Today, Everyday, and Always

Kitchen Renovation~BEFORE and AFTER

2012-02-18T15:35:00.004-06:00

This 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.).

We started our Kitchen Renovation in July 2011 and were completely finished in October 2011.

PROJECT INFORMATION:

Kitchen is a "U" shaped kitchen that is approximately 13' x 12'
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!
We also had a fairly new refrigerator , so we didn't need to replace that either.
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.
We took the room down to studs so we could add proper R-13 insulation.
All outdated electrical and plumbing was updated.
Wood Laminate Floors~ Lumber Liquidators
Solid Maple Cabinets~ Kitchenpro.com (RTA, dove tailed, anti slam drawer feature, euro hinges, raised panel)
Granite Counter Tops~ Corpus Christi Solid Surfaces
Tumbled Travertine Backsplash~ DIY by Teri

BUDGET= $10,000.

ACTUAL= $10,037. (OVER by just $37.)

Our "sweat equity" value on this project had we hired everything out ... ??? We can only guess!

Since we have so many photos of this project,

I selected some of the highlights in this video.

Living Room Remodel AFTER PHOTOS~ (finally!)

2012-02-17T15:38:00.029-06:00

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.

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.

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)

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.

Dimmable recessed lighting

(both above TV cabinets and two separate pot lights)

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.

This is after the demo.

Notice the burn spots on the wall?

YES... a fire waiting to happen!

PROJECT INFORMATION:

This Living Room is 11'2" wide x 17' long.

We budgeted $1,000. for this update.

We actually spent $2,413. (OVER budget by $1,413) Amazing how things add up!

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

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.

AFTER

Storage cabinet (18" wide x 24" deep x 80" tall)

(unfinished oak from Home Depot that we painted)

We used two cabinets total, placed back to back,

one on each side of the "candle place".

Dimmable recessed lighting, two lights on each side.

Wonderful storage for photo albums and crafts.

The other side houses our DVD's, CD's, video games and misc. electronics items.

BEFORE

AFTER

The multi-colored slate and two cabinets are part of what put our budget over, but well worth it!

The mood of a fire (year around) without the heat or fire hazard.

Flicker Electrical Lights~ I simply plug in a discrete outlet and enjoy.

See THIS POST for more "In Progress" photos of early stages of this remodel or THIS POST for a few photos of us laying the laminate floor.

What a year!

2011-12-30T06:21:00.003-06:00

Click on the picture above for our complete year at a glance with photos. When you get to the bottom of the page, click "Older Posts" link to continue.

We started the year by making huge progresses on our home renovations. We continued much progress through the whole year.
Kelsie (our oldest) turned 18, and graduated from High School.
Kelsie moved to Cleveland, Tennessee to attend her first year of college.
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.
Kirk is hoping to fulfill his dream job in the new year with a commercial airline.
Andrew turns 16 and is working on getting his driver's licence.

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.

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!

Family Updates

2011-12-28T17:09:00.003-06:00

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!

My family has had four Birthdays (Andrew, Teri, Jessie and Kirk), several holidays, and random happenings since my last "family" update post 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.

SEPTEMBER~

Andrew turns 16...

... and is surprised with a "stang"

(2001 V6 Mustang, stick shift- the not so fast model).

He also got a shotgun for his birthday.

Andrew likes to hunt birds and target shoot.

Andrew earned his letter man jacket last year for varsity swimming, but received it early his 10 grade school year.

OCTOBER~

Jessie turns 10!

We celebrated with a small family party.

Pumpkin carving~

Jessie and a few friends carve for part of the fun for a sleep-over.

Halloween 2011

NOVEMBER~

Andrew tries on Kirk's Army issued bullet proof armor since he has aspirations to someday go into the military. 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.

Jessie plays soccer on the Padre Thunder team.

Since dad was away, Andrew was in charge of cooking the turkey for Thanksgiving; the job Kirk usually does.

Joe helped make the Pumpkin Pie. Jessie also helped.

(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.)

DECEMBER~

Decorating their individual Christmas trees that go in their bedrooms.

