new vehicles, enjoyed
many luxuries, and had what appeared to be a happy family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the reality was my marriage had been falling
apart over time, and emotionally, I was at a point of complete brokenness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most days I put on a happy face so no one
would suspect my reality of brokenness. I was getting real good at the “fake it ‘til I
make it” way of living. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">My lowest point was when I experienced an
emptiness that no amount of faking through it would help. I tried superficial
stimulation like shopping and pampering myself, and that didn’t help. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
sought out inspiration through reading self help books and giving myself positive
pep talks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That didn’t help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began seeking new age spirituality, trying
to find answers to the meaning of life just so I could feel better about myself
and my circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became intrigued
with mediums and spirit guides and the supernatural, knowing I wanted to feel connection
with a higher power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But all these didn’t
help and fell short of improving my condition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Like a cancerous tumor in the body that
grows and can multiply into something big and deadly, cancer of the soul does
the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, it started out with disappointment
of unmet expectations in certain areas of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then add to that, self pity and hurt from being offended by people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worried over rejection, feeling unloved and
unappreciated, and suffered from insecurity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These all grew into anger, resentment, and bitterness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I occasionally entertained thoughts of
revenge toward my offenders. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I
knew it, these emotions were like tumors that rapidly grew and multiplied
invading every aspect of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
a full blown case of soul cancer.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Toward the end of 2001, I was in a place
of complete emotional darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
then when I received a phone call from a lady from down the street in my
neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She called to invite me to
a women’s small group “Bible Study” she was organizing in her home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was also a stay home mom and military wife;
our children occasionally played together, but we had never got to know one
another on a personal level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she
phoned me with the invitation for Bible study, I almost said no, but something
inside me blurted out “sure” and I accepted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Up to this point in life (I was 37 years old), I had never read the
Bible or even knew how to look up verses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">My husband, Kirk, and I both grew up in the
Catholic religion as children and young adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After our school years we fell away from the religion and did not attend
Sunday church services on a regular basis (only 2-4 times a year). Several times in my adult life, I looked
inside the gold edged pages of the Bible we owned, but the words never made
sense and there were too many ye, lest, thy and thou to keep my interest to
keep exploring it’s message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">I arrived at the first Bible study meeting
with the only Bible I owned, a 2” thick oversized Catholic King James Bible my
husband and I had received as a wedding gift; it was awkwardly large.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed the other ladies with more compact
sized Bibles that actually had wording that made sense when read out loud. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I immediately went to the local Christian book
store and bought a new NIV (New International Version) Bible like the ones these
other ladies had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The NIV was a
translation I could understand and relate to (no more ye, lest, thy and thou).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">As I sat in this small group Bible study
for the weeks to come, I learned how to lookup Scripture, I studied a Campus
Crusade for Christ Curriculum on what it means to truly follow Jesus, and learned to pray
from my heart rather than saying a bunch of words I’d learned as a child. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell something was beginning to happen
to my mental well being over this time; the emotions that had kept me in a dark
prison of emptiness were slowly dissolving and I was experiencing life with new
meaning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">I remember on a rainy afternoon as Easter
was approaching, I was sitting in the carpool lane of my kids’ school, and it
was here that I accepted Jesus in my heart as my Lord and Savior. I was
listening to a preacher give a sermon on the radio and at the end of the
program he led a prayer of salvation that I said out loud with him with tears
rolling down my face (tears of joy).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
learned what it meant to be “born again”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> For the first time in my life, I truly felt free and alive. </span>I was a new creation in Christ, the old was
gone the new was here. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kirk and I began
attending “Family Bible Church”, a non-denominational church, with my lady
friend and her family and Kirk too began his journey with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">As I reflect back over the years, I realize God had used a variety of people and circumstances to plant seeds of faith in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In His perfect timing, when I finally got to the end of myself in complete brokenness, God used this Jesus loving lady down the street to invite me to her home for Bible study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of her act of love and obedience to God, He was able to grab hold of my heart and show Himself in a mighty way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up to this point I had shunned anyone who wanted to talk to me about Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to secretly mock those people I called “Jesus freaks”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’d stumble on a Christian radio station, the music/lyrics would make my skin crawl, and I’d quickly change the station to something Top 40 Pop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But not now… things were different. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t stop thinking about Jesus, learning more about Him, and was excited to listen to “Jesus music” on the radio. Through the most supernatural chain of events I’ve ever experienced, my empty darkness was turned to overflowing light through the power of Jesus. I am honored to now be among those I called Jesus freaks.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Soul Cancer is Rooted in Unforgiveness</span></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Easter season 2002, Jesus showed me that my
many tumors- disappointment, self pity, anger, resentment, insecurity,
bitterness, etc.- were emotions rooted in the sin of UNFORGIVENESS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I spent more time getting to know Jesus through Scripture, I felt His
conviction to FORGIVE everyone who had offended and hurt me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Complete forgiveness of everything and
everyone that had hurt me was a hard thing to wrap my mind around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believed what people did was wrong and I
thought if I forgave them I was sending the message to them that what they did to
me was ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought if I held on to my
feelings of anger toward them and their actions, I was punishing them in some
way. Thinking this way is such a lie. The truth of the matter is forgiveness
doesn’t mean I approved of the offenders’ actions and am letting them off the
hook, forgiveness means I am eliminating the emotional poison from my life so
that I could be free of the soul cancer and move on in a healthy way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unforgiveness does not punish the offender,
it punishes the one holding onto the offence. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forgiveness is from the character
of Christ and leads to health, peace and supernatural healing, while
unforgiveness poisons the body and is cancer to the soul leading to death.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Here and Now<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">As we
approach Easter this year, I celebrate the season when I met Jesus on a
personal level, asked Him into my heart, was saved and He cured from soul cancer. I
celebrate this week that over 2000 years ago, Christ Jesus died in my place for the
forgiveness of my sins because He loves me so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just as important as His death on the
cross, He rose again three days later from the dead and lives!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During Easter season in 2002, Jesus saved me
and healed me from a place of darkness and gave me a new life… through His
resurrection, He raised me from the dead life I was living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He restored and rebuilt my marriage to a place
of strength and honor better than it’s ever been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My children have been overflowed with
blessing and favor as a result of Jesus entering my family’s life and curing my
soul cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Lord forgives me, I
too shall forgive others… I never want soul cancer again!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><em>Therefore, as
God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.</em></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span></strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>
</strong><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">(Colossians 3:12-13, NIV) <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/04/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-7.html">SSMT verse #7<em></em></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="color: black;">Do you hold onto any unforgiveness?</span></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you want a cancer free soul? </span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="color: black;">Start today
by leaving judgment, resentment, anger, </span></strong></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;"><strong><span style="color: black;">and revenge in God’s hands.</span></strong> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>PRAYER~</em></strong></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Jesus, Please come
into my life and heal me. I believe you died on the cross to forgive me of my
sins and rose again three days later. I want to live in a way so that I can forgive others as you forgave me.
Do what you need to do to to change my heart and cure me of unforgiveness
toward ___________(name of person). I was hurt when he/she
________________ (name of offense). It made me feel ______________ (unloved,
unworthy, dirty, betrayed, misused, etc.). Through your mighty power Christ
Jesus, I forgive ________ (name of person). I surrender my heart to you, Lord from this
day forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for loving me.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="color: purple;">In Jesus’ name, Amen.</span> </strong></span></div>
teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-80018673799513627592013-03-15T15:42:00.001-05:002013-03-16T10:14:22.089-05:00Motives SSMT Verse #6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I just heard a great sermon by <a href="http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/the-connection/listen/">Skip Heitzig on oneplace.com</a> called, "The Right Thing, The Wrong Way". He talked about our motives behind our actions. The sermon really got me thinking about the many things I do in life thinking it's the right thing, to realize later I went about it the wrong way [with the wrong motives].</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My newest <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/03/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-6.html">SSMT verse</a> will be Proverbs 16:2~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My prayer is that as I plant this truth in my heart, God will give me a fresh awareness to areas I need to surrender to Him. I pray He guides my motives for His kingdom good. The part of this verse that says, "motives are weighed by the Lord", I visualize a balancing scale where He places each motive I have on the scale to "weigh" it's intention. Is my motive heavy in self promotion & meeting self needs to make life more comfortable? Or is it heavy in Lord focus, meeting the will of God in my life to build good character, and meeting Kingdom needs? I want the side of the scale for the Lord to out weigh the side of the scale that is for me. May my motives be focused on Jesus and His glory alone.</span>teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-13549912977820224692013-03-01T20:44:00.001-06:002013-03-01T21:00:56.895-06:00Eyes on Jesus SSMT Verse #5<div style="text-align: left;">
I've always been inspired by the story of Peter walking on water and then sinking when he got distracted (found in Matthew 14:22-33). The many life application lessons from this example are a treasure to me. In a nutshell, it teaches me to always believe, to pray- even short desperate prayers, and to keep my eyes on Jesus no matter the storm and distractions that surround me. With Jesus, I can do the impossible and have my "walk on water" moments as I focus on Him, reach for Him as He assures me, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Matthew 14:27 NIV</div>
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<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=6OKF4gqtORxfsM&tbnid=uRJdTV3Q3KpkJM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saviorsite.com%2Fmiracles-of-jesus%2Fwalking-on-water%2F&ei=jWExUcPADaiE2QX0xYCYAg&bvm=bv.43148975,d.b2I&psig=AFQjCNGYvYWvum0Lt7FQ8I7ceE1GN2RL9A&ust=1362277117756570" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="305" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.saviorsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/jesus-walking-on-water-benjamin-mcpherson.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><sup> </sup><sup>For my <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/03/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-5.html/comment-page-33#comments">Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse # 5</a>, I have chosen to continue in Hebrews (SSMT #4 -Hebrews 12:1) and complete verse 2 for this next two weeks. I've needed this Word pounded in my head and heart to keep me on the right track in my walk of faith.</sup></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Let us keep looking to Jesus. </em></strong></span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Our faith comes from Him </em></strong></span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>and He is the One Who makes it perfect.</em></strong></span></sup></div>
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<sup><span style="font-size: large;">Hebrews 12:2 NLV </span><a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/03/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-5.html/comment-page-33#comments"><span style="font-size: large;">SSMT Verse #5</span></a></sup></div>
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teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-50721792871194515552013-02-15T10:11:00.004-06:002013-03-01T21:03:25.461-06:00Admit, Commit, and Drop~ SSMT verse #4<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have recently been struggling with a couple specific areas in my life that have truly hindered my well being and left me feeling frustrated and defeated. I tell myself "I'll be o.k... I can expose myself to these areas as long as I practice moderation and resist the temptation to fall into the trap of over indulgence". Sadly, I have not done this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God word tells me to <span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">confess your [my] sins to each other and pray for each other so that you [I] may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(James 5:16)</span></span> I am confessing my areas and asking any prayer warriors reading this post to pray for me to break the pattern of over indulgence in these two specific areas and to repent from the sin that results~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, I spend too much time reading FaceBook which initiates mixed feeling thoughts of a small group of people's actions/behavior; most of the people my "mixed feeling" thoughts are toward I don't even really know except through FaceBook. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spend about 60-90 minutes a day (accumulative) on this social network site, but then </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I fall into the trap of filling my mind through the day (many hours worth) of things people posted. We live in a society of people who are</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> narcissistic, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">self centered, and have a desperate need for attention and approval of others and this is the area that I am frustrated about; FaceBook is a breeding ground for this behavior. It causes me sadness to see constant posts from people who fit this catagory; I take it as an opportunity to pray for these people. I wonder, am I also posting things that are narcisstic, self centered, or a need for attention and approval of others? Yet, even though I know the time I spend on this website could be used for more productive things, I continue, thinking I see a lot of good things on FaceBook that encourages me. Why does the bad stuff consume my thoughts and lead me astray in my thought life? I enjoy FaceBook for the purpose of keeping in touch with friends and family, many of who are long distance from where I live. I like seeing their family photos and keeping in touch with what's going on in their lives. For this reason, FaceBook is good and I will miss the connection I get in this way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second, I struggle with </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">over eating chocolate candy which results in unhealthy, high empty calorie consumption. I've always loved chocolate candy since my youth and have had many binges in this area! I suppose a person like myself who comes from addictive behavior genetics, chocolate isn't a bad thing to be addicted to when you consider some of the alternatives. But no matter the temporary comfort I receive from eating chocolate candy, it's false, not healthy and leaves me with the feeling of shame and remorse. I try to exercise portion control, but I fool myself and one piece results in a spiral of an all or noting attitude; 1 piece of candy ends up being 20+ pieces of candy; one candy bar ends up being 6 candy bars. This is not good for my physical body or a way to honor God spiritually. I recognize, to some extent, chocolate candy has turned into a false god. May sound silly, but for me is true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have selected my memory verse for <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/02/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-4.html">Siesta Scripture Memory Team (SSMT) Verse #4</a> from Hebrews. This verse is God's loving encouragement to me to put these things out of my life... these things that keep me from what I should be doing (NLV) or like the Voice translation states, I am to <b>drop</b> every extra weight, every sin that clings to me and slackens my pace, the run that God has set before me. Thinking about it, why would I want these things in my way to slow me down... to weight me down in my long race called life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As someone who has recently started running for exercise, this verse speaks to me on so many levels!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>All these many people who have had faith in God are around us like a cloud. Let us put every thing out of our lives that keeps us from doing what we should. Let us keep running in the race that God has planned for us.</i> </b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Hebrews 12:1 </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Life Version (NLV) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/02/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-4.html">SSMT Verse #4</a></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...let us drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and slackens our pace,</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and let us run with endurance the long race set before us.</span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> (The Voice Translation)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>PRAYER</u>: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Lord, help me live out this verse! Going forward today, I want to let go of these things that hold me back, so that I can focus on doing what I should... focus on You! I pray this in your holy name, Jesus, Amen.</strong></span>
teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-24988154313084583662013-02-12T22:31:00.000-06:002013-02-12T22:48:35.035-06:00Color Me Rad 5KIf you had told me 6 months ago that I would run a 5K race (3.1 miles) just a handful of weeks after the new year, I would have NOT believed you and would have thought you were talking about someone else. I would have thought, "me??? ...a 5K?... at my age... are you kidding, my body is too out of shape... No way!"<br />
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Well, fast forward 6 months, and I say,<em> <span style="font-size: large;">"YES, WAY!"</span></em><br />
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Six months ago, I got a smart phone and with it was introduced to the wonderful world of "apps". Among my first two phone apps I installed was <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">MyFitnessPal</a> (a calorie journal and social media place for accountability) and <a href="http://runkeeper.com/home">RunKeeper</a>. I originally wanted <a href="http://runkeeper.com/home">RunKeeper</a> as a way to GPS my walking activity so I knew how many calories I was burning if I decided to exercise (walking has typically been my exercise of choice). But when I looked over the app, there was a real neat selection of training programs to choose from, so I decided to choose the simplest looking program called Beginner 5K. I liked the idea of having an exercise program all mapped out for me and the workout reminders sent on the day of workouts were also a bonus. I didn't even know what a 5K was when I chose this program, I just knew the training started me off slow and would build my endurance over time. I began the 8 week Beginner 5K training program just 4 months ago, in October 2012, as a very out of shape girl who could barely catch her breathe after jogging 100 yards. It was about the second or third day of training I heard about the <a href="http://www.colormerad.com/">Color Me Rad 5K</a> that would be coming to my city in early February raising money for our local Ronald McDonald House charity. Something inside me clicked and I knew I needed to participate in this race to keep me motivated to stick with the training. Having this 5K goal to strive for kept me committed and accountable.<br />
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After I officially registered, I began getting more and more excited about <a href="http://www.colormerad.com/">Color Me Rad 5K</a>. I loved the sound of this race where the participants get "color bombed" with bright colored powder (corn starch) randomly through the race and at the finish line. Participants can run, jog, or walk, whatever they choose. The main thing was to just do get out there and have fun. I figured if I died while trying to finish this race, at least I'd have some fun doing it. As my Beginner 5K training ended it's 8 week time frame in the middle of December, I continued on my own to train over the month of January in preparation for <a href="http://www.colormerad.com/">Color Me Rad</a>.<br />
<br />I didn't want to go it alone, so I also registered my 11 year old daughter, Jessie, to join me and also invited others from our school district to join in on the fun. Jessie and I ran the race together as a mom and daughter bonding time and we actually jogged a nice slow pace (11.5 minute mile) finishing the entire 3.1 miles without stopping to walk! This accomplishment was to both our surprise since neither one of us had ever endured this distance non stop before!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MXawtEBWRV-jADE5UP5qg8lG6FECnD084Or9QEjs5UGHhIY043jdJ35CIgozG3wJejYESZi1HX-ylEmJWFLbR0MeYyRoKZfMLNRrw-dbtzrQCTw7AXTUs7nKpkePe6baU1vmumhcH14/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MXawtEBWRV-jADE5UP5qg8lG6FECnD084Or9QEjs5UGHhIY043jdJ35CIgozG3wJejYESZi1HX-ylEmJWFLbR0MeYyRoKZfMLNRrw-dbtzrQCTw7AXTUs7nKpkePe6baU1vmumhcH14/s400/IMG_0670.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousands of people getting ready for the race on this beautiful 75 degree Saturday morning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessie and I open our first color packets to officially get the party started!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We jogged side by side nearly the entire race, but when Jessie saw the finish line, she started to sprint because she was so tired and just wanted it to be over. (Jessie yellow circle in front, I'm right behind her)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YES! passing through the finish line!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One cool, RAD, girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had had such a great time... we can't wait to do it again next year!!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Now that I've completed my first 5K, I'm addicted to 5K runs that have a twist of fun. I'm amazed at how many are out there and am filling my calendar with other fun races through the year to stay motivated, to stay fit, and to support local charities through the fund raising efforts of 5K sponsors. I'm a firm believer, that if I can do a 5K, anyone can!</span></div>
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(promo video to see the fun of a Color Me Rad 5K!)</div>
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teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-38514411582882636662013-02-07T08:38:00.000-06:002013-02-07T08:40:24.378-06:00Fear...<span style="font-size: large;">of the unknown!</span> The unknown effects everybody, but whether or not we let it cause any fear is a choice we make.<br />