The kids posed in front of the Dining Room Christmas tree to send to their dad in an email while he's away~

He'll be home for Christmas Dec 13-Jan 5 !!!

Jessie and Joe on the last week of school the day of their Christmas Concert.

After school they receive a special gift from Kirk in Afghanistan...

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 to parents (a book with a DVD of the deployed parent reading the book) who have younger kids back in the states.

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!

COOKIE MAKING TIME!

Christmas Eve~

CHRISTMAS DAY 2011~

We enjoyed Christmas Day together in the quietness of our home.

Kelsie finds the first Christmas Pickle hidden in the tree.

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.

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.

The boys are still looking!

Joe is very close.

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)!

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".

MEMORY VERSE #23

2011-12-02T16:44:00.011-06:00

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.

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.”
(Romans 13:8 NIV)

SSMT #23

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!

Follow the Leader~ Memory Verses 21 and 22

2011-11-15T08:53:00.006-06:00

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you..."

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.

As we talked I remembered Psalm 91 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~

"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.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV ~ SSMT #21 ~ Memory Verse for Nov. 1-14)

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~

"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.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV ~ SSMT #22)

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.

PRAYER: 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.

UGH!

2011-10-22T15:12:00.002-05:00

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"!!!

Scooping dog poop from the yard (we have a German Shepherd, and she has BIG poop).
Trying to peel a boiled egg that refuses to be pealed.
Fire ant bites, chigger bites, mosquito bites... ANY bug bite that hurt or itch.
Going to the dentist for any kind of dental work (I know~ there's a lot of positive to fixing my teeth... but still- "UGH!").
Slow motion grocery store check out lines (especially when I have ice cream in the cart).
The outrageous price of toilet paper. (Maybe I should look into a bidet?... 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 tp... Hummm)
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!).

This is a list of my "UGHS".

How about you?

Any things make me want to yell, "UGH"!!!

MEMORY VERSE #20

2011-10-16T19:44:00.004-05:00

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

SSMT #20

Our Popcorn Ball Tradition!

2011-10-11T16:07:00.001-05:00

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.

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!

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.)

Caramel Popcorn Balls

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup dark corn syrup

1/2 cup butter (1 cube)

1 teaspoon salt

21-28 cups of popcorn (about 3-4 regular sized micro-popped corn; each popped bag yields about 7 cups of popcorn)

Directions

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!)

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.

Remove from heat and wait about 1 minute to add to popcorn. Drizzle over the top and stir completely. Cool slightly.

Dip both hands in a bowl of cold ice water until very cold; lightly pat dry on dish towel.

Shape mixture into 2-3 inch balls. Place on waxed paper; cool completely.

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.

Enjoy!!!

The Power of NOW~ MEMORY VERSE #19

2011-10-02T15:03:00.010-05:00

The Lord has been working on me lately in the area of putting things off. I know I'm not a procrastinator by nature, but lately I've been challenged in not prioritizing certain things and falling back on the excuse, "I can do it tomorrow". My "tomorrows" have strung in to a long list of sad yesterdays. Can you relate?

My next memory verse for Oct. 1-15 is Deuteronomy 30:11. This verse will remind me that the things God has called me to do to serve Him, He commands me to obey Him NOW, and TODAY (not tomorrow or yesterday). It's like giving Him the gift of my time and sense of urgency in His kingdom priorities; being more God-centered than self-centered. He gives me power and encouragement through Scripture in obeying Him now and today... and, there's blessing behind every act of obedience- I know it and EXPECT IT!

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. (emphasis mine) DT 30:11 (NIV) SSMT #19

Getting dressed... MEMORY VERSE #17 & #18

2011-09-01T07:58:00.022-05:00

Having just spent the last 10 weeks camped out in the "Beatitudes", it's a new day to be moving to another area of Scripture that God has laid on my heart to memorize.

5... All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble.”