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I have a number of fears (snakes, big spiders, hospitals, just to name a few), but the one that has gotten me lately in life is my fear of the unknown location we'll end up living. My husband has recently started a new job, and over this year, 2013, we are in prayer about whether or not we should move to a different region in the country or stay put right where we are. This decision is big for us, because we are determined that when and if we move, it will be our last move, and if we stay, we stay for good! We desire so badly to settle in a location and put down deep roots, develop deep friendships we don't sever, and plant ourself into our chosen community in a deep way; something that has been hard to do over the course of Kirk's military career (moving over 7 regions in the US / 15 different addresses in 20 years).<br />
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The fear plays in through the different factors we must consider in making the <em>right</em> decision for our family... the well being of our children (education, safety and crime rate, etc.), living closer to extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins), climate changes to adjust to, financial affordability of the location, and overall quality of life.<br />
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Through this next year as we live with our unknown future living location, God is reminding me not to be anxious and do not fear the unknown. He reminds me of His constant faithfulness in our life and how He always provides for us. I have selected my <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/02/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-3.html">SSMT Verse #3</a> to help me remember God has my back. As I abide in Him, He will strengthen and help me; as we pray for direction, He will make our way clear... I have no reason to fear~<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Do not fear, </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>for I am with you;</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><strong>do not be dismayed, </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><strong>for I am your God.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><strong>I will strengthen you</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><strong>and help you;</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><strong>I will uphold you with</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><strong>my righteous right hand.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)</strong></span></div>
teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-19228658655439184052013-01-16T11:07:00.000-06:002013-01-29T19:45:22.176-06:00"To-Do" Lists Help Keep Me Focused!I'm a person that tends to go in multiple directions by nature and have a tendency to be a scatter brain when I don't have a written plan of action to look over. I've learned from an early age to write my goals, make "to-do" lists, etc.. When I don't have "to-do" tasks written out, they often times don't get done in a timely manner or not even at all!<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><strong><em>An intelligent person aims at wise action,</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><strong><em>but a fool starts off in many directions.</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Proverbs 17:24</strong> (Good News Translation- GNT)</span></div>
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<a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/01/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-2.html">SSMT Verse #2</a> </div>
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The above verse is my memory verse for the next couple weeks. I chose this verse because it shouts at me with encouragement! Yes, I have been a fool in the past "a fool in many directions", and hope this year, I will be an "intelligent person" who "aims at wise action". I am back to faithful "to-do" lists this year (short term and long term) and written goals. Each memory verse I choose is written in a spiral notebook that I keep close for quick reference. I am excited to experience the victory of marking off tasks from my "to-do" lists as they get accomplished.</div>
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As far as memorizing Scripture~ I am so excited Siesta Scripture Memory Team (SSMT) is back for 2013! Siesta Mama, Beth Moore, started SSMT through <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/">her blog community</a> in 2009. We have made a team every other year since the 2009 with this year our third. [If you are interested in joining the memory verse team, <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/01/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-1.html">HERE</a> is the link for instructions]<br />
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As part of the team, all who commit to be involved for the year, memorizes a Scripture of their choice on the 1st and 15th of each month. We are encouraged not to JUST memorize the written word, but to plant the word (scripture) so deep in our hearts that we live it out in our daily lives. For me, memorizing Scripture keeps me grounded, balanced and spiritually healthy; my goal is to reflect the character of Christ as much as I can and give Him the honor and glory.<br />
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OK, enough blogging, it's time to go conquer my "TO-DO'S" for today!teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-76133857845329318102013-01-15T08:56:00.002-06:002013-01-16T11:11:16.394-06:002012... A Year at a GlanceI had set a goal this would be a year where I would focus on making my life more SIMPLE. Little did I realize blogging would fall on my list of things I would end up cutting away in the name of simplicity. SIMPLICITY is good, but I think at times it's also overrated. I really have missed the outlet blogging gives me to share "happenings" of my life and all that God is doing to make me the best I can be.<br />
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As I reflect on the past year, I am chuckling inside at as hard as I tried to keep things in my life more simple, the reality is in this season of life, things tend to be far from simple. Any middle aged woman with a family can testify to this! I can try as hard as I may, but family and all our different "happenings" is in a season that is busy, complicated, sometimes stressful and wonderful at the same time is not simple.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">January 2012</span></strong><br />
<strong>The year began with two immediate burdens. The first, Kirk took a job as a temporary means (one year commitment) </strong><strong>as a civilian defense contractor flying in Afghanistan. This job was a blessing for him </strong><strong>to stay current and earn some income while he waited to get a commercial flying offer in the US. The other burden was to fix a VERY messed up garage from bottom to top. This garage was in bad shape when we bought our "fixer upper", but had deteriorated even more in the past two years. I got to start the garage project on my own since Kirk left for Afghanistan January 9.</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Garage issues~ the foundation needed major repairs on most of the sides since the original structure was built MANY YEARS AGO as a pole barn with the walls framed on top of pressure treated wood laying directly on dirt floors! Needles to say, pressure treated wood on top of dirt eventually rots!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many roof issues, too. Repairs and a re-roofing was necessary.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got to use my new cement mixer I received for Christmas (2011) to pour cement footings around the perimeter of the garage! I jacked the sagging wall and used temporary beams to hold the structure up.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mixing my mud! I love it!!!</span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">February 2012</span></strong><br />
<strong>Andrew finishes his high school swim year very strong! Andrew had constant improvements on his freestyle times. His Relay team broke two school records this year (200 Free Relay and 200 Medley Relay) and broke one District Record (200 Medley Relay). We are certainly proud of our "Beast".</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD15Bq-j4cx-sLITix57KB68a4uZEv1hh8u0snCBEjBTQxuzZFUiDEQQtsaGxN7q72uSKarTc_9g1cF8x5tRGWQCOZGqBUofhpLgsm7oxQMgyuG1AYc3Q49BVcrq5_qTRT3mD132V4KA/s1600/SWIM+2012+District.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD15Bq-j4cx-sLITix57KB68a4uZEv1hh8u0snCBEjBTQxuzZFUiDEQQtsaGxN7q72uSKarTc_9g1cF8x5tRGWQCOZGqBUofhpLgsm7oxQMgyuG1AYc3Q49BVcrq5_qTRT3mD132V4KA/s400/SWIM+2012+District.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew is third guy from the left (in the back)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOny8y7cC3CnaaoU31uwZK_0f9zLIfkPBeQbhR4Sw-xpvabyrG2i3gSGB75pZr5oJ0O_tUd4Petbjw2_zUEoFsM_bk9WG8GifODf24hsLEZ2j5Zqo7p2N8aFt6kmSke6EpD4fNJVXZO4/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOny8y7cC3CnaaoU31uwZK_0f9zLIfkPBeQbhR4Sw-xpvabyrG2i3gSGB75pZr5oJ0O_tUd4Petbjw2_zUEoFsM_bk9WG8GifODf24hsLEZ2j5Zqo7p2N8aFt6kmSke6EpD4fNJVXZO4/s400/IMG_0017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">March 2012</span></strong></div>
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<strong>Kirk comes home this month from being away in Afghanistan for 73 days.</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HF013gJV_nElV80V30w3dFvs0DHJ7kax9-rIHXpMzSsDrYQ3rzLhwcuudlMCoLm7tutimYVnio08PmCabcG_eGqp6de8vRZii2RxAB_d9fOUd1K0duqxvbrpPq2Ug7-ritwhchAjSN4/s1600/OOPS_+I+forgot+the+sunscreen_+(compressed).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HF013gJV_nElV80V30w3dFvs0DHJ7kax9-rIHXpMzSsDrYQ3rzLhwcuudlMCoLm7tutimYVnio08PmCabcG_eGqp6de8vRZii2RxAB_d9fOUd1K0duqxvbrpPq2Ug7-ritwhchAjSN4/s400/OOPS_+I+forgot+the+sunscreen_+(compressed).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot something VERY important when going out for a couple hours to mow our 2 acre property... OUCH! Lesson learned.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02ZDCHz6W1APSYhHy8FH2tUrtcd_PaiUOOSzctG6krab7PW47PAN7SgmTRZlmjQWj65Ory2GB4y0Xv3U1DOONperbz7VvFbln_HdnpS-a4RvmPClHumWZ_PfiWtMZc1bKxeFhV3c6a7U/s1600/Andrew+with+snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02ZDCHz6W1APSYhHy8FH2tUrtcd_PaiUOOSzctG6krab7PW47PAN7SgmTRZlmjQWj65Ory2GB4y0Xv3U1DOONperbz7VvFbln_HdnpS-a4RvmPClHumWZ_PfiWtMZc1bKxeFhV3c6a7U/s400/Andrew+with+snake.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First week of March, while walking home from school, Andrew called me on his cell phone to bring his gun. He killed the first rattle snake of the year- about 3 foot long (6 rattles).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew, Joe, Jessie, and Kelsie.<br />
Kelsie surprises us at home in Texas with a visit from college (TN) over her spring break.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbx5FRJhC_oJMHYULg_H9ie1fff_A4pq1uJBGuWeTOqwWshJuy3tt_Va4s6JGA7dDc5rHLtPcj9W7OOfZISjjTEBRB-nb0OhnzdsLrjB89EcMdoifX2ub737Q8fcA8qP3Nt3K9Gl0QJI/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbx5FRJhC_oJMHYULg_H9ie1fff_A4pq1uJBGuWeTOqwWshJuy3tt_Va4s6JGA7dDc5rHLtPcj9W7OOfZISjjTEBRB-nb0OhnzdsLrjB89EcMdoifX2ub737Q8fcA8qP3Nt3K9Gl0QJI/s400/IMG_0089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garage project continues!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7nSpze5SnuVPJOuIvO2N5uIk_uuBHPKCsOAYXhsn7-LIkB1dl1qgo0SydQqkMWnPLQ5s7EdKJDsQS4tPJLnpGSSjtcBXy5p-qDV1KyHN2_fWAkJvawtag7SRg7AYFdbhz51V1IJ379M/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7nSpze5SnuVPJOuIvO2N5uIk_uuBHPKCsOAYXhsn7-LIkB1dl1qgo0SydQqkMWnPLQ5s7EdKJDsQS4tPJLnpGSSjtcBXy5p-qDV1KyHN2_fWAkJvawtag7SRg7AYFdbhz51V1IJ379M/s400/IMG_0093.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kirk came home end of March, and we decided the whole side of the garage was too rotten to not rebuild, so we demolished it and rebuilt it.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><strong>April 2012</strong></span></div>
<strong>As a treat for having been a single parent for the past couple months, Kirk gave me a "vacation" and I flew to WA state for 6 days to visit my family (mom, dad, sister, brother, etc.) My sister, Traci (a high school teacher), was on her spring break this time frame, so we got to hang out the entire time at mom and dad's house!</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMxz0hSQT_v4L9F91KQFRL-MA_lraQZNNl-jYZvEbYYiZYMT6K0kgezuApKeojIqx10SgpEonfkhs3Fig_F3kMLRn5awXCZVqq2_0znjYEbuGjVZZkptutf6YlLgOzWUDGd3ERvdQMLA/s1600/April+2012+Family+Picture+unedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMxz0hSQT_v4L9F91KQFRL-MA_lraQZNNl-jYZvEbYYiZYMT6K0kgezuApKeojIqx10SgpEonfkhs3Fig_F3kMLRn5awXCZVqq2_0znjYEbuGjVZZkptutf6YlLgOzWUDGd3ERvdQMLA/s400/April+2012+Family+Picture+unedited.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traci, Curtis, (me) Teri<br />
Dad and Mom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tITtYKjcYD89a43MHu5MHNxRd3pwM1rKZOnFlM7mKJljgcQTTH20D5czqIhAt7-DX4oEUuTSZnjuK7rH16tEU82j_Jr040uQZLUjNSFg2Uq4fJGty-JYr5cONMW75tPNMqzu_o-zqZ8/s1600/April+2012+Meeting+Emily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tITtYKjcYD89a43MHu5MHNxRd3pwM1rKZOnFlM7mKJljgcQTTH20D5czqIhAt7-DX4oEUuTSZnjuK7rH16tEU82j_Jr040uQZLUjNSFg2Uq4fJGty-JYr5cONMW75tPNMqzu_o-zqZ8/s400/April+2012+Meeting+Emily.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I get to meet my niece, Emily, for the first time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftciOR__-mChkOFW6BhYGV_eWRNFHdCZuRWR9-WSB13xbVHGVP3qRmR2rUFSAsgBwYnixMzoXz4wLJ6ZyS9W2HCvZHkgrfiOoApb5Ov2duPFjqlIMUTXolwCumY4vsRTJiwlWjccI83w/s1600/April+2012+Curtis+Eccles+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftciOR__-mChkOFW6BhYGV_eWRNFHdCZuRWR9-WSB13xbVHGVP3qRmR2rUFSAsgBwYnixMzoXz4wLJ6ZyS9W2HCvZHkgrfiOoApb5Ov2duPFjqlIMUTXolwCumY4vsRTJiwlWjccI83w/s400/April+2012+Curtis+Eccles+Family.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristina, Emily, Bryson, and Curtis (my brother)<br />
Love you guys!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6RWC1JNAFTNndaC7ZhtWbtEGO9dkRx-6o5bECUGF843AYbmmzs0C9V-3M7tV9AsIYQBQ2D8uWfKWC5eVnQe6ek1u9Z39FbBvj80KKsbsAPywylED4fU9Gs-RIFeK7Eo3L2n1H0LitOA/s1600/April+2012+Eccles+Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6RWC1JNAFTNndaC7ZhtWbtEGO9dkRx-6o5bECUGF843AYbmmzs0C9V-3M7tV9AsIYQBQ2D8uWfKWC5eVnQe6ek1u9Z39FbBvj80KKsbsAPywylED4fU9Gs-RIFeK7Eo3L2n1H0LitOA/s400/April+2012+Eccles+Kids.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eccles Kids<br />
Emily, Tyler, and Bryson</td></tr>
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<strong></strong>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvFWLatxLKvCVQF-pbIyVAZxdD4JXk8QKotJmkh-Ktq3DdS4CV44DdmIJr8ZMm5RvuVkBl6iumYof7TOivQfmS3pvgffiBEUuAUZeU27Tcl3O2rDI06hjJLtlMcTSV-VB5j6yVQPhE9Q/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvFWLatxLKvCVQF-pbIyVAZxdD4JXk8QKotJmkh-Ktq3DdS4CV44DdmIJr8ZMm5RvuVkBl6iumYof7TOivQfmS3pvgffiBEUuAUZeU27Tcl3O2rDI06hjJLtlMcTSV-VB5j6yVQPhE9Q/s400/IMG_0115.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The week before Kirk leaves to go back to Afghanistan, we tried to finish the cement fiber board siding on the garage... we didn't quite finish it all the way.</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">May 2012</span></strong><br />
<b>Kids winding down their school year preparing for summer break, as Kirk prepares to go on another rotation out of the country.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR6Lu6d2FDBUc6q_MbTcjKoypxPgmEk_j3ZIStzCtBrfEDMBVkaXCWQ33TRtE9ZB0xFJrAmsf0hbrlPFLAHx3mwc8-djIjWVEkb72rA6JBwmSBiGhacfLwv_sXCEFDl4NZMe6R1Lu4zE/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR6Lu6d2FDBUc6q_MbTcjKoypxPgmEk_j3ZIStzCtBrfEDMBVkaXCWQ33TRtE9ZB0xFJrAmsf0hbrlPFLAHx3mwc8-djIjWVEkb72rA6JBwmSBiGhacfLwv_sXCEFDl4NZMe6R1Lu4zE/s400/IMG_0126.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teri and Kirk...<br />
Family time at the beach the day before Kirk leaves to go back to Afghanistan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiErq5nBXnHZNG-DP7By0SgKvrvthTmr4hG29IjdB8Go0nz3AEIjcTyQUUHpWo9k_yDIFwnu34dLxS5p8JycW5OC5azuqqq_7Iz-oz84dypVXm4R0iR8LDPRdpuf-5t-ZCmyCNy6R2xl4/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiErq5nBXnHZNG-DP7By0SgKvrvthTmr4hG29IjdB8Go0nz3AEIjcTyQUUHpWo9k_yDIFwnu34dLxS5p8JycW5OC5azuqqq_7Iz-oz84dypVXm4R0iR8LDPRdpuf-5t-ZCmyCNy6R2xl4/s400/IMG_0195.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...since Kirk and I didn't finish the siding before he left the country, I finished the back and front (top lap siding and all the trim) on my own, as well as installation of a new garage light on the front. Yeah me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjo5RBmYaR0vh48Xu7UUYh2JEU4zBaXa3NpUHEnITIYlCskCSOZdGU4PHNlLaMu9WYB01t-RSLt-Uqa1fUt6UNRYOYnV2Xcnbka2chhXLs5JRxn74o4Z-zYHhohdav40mur63vuX9mMU/s1600/IMG_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjo5RBmYaR0vh48Xu7UUYh2JEU4zBaXa3NpUHEnITIYlCskCSOZdGU4PHNlLaMu9WYB01t-RSLt-Uqa1fUt6UNRYOYnV2Xcnbka2chhXLs5JRxn74o4Z-zYHhohdav40mur63vuX9mMU/s400/IMG_0163.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelsie came home from college and wasted no time getting ready for her new summer job as camp counselor at "Camp Travis" children's summer camp. Jessie and Joe help Kelsie make a poster for the first week of camp.</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">June 2012</span></strong><br />
<strong>With the kids being out of school and Kirk in Afghanistan, we kept things low key and worked on projects around the house. Andrew helped take the vinyl siding off the front in prep of building a new front porch and re-siding it with fiber cement board.</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtJgTrQ7pdWwt1giaPfO1MhY1b_pkCtWoantrMD0d7hshYWvdWDcup_3mErP84bA3g-H4_f5snkGU7TPzajwLWRiIqIxzaBVMzX69e0Lfvn-yhMDN7AMf6Nijy83T4l5anOMpGU9Wyik/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtJgTrQ7pdWwt1giaPfO1MhY1b_pkCtWoantrMD0d7hshYWvdWDcup_3mErP84bA3g-H4_f5snkGU7TPzajwLWRiIqIxzaBVMzX69e0Lfvn-yhMDN7AMf6Nijy83T4l5anOMpGU9Wyik/s400/IMG_0236.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew busy helping me take down old siding. He was paid $10.00 an hour for his work on the house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEEezVsEcRX3rxVnPCV5ldNfnTlBgn9zRPKo5wEMokOOsFPcuZzLlSb0itcDM7DouoVCHi7DXVX2-o6kifgiO1iH0rVL-SsokMI7u1E7NSPNEqoWK0Jm9ZOae-hf-1z1Do2tlBiPv_zM/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEEezVsEcRX3rxVnPCV5ldNfnTlBgn9zRPKo5wEMokOOsFPcuZzLlSb0itcDM7DouoVCHi7DXVX2-o6kifgiO1iH0rVL-SsokMI7u1E7NSPNEqoWK0Jm9ZOae-hf-1z1Do2tlBiPv_zM/s400/IMG_0229.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew decides to use some of his earned money to buy lumber to build a skateboard ramp in the back yard with plans he found on the internet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1RRGCd0PsvofpqWhHHnXlgXbj2TmrPMV5vkYPzY5qsf9CXpzjyrtiFusozto9wZV7ugrmdpM1Aw-S6mNlAqTkjJGMMG1JLClNZq-uoxVYUknf_g4XhoMNAX8DE52DirThyphenhyphenCMVR5QD8k/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1RRGCd0PsvofpqWhHHnXlgXbj2TmrPMV5vkYPzY5qsf9CXpzjyrtiFusozto9wZV7ugrmdpM1Aw-S6mNlAqTkjJGMMG1JLClNZq-uoxVYUknf_g4XhoMNAX8DE52DirThyphenhyphenCMVR5QD8k/s400/IMG_0246.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew tests out his ramp.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM_LZfwd-f6_40TkGYG8IdVkAGm6kw6fSGCeHc5bQiHQrqaq69BupU1d1ILPdhHisNXJjbX7G7Hcu3c_5Hzptel1g0FH5yweK7huZr2RVbW4y7304f8TkfO3A6As2Pz7wIls3rgS09kk/s1600/Heidi+back+from+the+vet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM_LZfwd-f6_40TkGYG8IdVkAGm6kw6fSGCeHc5bQiHQrqaq69BupU1d1ILPdhHisNXJjbX7G7Hcu3c_5Hzptel1g0FH5yweK7huZr2RVbW4y7304f8TkfO3A6As2Pz7wIls3rgS09kk/s400/Heidi+back+from+the+vet.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our German Shepherd, Heidi, almost died with<br />
<a href="http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hemorrhagic-gastroenteritis-hge/page1.aspx"> HGE (<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis)</span></a>. We got her to the vet in time (Emergency room visit on a Sunday). She was admitted for three days and her life was saved through aggressive meds and IV. </td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">July 2012</span></strong><br />
<b>The kids return back to school mid month, Kirk comes home from Afghanistan.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQscfPz-3HFaVTCB0JMqb0wqZ-IkYd38qcmgep-yP-p-nzN6HXAYr9wOJ5fEfFuf4diYFheybZgr-nvGNaLlXsUMP6UL86M6K0eHLQ0OoO9AVdKaTDh_SygS_a5REEzGOvbciq717XSw8/s1600/Flag+on+4th+of+July+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQscfPz-3HFaVTCB0JMqb0wqZ-IkYd38qcmgep-yP-p-nzN6HXAYr9wOJ5fEfFuf4diYFheybZgr-nvGNaLlXsUMP6UL86M6K0eHLQ0OoO9AVdKaTDh_SygS_a5REEzGOvbciq717XSw8/s400/Flag+on+4th+of+July+2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th of July~ Kirk is flying over Afghanistan war zone with several American flags he plans to give as gifts to some family and friends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7x_FM6hPXkFaABaIBYQrSnr5ymyPL4-uqf0Ljd7gXzBNQWG3Fb3WAmAxymeL-QjG7kOjYLp00AkUY6rnwECU0-TIehFXcQn_WV1VLxHF74WJifR9yljzjjODHSaDHtmEhvY3AUZyBxzc/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7x_FM6hPXkFaABaIBYQrSnr5ymyPL4-uqf0Ljd7gXzBNQWG3Fb3WAmAxymeL-QjG7kOjYLp00AkUY6rnwECU0-TIehFXcQn_WV1VLxHF74WJifR9yljzjjODHSaDHtmEhvY3AUZyBxzc/s400/IMG_0268.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th of July in Corpus Christi... Andrew and his girlfriend, Haleigh, enjoy some fire works.</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">August 2012</span></strong><br />
<strong>Kelsie prepares for her second year of college in Cleveland TN, while Kirk prepares for testing and a job interview in Memphis with FedEx.</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjAaKxWhbiNUjRUi3UvighW09TBgFGY05MzRAO26EfR4wYGKKXhIF91QaKa0N9uPUvum46CVU7Q4HMLXYJDeugNAzvLfE318JLcH2e4ggQRRn4noSnmHODP7Fqr7J0W6YnMNsWja7T1Y/s1600/IMG_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjAaKxWhbiNUjRUi3UvighW09TBgFGY05MzRAO26EfR4wYGKKXhIF91QaKa0N9uPUvum46CVU7Q4HMLXYJDeugNAzvLfE318JLcH2e4ggQRRn4noSnmHODP7Fqr7J0W6YnMNsWja7T1Y/s400/IMG_0349.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quilt started in 8th grade, Kelsie decides to finish it to give as a Birthday gift to her college room mate, Emily. Emily wrote and recorded the most beautiful song, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVUOOE0QH8c">"Floral Prints and Innocence"</a>, for Kelsie as a gift for her birthday in May. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmXCAC4VE_Ifd_KjDrGP-X_0OKAlzEmvm9F502QPvt0LSuu-_EilaMEecD3oInMAeImweyheUM62WIPfQ8Jpy3B3WeiMCSM_ox3b9eCXlmSzAMNCMj8KVWLDGHYX6hJ_-kPyFBOSVkm8/s1600/Kelsie+off+to+Lee_+Sophomore+Year1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmXCAC4VE_Ifd_KjDrGP-X_0OKAlzEmvm9F502QPvt0LSuu-_EilaMEecD3oInMAeImweyheUM62WIPfQ8Jpy3B3WeiMCSM_ox3b9eCXlmSzAMNCMj8KVWLDGHYX6hJ_-kPyFBOSVkm8/s400/Kelsie+off+to+Lee_+Sophomore+Year1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With her iced coffee in hand and car loaded up, Kelsie is ready to hit the road for the long 2 day drive to Tennessee!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP0SFZ3g-wB7mRiB3ufTUDlgHb3-vo7maxWjD7P5Z7nVb1g3ePkYPQq3pbjfbCFQd1QjkxaTdy2Nu74RYivQJgTjY5bDxmUMtW17J5mry1WdOk0X4sgwtLJnOaaX-MEOk8P9w9QFoSTk/s400/Kelsie+and+her+Room+mates.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelsie's and her apartment mates at Lee University, 2012-13<br />
Emily, Madalyn, Abby, and Kelsie</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP0SFZ3g-wB7mRiB3ufTUDlgHb3-vo7maxWjD7P5Z7nVb1g3ePkYPQq3pbjfbCFQd1QjkxaTdy2Nu74RYivQJgTjY5bDxmUMtW17J5mry1WdOk0X4sgwtLJnOaaX-MEOk8P9w9QFoSTk/s1600/Kelsie+and+her+Room+mates.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1oLVlQgAwX4i8RKv631b6yDiJCJL3pohjbES8H9QlM2b3U3hv1J2P-AGBpA1fmTJiTlOmwdMpqKA0HyrQ_4TEzHNxCGSIjAbiEZhzLZdrb3oO2MSj_RMRM0Q8FWDsVEsQKnpMGm6EPg/s1600/IMG_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1oLVlQgAwX4i8RKv631b6yDiJCJL3pohjbES8H9QlM2b3U3hv1J2P-AGBpA1fmTJiTlOmwdMpqKA0HyrQ_4TEzHNxCGSIjAbiEZhzLZdrb3oO2MSj_RMRM0Q8FWDsVEsQKnpMGm6EPg/s400/IMG_0344.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting rid of the existing sidewalk (was broken and dangerous).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YKYGcTQfKeAp05i1mcLAO3uaAMVG8xbgYw3VorcakYTYeOHGy_8D6sDfaBDUU22J82dIQoRBzICo9GvcHLKBw6FRcXKK5dGmUj8HSmE9CQamCFzJVNfHnfvqjAzMi10JDoVrg7pp9jE/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YKYGcTQfKeAp05i1mcLAO3uaAMVG8xbgYw3VorcakYTYeOHGy_8D6sDfaBDUU22J82dIQoRBzICo9GvcHLKBw6FRcXKK5dGmUj8HSmE9CQamCFzJVNfHnfvqjAzMi10JDoVrg7pp9jE/s400/IMG_0345.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The projects seem never ending!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCBFp4skikltY5Plm-BEHKM6EAfNgrQamjqB3C7FhnbplsLjeYswsmz4901Lv3K0-8VOmtLUcvTpQYuU3wYTT2yY1u-0Gnyf5Unnl8Iq_4gR-dphyphenhyphenxLz7vbGhWxiB0XTQkDqZ7uBHpwc/s1600/fedex+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCBFp4skikltY5Plm-BEHKM6EAfNgrQamjqB3C7FhnbplsLjeYswsmz4901Lv3K0-8VOmtLUcvTpQYuU3wYTT2yY1u-0Gnyf5Unnl8Iq_4gR-dphyphenhyphenxLz7vbGhWxiB0XTQkDqZ7uBHpwc/s320/fedex+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early August Kirk got the official invitation to go to Memphis later in the month for the different stages of getting hired with FedEx. Kirk passed them all with flying colors. We praise God for answered prayer that Kirk was given a job offer with such a great company. As I write this post, Kirk is in a pool of new hire pilots waiting for a training date to begin. It is not unheard of for new hires to wait 1-9 months to start their training; Kirk is going on 5 months. We are hoping for a February '13 class date.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCa-aPZzUz5NJP8Np11xbSSZwYs0VCee8LEnp-gs2cPgTQDUh-pMFH7Q7gZYsibkuTW0wlSlD0S2s2J_eDbMNVgi0-O44l0jp8N1mdXQo3uYPAvJEatb_SPr1UYLPor4_3J9XHY_K41w/s1600/FedEx+757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCa-aPZzUz5NJP8Np11xbSSZwYs0VCee8LEnp-gs2cPgTQDUh-pMFH7Q7gZYsibkuTW0wlSlD0S2s2J_eDbMNVgi0-O44l0jp8N1mdXQo3uYPAvJEatb_SPr1UYLPor4_3J9XHY_K41w/s400/FedEx+757.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">September 2012</span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDf2wB39ahkTf1WTgfshvHVE_kpg2Tn9yI3IvfNyrQf8oISM5Ykw0uPET4VhjLtVfHewpIndvpvIP4Yqhdp34_2X7Hl3NFmclhCbAD0OKM567clF9-XS-j5epD5-pIIM-W7Ft3od-pcw/s1600/IMG_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDf2wB39ahkTf1WTgfshvHVE_kpg2Tn9yI3IvfNyrQf8oISM5Ykw0uPET4VhjLtVfHewpIndvpvIP4Yqhdp34_2X7Hl3NFmclhCbAD0OKM567clF9-XS-j5epD5-pIIM-W7Ft3od-pcw/s400/IMG_0372.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awe... country living! Andrew and Haleigh (his girlfriend) shoot skeet for something to do.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCthRXYaWx2-NUtCkhxsMjXY1tsUY1qv6LG0nDOG3dtvpxuGwXVbMU2B2lNclXnY8PNChvXvYL_8G2MfseCGCe3carHM5lrwH6DyzNncYZa0o041oFoMdKKv1drejXbLnI7qQGvWl6qac/s1600/front+porch_deck+construction+in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCthRXYaWx2-NUtCkhxsMjXY1tsUY1qv6LG0nDOG3dtvpxuGwXVbMU2B2lNclXnY8PNChvXvYL_8G2MfseCGCe3carHM5lrwH6DyzNncYZa0o041oFoMdKKv1drejXbLnI7qQGvWl6qac/s400/front+porch_deck+construction+in+progress.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front porch construction is under way!</td></tr>