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:5-7 (NIV)
SSMT #17 & #18

I love the visual of "clothing" myself every morning with humility (putting others first) so that I may receive a fresh dose of favor from God (in other Bible translations "favor" is translated, "grace" or "blessing"). We all need His amazing grace! Verses 6 and 7 remind me to simply, "let go, let God". My study Bible states: "Letting God have your anxieties calls for action, not passivity. Don't submit to circumstances, but to the Lord who controls the circumstances."

These verses come at such an appropriate time; not only do they minister to me in my everyday life application, but they are also nuggets of encouragement to keep reminding my hubby Kirk as he transitions from his military career to civilian. Kirk has been a bit anxious with leaving the familiar routine of flying in the Navy to the unknowns of what lies ahead. He himself is filling his mind with verses about trusting God and not being anxious which has helped him stay focused on God's plan for him and be at peace. Kirk is officially out of the Navy October 1, and has been blessed with a new (temporary) flying job; Kirk is in training for this new job right now flying special missions out of the country for chunks of time (OEF). He is thankful God has provided a temporary job, but this was not the job he had in mind or dreamed of upon getting out of the Navy. Kirk and I hold onto God's promise in Jeremiah 29:11. Please keep Kirk in your prayers as the Lord might bring him to your mind, that he trusts God's plans for his flying career, that he is at peace with what lies ahead and remembers to DAILY, "let go, let God. "

Graduation, Birthday, & Retirement...

2011-08-20T15:03:00.016-05:00

Family Updates~ Summer 2011

Where has the summer gone... it seems like it was just May, and now it's already August! I reflect on the summer 2011 that has been filled with many memories, fun times, and life changes.

Our oldest, Kelsie, Graduates from High School with honors!

May 2011

Kelsie graduates as Salutatorian with friend Cassidy, Valedictorian. (Their High School had approximately 250 graduating Seniors)

Kelsie did awesome on her speech. She didn't share what she was going to say with us until we heard it first hand at the graduation; her speech was heart warming and God honoring. We are so proud of her and the woman she is becoming.

Kelsie's Grandma and Grandpa came from Oregon state to share in her special occasion!

Joe, our youngest, turns 7!!! July 9.

Fun Times at the Beach!

Kelsie and Jessie have morbid fun. (hint: one big hole, one smaller hole, and just the perfect camera angle)

...feeding the seagulls is always fun.

Kirk and I celebrated our 23 wedding anniversary this summer...

Can you believe we met on a blind date in the summer of 1983 and have been together ever since!

(a total of 28 years)

First Day of School, July 18th.

Jessie (4th grade), Joe (2nd grade), Andrew (10th grade)

Kelsie not pictured, will be starting college classes August 24.

Our little fixer upper house is surrounded by farm fields; this season the harvest is cotton! We took a bunch of pictures to include one in this year's Christmas cards.

Kirk ends his 20 year military career with his last flight as a Navy Pilot/Flight Instructor on July 22. The last flight is called a "Finny Flight".

Kirk ends his Navy career in a TC-12 with a total of over 5,500 multiengine flight hours.

His multiengine time as a Navy Pilot also includes flying the P-3 and T-34.

The tradition of a finny flight is to water down the pilot as he departs the plane; usually with a fire hose as we did here. As his family, we took the honor to hose him!

Another tradition is to spray the pilot down with champaign. Kirk's Navy buddies did this honor.

After all the hoopla outside, we went to the hanger for a simple retirement ceremony. Kirk's "official" retirement is October 1, but since this was his "finny flight", he opted to have his ceremony at this point to include his Navy buddies from the Reserve Department.

Kirk is honored by his Squadron~ he receives several certificates, a Meritorious Service Medal, a Photo Board signed by his Navy buddies, and this very neat shadow box.

We all got certificates of recognition, but the man of honor is Kirk Roman Wymore!

We are so proud of you, Kirk.

Now that Kirk is retiring from the Navy, his hope is to continue to fly as a civilian pilot (God providing the perfect flying job for him). We also hope to invest in rental properties and possibly a couple flip houses.