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</div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">October 2012</span></strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><b>My mom and dad made a road trip to South Texas for a visit (from WA state)</b>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8YMlB01Xs3M5XuDQD-0_slX_dUPizNWZmFRIbBiJ6UWi1JJcGtg46pQIwgMC85pkkxfDSqSUK4uxqf__dCOE5_myennBAK5AM6NhIEXAoNVQu7RPCgu8huLxcm31v8Uu0eesqxyVrWo/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8YMlB01Xs3M5XuDQD-0_slX_dUPizNWZmFRIbBiJ6UWi1JJcGtg46pQIwgMC85pkkxfDSqSUK4uxqf__dCOE5_myennBAK5AM6NhIEXAoNVQu7RPCgu8huLxcm31v8Uu0eesqxyVrWo/s400/IMG_0427.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and Dad, Jerielle and Jerry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUA5cgO5nrFz3aJ9ygLQFbWsJk7JCSiMJ3HLXO_wFjfPf8XxvknfWylex3oVhQ3EymN3uO9rrZO-WX75-JCiDn21HYSy4wHYwIqbeqcTdzVPZ1Z7y-1ek8LaKOPoRJB-vrUJKFQKLqCc/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUA5cgO5nrFz3aJ9ygLQFbWsJk7JCSiMJ3HLXO_wFjfPf8XxvknfWylex3oVhQ3EymN3uO9rrZO-WX75-JCiDn21HYSy4wHYwIqbeqcTdzVPZ1Z7y-1ek8LaKOPoRJB-vrUJKFQKLqCc/s400/IMG_0430.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessie celebrates her 11th birthday while her Grandma and Grandpa visit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLe0xgX1mT4N8DVt3nt5Oa6pceaKIHP8ZtQ5lC3FrJUSlN7ALoxUwv97rU-Pj_4y03fOc9X9fbuG48nYT9Xz1A2qmHoKCIrd0Z5C9qzv5Xa6reqfvdD8p8QYt-IdsL1mio8-ioFtUKqM/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLe0xgX1mT4N8DVt3nt5Oa6pceaKIHP8ZtQ5lC3FrJUSlN7ALoxUwv97rU-Pj_4y03fOc9X9fbuG48nYT9Xz1A2qmHoKCIrd0Z5C9qzv5Xa6reqfvdD8p8QYt-IdsL1mio8-ioFtUKqM/s400/untitled.png" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma and Grandpa Eccles with the kids<br />
(Kelsie not pictured)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotg0cXFjO1Rvgexo3cMe_6a59wHTDEvkkNEsS3Lxys3cwzb2cPet4H2ejY379Nx2yaFh5K8SiBq1qJ-4dPFEsR6cbOqWSPqK0EvMFc3Ht07f5ACZ4RrZJz5UDzBweWheXNq3Yy3m8yDs/s1600/IMG_0466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotg0cXFjO1Rvgexo3cMe_6a59wHTDEvkkNEsS3Lxys3cwzb2cPet4H2ejY379Nx2yaFh5K8SiBq1qJ-4dPFEsR6cbOqWSPqK0EvMFc3Ht07f5ACZ4RrZJz5UDzBweWheXNq3Yy3m8yDs/s400/IMG_0466.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween 2012<br />
The Nerd and the Pilot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoVlAl8WchHpaZlEZLKL-kj5krJjnrOwbDBP3HazsY2_v1B06BhhLjJQQOgV0n_u78ivePlxPEY5cKJjZGEZP1Abz4mZTQWnlyxWbc5mgtS1Kb-MRr0dRl86Sa92jaC2zQPJIGqoBOlQ/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoVlAl8WchHpaZlEZLKL-kj5krJjnrOwbDBP3HazsY2_v1B06BhhLjJQQOgV0n_u78ivePlxPEY5cKJjZGEZP1Abz4mZTQWnlyxWbc5mgtS1Kb-MRr0dRl86Sa92jaC2zQPJIGqoBOlQ/s400/IMG_0467.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Far Out! Andrew and Haleigh.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdczbQPU4X_mB_cj06XblYKZowYDeYd62rxJ6BFow1CJGEf16THLl_b4fJ1wggAtg29LKWjjCCgnrYLaLSltULVtmca_Czi7qkrmjkoPxGopReb88MuoVT2ZeQ7Nr_C2BxxUKPJB2tA1w/s1600/IMG_0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdczbQPU4X_mB_cj06XblYKZowYDeYd62rxJ6BFow1CJGEf16THLl_b4fJ1wggAtg29LKWjjCCgnrYLaLSltULVtmca_Czi7qkrmjkoPxGopReb88MuoVT2ZeQ7Nr_C2BxxUKPJB2tA1w/s400/IMG_0432.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Framed for a new sidewalk. as the progress SLOWLY continues.</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">November 2012</span></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyT-OiHxjd0scK44n2W7biPlHhGhUO7gNC3LIS3FwcFpC7M558UfCZcovRzR_VK5A5mHkqNVgpnT6eDmbtMyJXSghcne94IVIl-FZL_uzOeZeOL0WfXo_m9nVB5FYd_s62SRyjzrWfkhI/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyT-OiHxjd0scK44n2W7biPlHhGhUO7gNC3LIS3FwcFpC7M558UfCZcovRzR_VK5A5mHkqNVgpnT6eDmbtMyJXSghcne94IVIl-FZL_uzOeZeOL0WfXo_m9nVB5FYd_s62SRyjzrWfkhI/s400/IMG_0469.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A roof is beginning to take form.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIeCRIJ0h_tsxI8Yoid3AbZMtcToBNFspr9uNxUtByvXlqDBD_l2G8zLOFTsxO3ri1VSsToaTUtN2vvb5fKiCGYUcVpbQf_n_Ucj3tmFSxNsx56cZTIXJFLIZlidSZDftFJ8gO5DqnCo/s1600/AndrewBaptism_zpsf53d4afd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIeCRIJ0h_tsxI8Yoid3AbZMtcToBNFspr9uNxUtByvXlqDBD_l2G8zLOFTsxO3ri1VSsToaTUtN2vvb5fKiCGYUcVpbQf_n_Ucj3tmFSxNsx56cZTIXJFLIZlidSZDftFJ8gO5DqnCo/s400/AndrewBaptism_zpsf53d4afd.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew shares with us he wants to get baptized! He takes this step of faith on November 7th at our church's [Bay Area Fellowship] first Wednesday Church Service.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3dElW_zlCvV2-T3hOjONpj0wNplCnPzQqUSDpNmtKmWtmx6LirwCsHPyAKOAXbTrKsm1f1WOIDmbUtcTDV4_yIb3o89F127UON9D0rErUY0w4h7yF-NbFVxWx9MOJLCBDewRfVUXMVg/s1600/Kelsie+TiKwonDo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3dElW_zlCvV2-T3hOjONpj0wNplCnPzQqUSDpNmtKmWtmx6LirwCsHPyAKOAXbTrKsm1f1WOIDmbUtcTDV4_yIb3o89F127UON9D0rErUY0w4h7yF-NbFVxWx9MOJLCBDewRfVUXMVg/s400/Kelsie+TiKwonDo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelsie participates in Tae Kwon Do while attending Lee University. She had her first tournament in Chattanooga and placed 1st (gold) in One Step Sparring and 3rd (bronze) in Ho-am Form. There were 8 girls in her ring.</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">December 2012</span></strong><br />
<strong>The end of the year winds down. Kelsie comes home for a month (Dec. 8 - Jan 7) for winter break. We enjoy a quiet holiday in Corpus Christi.</strong><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr5k-iI6ra1Xr5pQf8G48p9B1LS7PyHWENYVw562YakPpy1xGxVV_3aINcCnRyAkHipSy2eTA2oVuDyigUmD84QPZiY3NM2428UwkpXYEG2HShadRanJYWNEApsUCvurY6So4CMSVWuA/s1600/IMG_0530+EDITED_CROPPED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr5k-iI6ra1Xr5pQf8G48p9B1LS7PyHWENYVw562YakPpy1xGxVV_3aINcCnRyAkHipSy2eTA2oVuDyigUmD84QPZiY3NM2428UwkpXYEG2HShadRanJYWNEApsUCvurY6So4CMSVWuA/s400/IMG_0530+EDITED_CROPPED.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessie (age 11), Andrew (age 17), Kelsie (age 19)<br />
Teri (me), Joe (age 8), Kirk</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBfgC4n2XtuTdtfz_dtN5b_QJGp0AcGw7cLn6-OLIRkADOleWmHEFaHtvJQ3uwzdXHR9IaApp7mbgxnzU9N_fVftAovgfX6b88dwgzG9enRcMosIS_Yl3CEG3VkB0NlDNIz4m6ZTEUw8/s1600/IMG_0537+EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBfgC4n2XtuTdtfz_dtN5b_QJGp0AcGw7cLn6-OLIRkADOleWmHEFaHtvJQ3uwzdXHR9IaApp7mbgxnzU9N_fVftAovgfX6b88dwgzG9enRcMosIS_Yl3CEG3VkB0NlDNIz4m6ZTEUw8/s400/IMG_0537+EDITED.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMgMnxAYeThTA-6Ur8k0ZK21MXjStaVLJS8nIcjuBlBE-l2u-5Zfid9IsNzG7z0_HkIAK0BCsXX8vSf59o1-N8-nsxbhEJxqPUkFTH3Uz8Hz352gNChY8xYNxQSvJiGtC3eIpE6jO1HE/s1600/IMG_0546+Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMgMnxAYeThTA-6Ur8k0ZK21MXjStaVLJS8nIcjuBlBE-l2u-5Zfid9IsNzG7z0_HkIAK0BCsXX8vSf59o1-N8-nsxbhEJxqPUkFTH3Uz8Hz352gNChY8xYNxQSvJiGtC3eIpE6jO1HE/s400/IMG_0546+Cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBYo5uqCJ3d9pcH57U6ZHfY7HA-SJABLaUJS3IEwp4LpZvdg9h-WSt0KSDDi08zDbo39EYx0R_cnGZvdPGhuK39YJs85aU1gYR-X_bBGCu_qXTFb3JTi1cjiLxXMWucy9h1z3C89ky0c/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBYo5uqCJ3d9pcH57U6ZHfY7HA-SJABLaUJS3IEwp4LpZvdg9h-WSt0KSDDi08zDbo39EYx0R_cnGZvdPGhuK39YJs85aU1gYR-X_bBGCu_qXTFb3JTi1cjiLxXMWucy9h1z3C89ky0c/s400/IMG_0552.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUMMM- decorating cookies!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkyvC2YxFcBeM71O2gC5Xr6LpwGUagh4CseC3xEsOxO3DT0RkIYDdiabAFhxqkhahxmeeE-xyGwQy0oCP9VhaU4eTQ3gAY6vo8rIxtDbMFxxVCC-yEN87T4iXIDRQd8AFfq8p0lcSMIg/s1600/IMG_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkyvC2YxFcBeM71O2gC5Xr6LpwGUagh4CseC3xEsOxO3DT0RkIYDdiabAFhxqkhahxmeeE-xyGwQy0oCP9VhaU4eTQ3gAY6vo8rIxtDbMFxxVCC-yEN87T4iXIDRQd8AFfq8p0lcSMIg/s400/IMG_0568.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Our Mocha kitty! [full name- Mocha Honey Catdog Wymore]</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPzCKXfC-L0shjs3tan3_TU4UkOVz-sqBLDxlCwdM4BrDzkj7VBXmo4AHrY6dyHuxEGf2dtOQv75BR1jQCf26O-SE9OhuSMJCD5Y791c8JSZXJQlh272kXl4suZwRlrY9URyibhzsrIA/s1600/IMG_0581+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPzCKXfC-L0shjs3tan3_TU4UkOVz-sqBLDxlCwdM4BrDzkj7VBXmo4AHrY6dyHuxEGf2dtOQv75BR1jQCf26O-SE9OhuSMJCD5Y791c8JSZXJQlh272kXl4suZwRlrY9URyibhzsrIA/s400/IMG_0581+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made gingerbread houses and Joe's collapsed (he's not too happy)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=20icu4x" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="400" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/20icu4x.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe "re-poses" for this photo to show his "happy face" since we told him he could eat his collapsed house.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">OVERALL 2012</span></strong><br />
It was a great year. My family and I had a lot of neat memories and each of us grew in positive directions in different ways. An awe-ha [God convicting] growth moment for me was FINALLY to get serious about my unhealthy 40+ pound weight gain that has crept on me over the past 4 years and my lack of fitness. On Sept. 4, Kirk and I decided to begin our journey to "get healthy"! We installed a <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/mobile">MyFitnessPal app</a> on our new smart phone and began a health journey to lose weight the HEALTH WAY! For me it meant no more fad diets, diet pills, protein shakes, or wishful thinking to lose the weight... all of these never worked and left me feeling more defeated. This time, with the help of <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">MyFitnessPal</a> (and <a href="http://runkeeper.com/home">RunKeeper</a>), I got back to the "simplicity" of calories burned needs to be more than calories taken in. <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">MFP</a> put me on a 1200 a day calorie intake and I began a walk/jog program on <a href="http://runkeeper.com/home">RunKeeper</a>. I began this journey early September at 168 pounds and by mid December have lost 23 pounds (145 pounds) with 20 more to go for the new year. Kirk has lost over 13 pounds so far.<br />
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At 172 pounds in May, the heaviest I've ever been.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0Ik0S9PxaWvn6EVJaxi9nMEOzpqZ5Nyfh0Cuc_wyiAvxHhwBIGoA_R0BlE9qMKXjYxpSdafBh9IuUgeRwsZnhuTd8WJ3fQ3NnSySh_aZ8D3N1dauGsd4yQgtNI8l1N01HI-k1jQhoyY/s1600/Teri+close-up+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0Ik0S9PxaWvn6EVJaxi9nMEOzpqZ5Nyfh0Cuc_wyiAvxHhwBIGoA_R0BlE9qMKXjYxpSdafBh9IuUgeRwsZnhuTd8WJ3fQ3NnSySh_aZ8D3N1dauGsd4yQgtNI8l1N01HI-k1jQhoyY/s200/Teri+close-up+cropped.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
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Healthy choices + faithful action = a healthier happier me! </div>
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(almost 30 pounds lighter from above photo)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God is my Everything; I am thankful for His love, provisions, protection and blessings this past year. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I am excited for all He has for me and my family in 2013. I look forward for the year to unfold in the hope of deliberate accomplishment and victory.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Focus and word for 2013 is:</span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"> DELIBERATE </i>remembering that through Christ, accomplishing my goals and dreams are possible.</span>teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-13582743312174939322013-01-01T12:12:00.001-06:002013-01-01T12:15:49.014-06:00Siesta Scripture Memory Team (SSMT)... VERSE #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInYunTbO9NkAqNQGZfCNvLOf-rks7fpi7yXVRYeFnhRr4V-RIgxk05Eh4qork1jlT4IGZeSAhqBoab_C52WpMNB0504faCgTRO_I6-f_6AVOThp78JMPEEdSy0jW9EF21uY3xPgzIelA/s1600/happy-new-year-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInYunTbO9NkAqNQGZfCNvLOf-rks7fpi7yXVRYeFnhRr4V-RIgxk05Eh4qork1jlT4IGZeSAhqBoab_C52WpMNB0504faCgTRO_I6-f_6AVOThp78JMPEEdSy0jW9EF21uY3xPgzIelA/s320/happy-new-year-2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">May your new year be filled with</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> much joy and prosperity!</span></div>
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I'm so excited to start the new year off in an uplifting direction!</div>
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I'm trusting 2013 will be a year of much personal growth and accomplishment as I make deliberate choices through many various goals for the year...</div>
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One of my new year's 2013 personal goals, will be to participate in the Living Proof Ministries (LPM) Scripture Memory Team led by Beth Moore. Beth started the first memory team in 2009 through LPM blog. The second team was in 2011, and this year will be the third year in 2013! I am excited to have participated in all three teams and have been blessed in so many ways as I planted Scripture in my heart. More than "memorizing" God's Word for the knowledge, memorizing Scripture is about meditating on the message of what is being said in the word and living it out in my heart and life to make a difference day to day.</div>
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To start this new year, my <b><i>SSMT VERSE #1</i></b> will be from <b><i>Romans 15:5-6 (NIV)</i></b>.</div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-5" id="en-NIV-28309"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28309A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>toward each other that Christ Jesus had,</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-6"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-6" id="en-NIV-28310"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28310B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> the God and Father<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28310C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span></div>
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Here is the link (<a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/01/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-1.html">CLICK HERE</a>) to LPM for the info on SSMT Verse Memorizing if you are interested. </div>
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I'm believing God for blessings and victory as I seek Him in my everyday.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year!!!</span></div>
teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-4134239951627485592012-02-18T15:35:00.004-06:002012-02-18T15:58:34.608-06:00Kitchen Renovation~BEFORE and AFTERThis was a big project (as they all seem to turn out to be). We got the bulk of the work done in about 5 weeks where we were displaced from using the space for that time. At the 5 week point we had finished the floors and installed the cabinets, leaving the counter tops to be installed and the detail work to be completed (like crown molding, floor and door trim, etc.). <div><br /></div><div>We started our Kitchen Renovation in July 2011 and were completely finished in October 2011.<div><br /></div><div><b><span>PROJECT INFORMATION:</span></b></div><div><ul><li>Kitchen is a "U" shaped kitchen that is approximately 13' x 12'</li><li>We had a new dishwasher given to us from our Home Purchase Electrical Inspection (Budd Electric) when one of the workers accidently blew out the old dishwasher. They are a company in Corpus Christi of high integrity; thank you Budd Electric- you all are top rate! </li><li>We also had a fairly new refrigerator , so we didn't need to replace that either. </li><li>We did however, purchase a new double oven/stove with a matching mounted microwave (which is included in our budget). The oven/stove is in the "before" photos because the previous home owners took their old oven.</li><li>We took the room down to studs so we could add proper R-13 insulation.</li><li>All outdated electrical and plumbing was updated. </li><li>Wood Laminate Floors~ Lumber Liquidators</li><li>Solid Maple Cabinets~ Kitchenpro.com (RTA, dove tailed, anti slam drawer feature, euro hinges, raised panel)</li><li>Granite Counter Tops~ Corpus Christi Solid Surfaces</li><li>Tumbled Travertine Backsplash~ DIY by Teri</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><b>BUDGET= $10,000.</b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ACTUAL= $10,037. </b>(OVER by just $37.) </div><div style="text-align: left;">Our "sweat equity" value on this project had we hired everything out ... ??? We can only guess!</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Since we have so many photos of this project, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I selected some of the highlights in this video.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36990236?byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-53801982455900379112012-02-17T15:38:00.029-06:002012-02-17T18:43:48.929-06:00Living Room Remodel AFTER PHOTOS~ (finally!)<div style="text-align: left;">We started this remodel quite some time ago, like over a year ago (November 2010)! We finished the remodel in April 2011. We have been very slow on getting our "after" photos posted since as soon as we finished this project we were immediately starting another room- our dining room and kitchen areas.</div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><div style="text-align: left;">Just to re-cap the "Living Room Renovation" , as with every room in our fixer upper house, the renovation ended up being a much bigger project than we expected. We knew we would have to take the exterior facing walls down to the studs for the fact alone that this house has NO INSULATION and we want each room insulated. So as we took the drywall off the walls facing the outside, we discovered we got to 1/2 inch salvaged boards nailed to the studs under the drywall instead of exposed studs under drywall like in newer construction. This is a good and bad situation. Good that the boards add to a stronger structure, bad, that it's more time and challenge to get the walls insulated.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We took random boards off (numbering where they went) and got fresh insulation in, then replaced the boards. (this photo below shows before we replaced the random boards- you can see the insulation behind the boards)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh6tDkbveX2lmTzypTiWaBOq0AqYa-Iha7Akh_It304BWguYbCCpmAKtRXzAERW7RExG28zf8l6hzoNlvWGIeH22FS-xK1-Mblk4TIlZL96euAIYiuwF-tbJfVZZr15SEbDnJPpnl6C0/s400/IMG_0053.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another time consuming project was getting all the electrical updated. We changed out all the old wiring in the walls, added several new outlets, and added recessed lighting in several places since there was no overhead lighting in the living room what so ever; a common situation in older home living rooms. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2rXBG2CY3Vj0tOBbx4jOfmn22dFrZzx0RXzSmH6eI9apANsNgaYMg7U62_gBuSE4lg3VjjDZuGa84UGglwsDe3zuHgEyTzc33eqEsmmTBWX9zwq-FKYtxPD1c8_QSLlkBE6dcTCVf2E/s400/IMG_0108.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dimmable recessed lighting </div><div style="text-align: center;">(both above TV cabinets and two separate pot lights)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUHOn7naj8cUowYL2fG_-fGye8pHBVKK50_umRQG4hsd-MuXLrZywuNKm51y7CGI8mmXakZmCY2EOG5zy5_5MNMOp4gGIykBwPORUiIzGPJ8aB9D5QaXaKcOtvSdGlDRDcTo0a9aLwTU/s400/IMG_5238.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The fireplace took a chunk of time as it was a major fire hazard and had to be eliminated completely! We considered replacing the old firebox that was broken in three places, but decided it wasn't worth the monetary investment especially since we live in south Texas and only have a week or two worth of winter that we would use the fire place. We decided to reconstruct the space for the "look" of a fireplace, but instead, make it a "candle place" that also has an electrical outlet for lighting and abundant storage (in cabinets) on each side.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECmAEoEyKHLCZEdZJPkD70uVp7XDO5eFianttHYtwjQAgVz26TdiP6j9TE3X9eqSOZWfpwmXb2mhCnljCvSgIQy5cdNThnMkaCP5T_cIqCUErx1PbrAXL5XU7HZAIziqmQkysfLhShHE/s400/IMG_5039.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is after the demo.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the burn spots on the wall? </div><div style="text-align: center;"> YES... a fire waiting to happen!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcQOYEyG5ySiK6D9b08g12j2qi1GopXMgaOxStH_Fivj6H_FRfwMAWw7eMKrqIACjxvg6IDe97te7qvnF-hl4irmDMao_ucQ-WK0L9R6_pvJLB_ZBgsvzMkpvfqBHLfwLsdcmfKZ7zpg/s400/IMG_5040.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span>PROJECT INFORMATION:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This Living Room is 11'2" wide x 17' long. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We budgeted $1,000. for this update.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We actually spent $2,413. (OVER budget by $1,413) Amazing how things add up!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>BEFORE</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZp-VUinrspkVQmtDUAXTDBfDU8HFgEYfHVJtAptb9YbW0nYXBixFjvxTGrDN7_2hU6CMMu1tiiuFkl3iLz9Sqt6okeGWi7OeSGDnZv3dJBXExfA6kLaItWxgVOCjBIefavWagwx_URM/s400/IMG_5314.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>AFTER</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE1AeqrMgx8QFhmu9XhGhDi562iWyg_sgvpWdD5XVGhuJg0CThxQoLILRc42iNcIounvvtmQwZf6kAfrbMjMsNhAYBPZuReNQn8a_d118SiKMzTnM12_Yb9elMDAblIVhYwHnZoTjdNQ/s400/IMG_0038+%25282%2529.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>BEFORE</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzJq9dMxv-pht5jN6V5SskP08Ukc3TDbFBYsi64dUwFZf28AdSjno_3nFBWtWZFy0hsNrWsnUgJnnXVdbDkQzp-DCw8o0XE6sgtWMG-wlhNTWM8sfB3oKg-gMOOPSbKD3Av82Cznyr1c/s1600/IMG_5353.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzJq9dMxv-pht5jN6V5SskP08Ukc3TDbFBYsi64dUwFZf28AdSjno_3nFBWtWZFy0hsNrWsnUgJnnXVdbDkQzp-DCw8o0XE6sgtWMG-wlhNTWM8sfB3oKg-gMOOPSbKD3Av82Cznyr1c/s400/IMG_5353.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710230287593904386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>AFTER</span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLjwCq9jOU58xOo_49BlJs4a0SrDvfrPwGiLUkdSTgIcCwKHzynqcAnZdCilBgf3UWezf8AkCtCekGyn2yZrMQSC7On0vXKGRJJKssiKVIOPk91NWlOqS75MuFqMc2TPFabGlYl5oCDU/s1600/IMG_0045+%25282%2529.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLjwCq9jOU58xOo_49BlJs4a0SrDvfrPwGiLUkdSTgIcCwKHzynqcAnZdCilBgf3UWezf8AkCtCekGyn2yZrMQSC7On0vXKGRJJKssiKVIOPk91NWlOqS75MuFqMc2TPFabGlYl5oCDU/s400/IMG_0045+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710230285119598002" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>AFTER</span></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW40Tls1uyfYvEPa_3SAIEhPkxgClrk91uZL5zHbXAIcsktTQ70HZq1Yz8czRu8sqYl4J0DhbpccQKbp4CHbw8oUCyazcHnd6_WrcWi_1Qw89Q96VZ9jKvjcug7zus9pHOsppEgYEjgmQ/s400/IMG_0046+%25282%2529.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>BEFORE</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksjerW7lOOiZYPxK8v6LJ_Z0ssaY8B6np0TQhwA2-wAOf5B6yGCu7frNKcYx0R-hDoPZyngN0Qt9PzzSGcDRrOHbdLYgBININkjquHtbv0os8QfhrMYx-7kb0ysXriKKldAN5Y7VYmkY/s400/IMG_5349.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This original hearth was out of proportion for the space, blocking the door and making it awkward to walk by! A number of ceramic tiles were missing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>AFTER</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwD6AsVmx6K8o__eLPVShYCm1SOTgfmU52RqUUtBt-v6TJLsDdXmWUMncZrlBv30UhZEAbFEA22Gr53Jw3ZUdFC0LanxLf3r-hn-RAIH7Zcy9zqgPsCDFDZrQ23lPpyTATPq5dP3wJZI/s400/IMG_0041+%25282%2529.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Storage cabinet (18" wide x 24" deep x 80" tall)</div><div style="text-align: center;">(unfinished oak from Home Depot that we painted)</div><div style="text-align: center;">We used two cabinets total, placed back to back, </div><div style="text-align: center;">one on each side of the "candle place".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTpwk5H60QfXQvGXaC_1dMZ7OBm4Kz9SaVF2zbH_jsMGWUKnm-PkMn0XpGeGXo31JY3sNf9fsIMw0MJ96CWRUYoUbQywAACs65Iak9QsUxbzim4VzJ0WINPJMlTkLlgmF73GiQ10zB6w/s400/IMG_0042+%25282%2529.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dimmable recessed lighting, two lights on each side.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrm7DpaWJWs1j_lQGtgVycBXPIo7LQlRPD-xRDM3HpdaffQb7iVMQLMfTyTr0__kFltRuGX0BKKsVLvQrc3IActPu8VxtWHZkYQRKMh5NgSsXRP7qeaPgfC5DRGPZvYZhobe7R3B_ZX0M/s1600/IMG_0043+%25282%2529.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrm7DpaWJWs1j_lQGtgVycBXPIo7LQlRPD-xRDM3HpdaffQb7iVMQLMfTyTr0__kFltRuGX0BKKsVLvQrc3IActPu8VxtWHZkYQRKMh5NgSsXRP7qeaPgfC5DRGPZvYZhobe7R3B_ZX0M/s400/IMG_0043+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710230270520397058" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Wonderful storage for photo albums and crafts. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The other side houses our DVD's, CD's, video games and misc. <span style="text-align: left; ">electronics items.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>BEFORE</span></b></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAIVvwtipXDCWcAEZjhbm2cGMu1Sm-h3MHs3VrIApVEQDdYGcQnTmOAWz1ET2bNipwSfgJRhy_ARUKP6yj_6ua27cYl9BQ44eTR9oNhVypoZeSGrkfV3yXixORy6p4qTZCgbHtMOZY_4/s1600/IMG_5350.JPG" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAIVvwtipXDCWcAEZjhbm2cGMu1Sm-h3MHs3VrIApVEQDdYGcQnTmOAWz1ET2bNipwSfgJRhy_ARUKP6yj_6ua27cYl9BQ44eTR9oNhVypoZeSGrkfV3yXixORy6p4qTZCgbHtMOZY_4/s400/IMG_5350.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710228500213658722" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span>AFTER</span></b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNLaUSIVBMT-ThTQ0T6JRrR3zXpHy2GmYK3rL_hjx73xJmyILpUCQfSk0TBhKI1uCzuZUXWPtnzG-64xMBYEZiO0klIIZhwKAvNX07hFoL6o_HY661AL3zEA8njWFgdO9A-leva58IUU/s400/IMG_0048.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The multi-colored slate and two cabinets are part of what put our budget over, but well worth it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdrPfKPkWZXGTCiSe0jkoywxESKKiVdTG40mlVLPTpVIPshGKvTo9Hw3lKd9huun8N39mU1WBOW3SsjS2SLN-Ict0xd4P46j3EDMIj7hFIFSt29oUMR6b7CKx6H3f-tzpzVR0Ovd3qJM/s400/IMG_0047.JPG" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;">The mood of a fire (year around) without the heat or fire hazard.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwWRhDyoNMHS6_khxi8FwEBKUoLq6k_dQW_nf1JpP9cLkdLnoF4vPpFyUz2-9y2wOE36TW6GvW4hVt5fWnSRQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Flicker Electrical Lights~ I simply plug in a discrete outlet and enjoy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>See <a href="http://teri-free2bme.blogspot.com/2011/02/living-room-remodel-in-progress.html"><b>THIS POST</b></a> for more "In Progress" photos of early stages of this remodel or <a href="http://teri-free2bme.blogspot.com/2011/03/function-practicality-and-common-sense.html"><b>THIS POST</b></a> for a few photos of us laying the laminate floor.</span></div>teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-16213123628023906552011-12-30T06:21:00.003-06:002011-12-30T12:29:00.094-06:00What a year!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://teri-free2bme.blogspot.com/search/label/Family%202011" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/21diwix.jpg" border="0" alt="Click here for the YEAR IN REVIEW" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Click on the picture above f</span>or our complete year at a glance with photos. </span></b></i><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">When you get to the bottom of the page, click "Older Posts" link to continue.</span></b></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><ul><li>We started the year by making huge progresses on our home renovations. We continued much progress through the whole year.</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kelsie</span> (our oldest) turned 18, and graduated from High School.