Remodeling our "fixer upper" has consumed much of our time in between our family events this summer. The day after Kirk's "finny flight" (Sat, July 23) we began demolition on our kitchen which has turned into a project much like a full-time job! ...thank goodness Kirk is on paid vacation for the next couple month so we can work on the house full time!

In two truck loads we discarded our entire kitchen (minus the appliances which are all in new & good condition and will be re-used). Renovation Updates- "AFTER" pictures on Living Room, Hallways, Dining Room and Kitchen will be posted on this blog soon.

Kelsie getting ready for her road trim to College; she willll be attending Lee University in Tennessee. God blessed Kelsie (and us, her parents) with a "Centennial Scholarship" (full tuition paid for qualifying ACT test score). Kelsie has also been accepted in the Lee Honors Program (1 of 22 students out of 900 incoming freshman). Kelsie plans to explore the Medical and Christian Ministries fields- double majoring in Health Sciences to someday become a PA and also in Spanish, minor in Theology.

...getting her bedroom packed up.

will it all fit in her car? It's a tight fit, for sure!

Tennessee or BUST~ Kelsie and her Dad hit the road early (6:30 am) Wednesday for a long 2 days of driving. Kirk will attend parent orientation and several other events while Kelsie registers for classes, meets her new room-mate, and gets settled in her new college life. Kirk will fly home Sunday morning.

Kelsie loves her new school already!

Classes for our new College Freshman begin August 24, 2011.

MEMORY VERSE #16

2011-08-16T10:33:00.006-05:00

My #15 verse for Aug 1-15 is (Matthew 5:11 NIV)... “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Verse #16 for August 15-31 is a continuation of #15... (Matthew 5:12 NIV) Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

This concludes memorizing the Beatitudes. I will focus on living them out in my everyday life... Thank you, Lord!

SSMT #16

MEMORY VERSE #15

2011-08-02T08:01:00.004-05:00

Matthew 5:11

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (NIV)

SSMT verse #15

MEMORY VERSE #14

2011-07-15T09:43:00.006-05:00

Happy Day Everybody!
For some reason, this year has been harder to stay focused on things. I'm pulled in many different directions and "distracted" has felt like my middle name. No matter how out of focus I "feel", one thing is for sure, I will do my best to stay faithful to my Lord.

Here it is already mid July, and I'm happy to be still on track with this year's challenge to plant God's Word in my heart with Beth Moore and thousands of other Siesta around the world. We are memorizing a new verse every two weeks (on the 1st and the 15th) and doing our best to live them out in our everyday lives. For verse #14, I'm moving on towards the end of the Beatitudes!

"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom." (MSG)

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (NIV)

SSMT Verse #14

Beatitudes Continue... MEMORY VERSE #13

2011-07-02T08:52:00.006-05:00

Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

I love the Message translation of this verse:
"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family."

SSMT #13

I want to be a "PEACEMAKER"!

This verse reminded me of a sermon years ago where the Pastor shared the difference between "peacekeepers" and "peacemakers". As I "googled" the topic, I found this web site that helps communicate the difference as I remember the Pastor of my church had done. If you have time to peak, check out THIS SITE for more insight.

MEMORY VERSE #12

2011-06-15T16:06:00.007-05:00

...continuing on with the Beatitudes.

Matthew 5:8

You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. (MSG)

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God. (NIV)

SSMT #12

Master Bedroom Re-Do

2011-06-09T08:24:00.004-05:00

My blogging on our Home Renovation progress has been quiet these days, mostly because the progress has been slow going and fragmented. Since November 2010 (over the past 6 months), Kirk and I have been working simultaneously on about 6 different areas of the house - a little bit here, there, and everywhere- very hit and miss! It has been a bit overwhelming and getting ANYTHING FINISHED with these six areas has felt like a far distant dream. There have been weeks where we are unable to work on any remodel projects because family and life events take priority; the kids have kept us busy with their school activities. Summer is here, and we're getting some time to press forward and get things done.

I'm thrilled to report that several areas ARE getting "FINISHED" (finally!) ... enough for me to blog before and after pictures which is like a "closure" of the project.