</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kelsie</span> moved to Cleveland, Tennessee to attend her first year of college.</li><li>Kirk retired from the Navy after 20 years of service. He is currently flying for a civilian contractor working with the Army in Afghanistan flying surveillance missions.</li><li>Kirk is hoping to fulfill his dream job in the new year with a commercial airline.</li><li>Andrew turns 16 and is working on getting his driver's licence.</li></ul></span></div><div>We close the chapter of this year, 2011, with thankful hearts. God is forever sovereign and faithful in our lives; He has revealed that to us many times this year. His plans are always perfect even though we don't always understand them. The LORD asks us to simply trust Him with all our hearts. As we begin 2012, we look forward to His direction with an attitude of hope and adventure towards what the future holds as He directs our paths.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;">May God bless YOU, as well as all our friends, and our family as we share in the goodness of 2012 and the Hope that is yet to come!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbERz80wbZaKskSE1SFTBo-Rh0VPFMM3Ah2kbk6u4sukE6b0Lz669ZmBhYZdwiF6-Cgjxw6ThTDM0om8EvJk3YYMrnSWWICA2P6teVxLv9FQZd6lkyYLnCQWLN9s4V0hNeCU6iURPEIVc/s400/New+Year+2012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691988280927898642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-56742426432784867642011-12-28T17:09:00.003-06:002011-12-30T09:04:27.933-06:00Family Updates<div style="text-align: left;">Life has a way of sneaking by and before we know it, time has passed and we're getting ready to start a new year!</div><div><br /></div><div>My family has had four Birthdays (Andrew, Teri, Jessie and Kirk), several holidays, and random happenings since my last <a href="http://www.teri-free2bme.blogspot.com/2011/08/graduation-birthday-retirement.html">"family" update post</a> in August when Kelsie left for college. So with that said, I dare not start 2012 without finishing 2011 with our year end Wymore happenings and family updates.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#993300;">SEPTEMBER~</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilK68evt4u84AFHOCGzax2VnPIrixu-TH6nlW0bcXR2sCoE2Qh5GzlTmxTOfVxpzsSTML5OzEH-YWFgRhafgwkwL5ub-SfV88l1QbThImu7FJcHPWEszCU5XXebrQihriOp1qaTGyhNvg/s400/IMG_1105.JPG" /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">Andrew turns 16...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5E6XlrH_G7GFbNBMYVBjPmbdzpZcY4c3w2CG7RHo4Duq_V8lpWx7l17T2cjEbFO2k4ot1n2o3-7mpr-qeN3MG2y3DC6wYviXx3GYq9wyZxT00wAoxGFPFsuKcU7Zw728fngv3bEsUSU/s400/Andrew%2527s+mustang%2521.png" /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;color:#993300;">... and is surprised with a "stang" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;color:#993300;">(2001 V6 Mustang, stick shift- the not so fast model).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;color:#993300;">He also got a shotgun for his birthday.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-size:medium;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaDrfTgcKjMlOXNW-kEmzBaUtP-KU_gPeVu_3AlqiGfl2gabw4kJPovs4orAAXHJ1rVYHS1ekTwV6KjGOX4JPCx2Fl3TbLLXw3CVArycI9WiHNo60tYxG-Tm8uCkhmg3B9DcZen-eUVM/s400/Andrew%2527s+shotgun%2521.png" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;color:#993300;">Andrew likes to hunt birds and target shoot.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZfz4h0Jp0AWFiL_fOIfNxDosPLDDIAImYxvjCLaQwRz-rx2x1Ky_VSY6rITHomClCY2KlPCDwCWHX7Gwmiof4TI6OSNoDCt69jMNyka6TRuGYZ0HIHca_tZisIrDiWYhYb_1XxZ6XnM/s400/IMG_1115.JPG" /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">Andrew earned his letter man jacket last year for varsity swimming, but received it early his 10 grade school year. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;"><b>OCTOBER~</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfTyKHQ7gDm5tISQMz9WSfxvOHkrsP8KWuiIYpI8nl3bOa45_F5B4sMzuXkZzkrCPF54hZwyw5Q64LPwSY1y6IjqigWjsrZDn8Yhb_FYAHydi1UkcCMUlijt3OKG92Dg_FTGLz49VCEw/s400/IMG_1168.JPG" /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6600;">Jessie turns 10!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzlRaUs0PFMe5McEa7f6_ZW-_Hnf6ZUN2vsX3ycQ6RFqcK4pDjRW8caDbEsxd90GaV4akPaikR2bAwYy4YbuMNo53WP5TZqFoGYUovqCVB7gTO8vdhKEm5EAixY5AG324xJ7VurSp-nw/s400/IMG_1176.JPG" /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6600;">We celebrated with a small family party.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RrOWgC-SD1h_5BXHCE6QQo1qF0Ewfekw2pmtj_gMmYuNr_HnRJEocpUX7EHLWFO7LBUWZSs9CHrgqdq_Kz-1KyDud3S0joX1E7wvga8BwzMhNdlEedhJD3F0L2dIafkr-LFpOSdLrBE/s400/IMG_1222.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6600;">Pumpkin carving~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSZxkMvNLwj0meU02BJXeWAvlbdtfk3gocnA88EkfiA-ZyUSCFyZwAGhy06Kw0aoQWZks06V-xmaIxPkOoqmiWXDsKnINJnqpy3dCvMpzNjgPm1Fa5cccaFjhBUIYfSsDeCEsDRJP0vw/s400/IMG_1218.JPG" /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6600;">Jessie and a few friends carve for part of the fun for a sleep-over.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-i5IQvmrZcgc3lqyQMPM0qpj5EfhgvGYEx6g_wshGa1Bp7yXesR4K4HW48W22MxQV4io17ZCIfia59gKhOh1aJH3LtI0ogwgDQn7aQiIhWDpNzLxfpEFLd5sUtNOzmaedEjmJxRiMFs/s400/IMG_1257.JPG" /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6600;">Halloween 2011</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;"><b>NOVEMBER~</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDc536CCnsGeF3PDFZnMGVLt3EV0_HBGcNPZT5WPy52qxKm9JHnqRTDp5ME09T2cXqP1VT9Sj9jhXJD_TTberxwli0poVPFoUpT_7XKx6MPvu__7wnUa5md1NDziSkoIYmuDMsEllzkE/s400/IMG_1140.JPG" /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Andrew tries on Kirk's Army issued bullet proof </span><span class="Apple-style-span">armor since he has </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">aspirations to someday go into the military</span><span class="Apple-style-span">. Kirk went through training with his new job in September-October and was issued this vest for his time flying in Afghanistan as a civilian flying Army C-12's. Kirk's first rotation to Afghanistan started mid-November and he came home mid December. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-size:x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-size:x-large;"><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpB8i372gIchWGy133MnZQK5ULsTlnqO92_JzrAMXAFs5JKQogIfdjVisvaG7aZXrqn08B3gOd442DXnwK1V9yopNb2Pvbpw2lAPZLt_7yrz6Obk3DySpaCFN4rxvV97Aye9ViyvvARP8/s400/IMG_1132.JPG" /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Jessie plays soccer on the Padre Thunder team.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__yzazo5NuYcNvwISobrw8W6JJ2Yz1Imor4XB4edvUb0zdM3iAfg_7hdjFowwVwc8fvVJWpJYhjdSqi_M28a7VQlGho7QIDjU6PMAguODLYVtFtFF4lq8Y53JSE_PIzNgtM6Scv71YUk/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__yzazo5NuYcNvwISobrw8W6JJ2Yz1Imor4XB4edvUb0zdM3iAfg_7hdjFowwVwc8fvVJWpJYhjdSqi_M28a7VQlGho7QIDjU6PMAguODLYVtFtFF4lq8Y53JSE_PIzNgtM6Scv71YUk/s400/IMG_1290.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690992168257510482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Since dad was away, Andrew was in charge of cooking the turkey for Thanksgiving; the job Kirk usually does.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqgO_qRSLPQIfbL2hTTokn2lw7GxTgXZP5W20hF0dclC7ugU4JPyUbqR74fvMzYl27Qd94Z2uG93jd7qU3YNNVxyAmdaQhZsa_OKjwzXZSE228HaYEh8LBSkOMLouOBo1TwQx0se8Jmc/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqgO_qRSLPQIfbL2hTTokn2lw7GxTgXZP5W20hF0dclC7ugU4JPyUbqR74fvMzYl27Qd94Z2uG93jd7qU3YNNVxyAmdaQhZsa_OKjwzXZSE228HaYEh8LBSkOMLouOBo1TwQx0se8Jmc/s400/IMG_1287.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690992164283544674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Joe helped make the Pumpkin Pie. Jessie also helped.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">(notice the newly renovated kitchen compared to past posts? I have not officially posted before and after photos, but Kirk and I have recently completed the dining and kitchen areas and will post comparison photos soon.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#006600;">DECEMBER~</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NZrprJT4FjvV55hVnmugu-0jkqi7ei8dBcr6GpK70QSKL6_sMifgMo_Muylhe_kEy1zctKaRSdTN1CfCp3bzAQwQmiIqD3mKQYdiZpMCnQQs2vf2YQ30UMD-kMVg-6Cl-b1-Bjw33bw/s400/IMG_1295.JPG" /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Decorating their individual Christmas trees that go in their bedrooms.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwUIr2X-ycTQDjR5iBz119Mq8eVANOL1Tlt9_WbPbddoQT5ZqzJE-CDb3Svnfx79RcSP_JbgS3PrwhovP1BKXSKuH2sN8hVW_d5GFptB1VcY-BbjQIcXXXuizXL3d-Bwe8ELpbbTsRKc/s400/IMG_1304.JPG" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">The kids posed in front of the Dining Room Christmas tree to send to their dad in an email while he's away~</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">He'll be home for Christmas Dec 13-Jan 5 !!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuT9OFkAEqNxzKORFcqit_pt8aR_GXKWbmRr2aNrKORKfDNkvH-lac2FqVMCQsm7W9mydbTQS5j2xnj6LyeL0XpMT3DHJN2ciSttAwRCPI_imNQKrsXBHIgvFlSddG3JlAaqfVWyLhI9A/s400/IMG_1315.JPG" /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Jessie and Joe on the last week of school the day of their Christmas Concert.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKMbWSDE3OeVrtz5DFBrDQ2fwJUCc2DvbPwRK_jWcl68bOQdIo8HVAoTlvMThQebiUgbKpc4mwShe8FxChE1QWhY6yvwQHn1hdcU2GfACSTN8hrBetgm8zhfXnjVKgBY5IYu6qfAg9V8/s400/IMG_1317.JPG" /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">After school they receive a special gift from Kirk in Afghanistan...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span">A Christmas book with a DVD of Kirk reading the very same book (notice the computer screen of Kirk sitting in a chair reading). The USO provided this service </span><span class="Apple-style-span">to parents </span><span class="Apple-style-span">(a book with a DVD of the deployed parent reading the book) who have younger kids back in the states.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nEXghzXyKz4Wd0PuWjhy8cOcYdz0EbowAkEys1DFzwLltlGrtxlarCdWw-hQg4eSQnIdlo8vZrgmEvHP8N_lYc-obFJ-FObbADu0PhONl1X1G79e_HuWfYuybz-xt8EpE6cEAIphvf0/s1600/Andrew%2527s+start.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nEXghzXyKz4Wd0PuWjhy8cOcYdz0EbowAkEys1DFzwLltlGrtxlarCdWw-hQg4eSQnIdlo8vZrgmEvHP8N_lYc-obFJ-FObbADu0PhONl1X1G79e_HuWfYuybz-xt8EpE6cEAIphvf0/s400/Andrew%2527s+start.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690986481996835890" /></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Andrew had several swim meets over Christmas break and practices most every day. Andrew's Men's 200 Free Relay Team are focused and set to break the school record (1.34:08) this year!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrChN2KNIwqssr_EqesVpsC6oFtkaX-42fxUmVhv9mxZiDOgCTaa-2CvsY7WGLbqz-rCNTUBCOStfzCvJL1zdAxofHnbVGmTdI28WqvZGrGS7VP2eJ_GRqBOHTrPrlTSktCMq5E9Vuizo/s400/IMG_1340.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">COOKIE MAKING TIME!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0cLJ-v4G-sYnayqFM1jDeybscHgnxzRo4BYfPUsfDq6HDjNHWFFv8jB1U4x6VfgL1JaH16JcilJ6_HLxgPN4Du8031LWNhI3vr-7zIp3KYZnDzXS1rcrM1MuQIx2Ca1_Ey4PtCYsung/s400/IMG_1347.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7IhifcI0XDre3KbnlWy_Ri4B8lXVO6juMMFDuXF-MX_ugH-tGM3-HiBdvuS7o8Z9SVE2imRbuRKwZs_KSb-NVtlZEx0CeZFF4ooN7WXRhksFsgylGpGAjH4uAKW-l3Rg7yIUbRnebKM/s400/IMG_1355.JPG" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrREpDDxbKup6GgcgtAXg5GgxrPQOkkbWULuu96TfPhWODf0qcKd-IzWNnUxK-DeaRQwDEObDCSbfqGgEng6GkdwYcBmw4WtuC2XZMwSV0SHeefxBWWAgSS2ur5D3BgHeCd_z2Ul-yaXw/s400/IMG_1368.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Christmas Eve~</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj4eYnEAUrEJUlBbtohoG2XmypqJAqULxFsg-tJ3kA-NhZh_KRedElHA2w_sj4AmBF1SDMAsebmcGbtPvNn7a1PkURIhCxTXOsC6lGJOotvK4rJF2ATDEfoPqtnn4B0ruSm7_UVTXTow/s400/IMG_1366.JPG" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#006600;"><b>CHRISTMAS DAY 2011~</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#006600;"><b><img src="http://images-partners-tbn.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRmgj2mIL2BQEJlWgGAw47lpgY6ICoqpvQk4_oKSwdfNqsOSCNJ:adayingodswill.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/jesusbirthday.jpg" alt="HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS CHRIST" /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#006600;"><b><img src="http://images-partners-tbn.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSrG9jVUPMzynJvHrTds0hfyMpmK-CEC9706YIujO645bZeILA1P3TS-eUX:welcometotheroc.org/images/attri01.gif" alt="Happy Birthday my precious" /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;color:#006600;">We enjoyed Christmas Day together in the quietness of our home.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b><br /></b></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGtA_d-Z16wkAvtXUXdYcpU-3wvuwq5ZwaaBylC6gv7yjCzzpa5gOyguZbUtwfPBbvkTI9cjiVss7EuqmaiDnk0STQf7gTuVKBShyphenhyphenSLLFO0hfPAWKww5373ECV8Ty89TS0qPoEdcrncI/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGtA_d-Z16wkAvtXUXdYcpU-3wvuwq5ZwaaBylC6gv7yjCzzpa5gOyguZbUtwfPBbvkTI9cjiVss7EuqmaiDnk0STQf7gTuVKBShyphenhyphenSLLFO0hfPAWKww5373ECV8Ty89TS0qPoEdcrncI/s400/IMG_1385.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690986475978580850" /></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Kelsie finds the first Christmas Pickle hidden in the tree.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">An Old World Christmas tradition- after all the gifts are open from under the Christmas tree, the kids begin to hunt for the hidden Christmas Pickle (an ornament). The first child to find the hidden ornament will enjoy a blessed year and receive a special gift. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">At our house, we let each child find a pickle (we hide four pickle ornaments between two trees) and each child gets a little gift after they find their pickle.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5LH3dMBXZCVN6OxV50fNjp5NCtwsMKCP7HzsnqocKStalPkXfFV4OGgyQnTPrF26XzmQR6xVw1Mk-TXCxKUa4h_dAkrC85VzCm0An7SlAK9fGYd4QoEe7RmN7njtBbWbEi6cJqdYlyE/s400/IMG_1382.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">The boys are still looking!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFHjfK5M20qpej2Gkggc-aznIy6gY2z9u_THmrtFh-JywZ3KJbC_DlE0Sb23qKoG_G2kfV6_nt4n4iQ0iK2QeCljScRSYFBvFDimGFXVhoy6pBtFLjClnwIJA92_UE7-1n_74wKfr-C8/s400/IMG_1383.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Joe is <i>very</i> close.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQu6pLcowAZ4LViHb-jGszdWQ_qQ_IuZi-JbOtRzeg0jBa77b-km_cSbvhEGLKYlbxE-y6Df26DQL3814GBnmnK-LFUTaUuRH4ncmTiD7vL5u9O3zg6EhHCY9cyzauPJSRKUKl_G0Vjw/s1600/IMG_1378.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQu6pLcowAZ4LViHb-jGszdWQ_qQ_IuZi-JbOtRzeg0jBa77b-km_cSbvhEGLKYlbxE-y6Df26DQL3814GBnmnK-LFUTaUuRH4ncmTiD7vL5u9O3zg6EhHCY9cyzauPJSRKUKl_G0Vjw/s400/IMG_1378.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690982878464891666" /></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Yeah! Teri gets the cement mixer she'd hoped for. She loved making "mud". There's a lot of work to be done outside with our home renovation and this machine will come in handy (save time and her back)!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6OQeS7vd9BlEHKf7l6f7vs8-nuPtwNCq0_exCd-adiWGkpH-lRWj9QQB-DMj8OvtJAVSxZuwIYoyt06OreppVz7ondhRc8QW8RrwBih7Fk4SnacrgqXBcTZyjMbsGdJsPzv6TkWHfAU/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6OQeS7vd9BlEHKf7l6f7vs8-nuPtwNCq0_exCd-adiWGkpH-lRWj9QQB-DMj8OvtJAVSxZuwIYoyt06OreppVz7ondhRc8QW8RrwBih7Fk4SnacrgqXBcTZyjMbsGdJsPzv6TkWHfAU/s400/IMG_1342.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690982841941684962" /></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">We wondered where all the ice from the ice machine was going... HERE IT IS!!! Joe was trying to make "snow" on the sidewalk by crushing ice cubes with a brick. The problem is, it's 78 degrees out side and the "snow" is melting almost as fast as he makes his "snow".</span></div><div> </div><div> </div></div>teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-21262750171776255652011-12-02T16:44:00.011-06:002011-12-02T17:13:57.706-06:00MEMORY VERSE #23<div><span>A great verse to remember this time of the year when many people (myself included) are tempted to spend more money than they can afford on Christmas gift giving. Also a great reminder to continue the debt "to love one another"... this is the only debt God wants us to always carry.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span><strong>“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.”</strong><br />(Romans 13:8 NIV)</span></div><div align="center"><span><a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2011/12/2011-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-23.html/comment-page-22#comment-294405">SSMT #23</a></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div> </div><div><span>My family and I have been faithful in saving cash through the year in our "Christmas Pig" (a holiday decorated piggy bank). Whatever dollar amount is in the Pig the day after Thanksgiving (when we count it) is the cash we will spend on Christmas gifts and Christmas donations to needy families. This method has worked great for us over the years. Having the cash on hand has helped us not be tempted to accumulate a bunch of uncontrollable credit card debt during the Christmas season!</span></div>teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-80188898899945771092011-11-15T08:53:00.006-06:002011-12-27T16:28:23.313-06:00Follow the Leader~ Memory Verses 21 and 22<div><b><i>"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you..."</i></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">My husband is in Afghanistan for a short time on a job flying (as a civilian contract worker) with the US Army. During his first 24 hours on Afghan soil he heard two separate siren alerts followed by mortar explosions in the distance. The reality of "where he was" hit him hard. Because of modern day technology, I was able to talk with him (skype) during this time and heard first hand about this new location he'll be staying in. As we talked, I not only heard the unrest in his voice, but also saw the emotions in his face. He looked alone and afraid; I felt helpless.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">As we talked I remembered <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2091&version=NIV">Psalm 91</a> and emailed it to my hubby for encouragement and comfort. His email back to me was filled with gratitude for God's plan and protection. My hubby shared a verse God led him to from Deuteronomy 31:6. He thanked me for sending Psalm 91 and said God's truth gives him everything he needs to keep going each day with confidence despite the fear of the danger around him. Here's Deuteronomy 31:6~</span></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”</b> (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV ~ <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2011/11/2011-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-21.html">SSMT #21</a> ~ Memory Verse for Nov. 1-14)</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><div><br /></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span">My hubby and I trust our Lord in all things and know that when God brings us to a situation in life, He will also bring us through it if we let Him. I love how the Lord "goes before us" and is always "with us" as states in my memory verse for this next two weeks, November 15-30, Deuteronomy 31:8~<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” </b> (</span><span class="Apple-style-span">Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV ~ <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2011/11/2011-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-22.html">SSMT #22</a>)</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><div><br /></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span">I know my husband is where God needs him to be to grow us both in our faith and to fulfill His Mighty purposes. I'm encouraged to know we don't have to be afraid during this time because we are following the Maker of Heaven and Earth who promises to "never leave us, nor forsake us". We can trust Him as we follow and obey Him; His Word and Promises are always true.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>PRAYER</i>: Lord, protect every person who is in Afghanistan and any foreign country for that matter putting their lives in danger for the well being of others. I think of everyone from the soldiers to missionaries sharing the Gospel. Lord, show them Your power through Your presence in their every day. I pray You give them hope in full doses showing them mercy and grace. Thank You, Lord for your Word and your Promises! Lifted in Jesus Name~ AMEN.</b></span></div>teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-22544856406974470752011-10-22T15:12:00.002-05:002011-10-22T15:36:36.150-05:00UGH!<p>I'm a "glass half full" kind of gal. I challenge myself to find the positive in every negative. However, I've realized there are certain things in my life that I have trouble finding the positive. No matter how I look at it, these things make me want to yell, "UGH"!!! </p><ul><li>Scooping dog poop from the yard (we have a German Shepherd, and she has BIG poop).</li><li>Trying to peel a boiled egg that refuses to be pealed.</li><li>Fire ant bites, chigger bites, mosquito bites... ANY bug bite that hurt or itch.</li><li>Going to the dentist for <em>any</em> kind of dental work (I know~ there's a lot of positive to fixing my teeth... but still- "UGH!").</li><li>Slow motion grocery store check out lines (especially when I have ice cream in the cart).</li><li>The outrageous price of toilet paper. (Maybe I should look into a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidet">bidet</a>?... how many trees would we save not using toilet paper... how much $$$ would my 6 person household save a year?... not to mention all the times my kids plug the septic line with using too much <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tp</span>... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hummm</span>)</li><li>People who throw lit cigarette butts out their car window while driving (somewhat common in Corpus and YES, the start of many of our fires!).</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><i>This is a list of my "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">UGHS</span>". </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><i>How about you? </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><i>Any things make me want to yell, "UGH"!!! </i></b></span></div>teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-56244951636164063592011-10-16T19:44:00.004-05:002011-10-16T20:57:42.607-05:00MEMORY VERSE #20<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>So do not fear, for I am with you; </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>do not be dismayed, for I am your God. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>I will strengthen you and help you; </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2011/10/2011-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-20.html/comment-page-22#comments">SSMT #20</a></b></span></div>teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-865212427809390196.post-2682048418127195812011-10-11T16:07:00.001-05:002011-10-11T16:19:37.301-05:00Our Popcorn Ball Tradition!<div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Teri_1964/?action=view&current=IMG_1153.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Teri_1964/IMG_1153.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When I was a child I remember a little old lady up the road from where I grew up give out home-made popcorn balls every Halloween to those who visited her house for "trick-or-treating". They were delicious, about the size of an adult fist wrapped in clear wrap tied with a ribbon. This was about 40 years ago when we didn't worry about getting homemade goodies in our trick or treat bag in fear of drugs or sharp objects hidden inside.</div><div> </div><div>About ten years ago as I was sharing memories with my own children, I had a flashback of this fond memory. I searched my Betty Crocker Cookbook (1982 printing) for a recipe that sounded like what we would get from the little old lady up the street. I found "Caramel Popcorn Balls" and believe I found a close match if not the same recipe!<br /></div><div>I started a tradition of making Popcorn Balls in the month of October & only in the month of October. This tradition was unintended the first year, but has become a family favorite as the years have passed. This year, my 9 year old was quick to ask me on October 1, "mom, can we make popcorn balls, today?"... and that's what we did! (in the past week and a half, I've made three separate batches.)<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span><b>Caramel Popcorn Balls</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 cup packed brown sugar</span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 cup dark corn syrup</span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span">1/2 cup butter (1 cube)</span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span">1 teaspoon salt</span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="Apple-style-span">21-28 cups of popcorn (about 3-4 regular sized micro-popped corn; each popped bag yields about 7 cups of popcorn) </span></li></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Directions</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Pop popcorn. *(I use two different bowls to sort the popcorn; one to initially dump the newly popped corn into, then a second to transfer the popcorn by hand over to ensure any unpopped seed get left in the first bowl. No one wants to break a tooth on a popcorn kernel!)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Teri_1964/IMG_1144.jpg" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Heat brown sugar, dark corn syrup,butter and salt in 4-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Cook, stirring constantly, at medium heat. Bring to a boil and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AZcSc0B2W_U8or0tcfk9NGSXMqjpPddUGnbF-p00P9fQKy5TUi4NnIVZlrxDE1yFD9rsv-bv-Ni9a2VwfSgPY3p60RNFNNT9KZtPVPvg0H8Bj4aBv5S3AIyONkRUN14vpIFoYSdimyE/s400/IMG_1145.JPG" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Remove from heat and wait about 1 minute to add to popcorn. Drizzle over the top and stir completely. Cool slightly.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDg3VZUl5PZusc0nm4CdL_7YlGAsAKTeHwzE-x6mhww6LmVWHQokNmXe1msm6R-B9QMODWafTkNCVqip2O2v8RYg6ycLlZL3J_gUVvUU-uAwPojh6ZrxG124rdQ_UGmqnwkCbPNnVE_8/s400/IMG_1151.JPG" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Dip both hands in a bowl of cold ice water until very cold; lightly pat dry on dish towel. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd287/Teri_1964/IMG_1150.jpg" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Shape mixture into 2-3 inch balls. Place on waxed paper; cool completely. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipl7Tu5yKKGgDv20dInW__UB66970PDHbOyRxMfwNOVULFoYKiBZeUIBTYD7m-F8E_BRTQk_yD2-2dQqyNnS0vlpc1aFi0UQT-he7C7QQyHMeQqwxMn-4aP9LS_ihyphenhyphenlbsEm41yy9s2pa4/s400/IMG_1152.JPG" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Store wrapped individually in plastic wrap or in plastic sandwich bags; tie bags to seal. For a seasonal touch, I add halloween stickers to the outside of the wrapped popcorn ball. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"></span> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span> Enjoy!!!</span></b></span></div></div>teri-free2bmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00461262003453141215noreply@blogger.com1