Here is our newly renovated MASTER BEDROOM:

BEFORE

Notice the window air conditioner unit? The previous owners used this to help cool this room on top of the regular central air that worked for the entire house. Three of the four walls in this room are hit directly by the south Texas sun most of the day and like the whole house, this room did not have any insulation in the walls, not to mention the single pan windows with poor caulking; it got VERY HOT & STUFFY in the summer.

DEMO

Joe loves to pound on the walls and demo! - even in his Sponge Bob P.J.'s! All drywall in this room had to be removed.

... a place where there at one time used to be a window! We found two other previous window openings that had once existed on the opposite wall. This room once had 5 different windows (three now covered by wall)! I wonder if it used to be a sun room at one time years ago?

R13 insulation in the whole room! ...and the brown door? It's getting replaced!

Here's the AFTER of this particular corner~ we have kept the walls all white to help it feel like a bigger room, crisp and fresh. And we love the new door!

MORE DEMO and repair... from another angle.

AFTER~

After adding insulation, we finished the walls with 1/2" drywall covered in "bead board" panels. To trim off the room we added crown moulding and over sized baseboards.

This Master Bedroom is smaller than what we're used to (because it's an older house), but we've managed to fit our things in it and make it nice and cozy.

Quilt set from The Company Store.

New bedroom carpet (professionally installed) meets up with our laminate wood floor (Kirk and Teri installed) from the hall area outside the master.

Close-up showing the bead board and crown. This room originally did not have any trim around the ceiling, so this crown and corner pieces are a nice added detail. The windows are new energy efficient double paned windows with 2" Bali (faux wood) mini blind.

MEMORY VERSE #11

2011-06-01T10:53:00.004-05:00

MATTHEW 5:7

You're blessed when you care.
At the moment of being 'care-full,'
you find yourselves cared for. (MSG)
~same verse in NIV translation...
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy. (NIV)

SSMT #11

A Surprise Birthday Party~

2011-05-21T07:41:00.004-05:00

Our first born child, Kelsie, turns 18!...

...she is always full of smiles.

We wanted to surprise Kelsie with a party of her closest friends from school. They arrived at the front door, yelled 'SURPRISE"...

...and then were off to the Corpus Christi Party Bus for an evening of fun-
"Clubb'in Kelsie style".

1st stop- "Chick fil a" for dinner.
We had Chicken "Club" Sandwich meals!

On our way to the beach~

Kelsie was born in Corpus Christi (1993) and her first place she lived was Beach Club Apartments... (this beach was where I walked frequently when I was pregnant with Kelsie)

Blowing bubbles on the beach! How much fun is that?

Mom (me) and Kelsie

Kelsie loves her friends and cherishes each one of them!
Friends Forever!

Time to load back in the Party Bus!
We played a game where everyone's shoes were put in a plastic garbage bag and we were partnered off so that our next stop each partner had to find the others' shoes for them... hopefully each person noticed what was on everyone's feet!

...finding our shoes!

Our last destination, "SCOOPZ". This is a frozen yogart place the kids go before youth group at church or just for the fun of it for a special sweet treat.

...back at the house... our evening coming to an end.

..the kids were given party bags containing a variety of things including a voter's registration application and a $2 scratch off lottery ticket. Out of 15 teenagers, only one person won from their lottery ticket ($5.00). LESSON LEARNED- lottery may be fun, but it is a waste of money (the majority of the time). Once you're 18, if you play the lottery, play responsibly.

Maddy and Kelsie.
Kelsie was given a "CLUB" signed by her friends to keep as a remembrance of her night of "Clubb'in" on her 18th birthday.

Once Kelsie's friends went home, we had our "family celebration" with a sampler cheese cake!

Happy Birthday, Kelsie!

MEMORY VERSE #10

2011-05-16T19:40:00.001-05:00

"You're blessed when you've
worked up a good appetite for God.
He's food and drink
in the best meal you'll ever eat." (MSG)

... same verse in (NIV):

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

Matthew 5:6 (from the Beatitudes)
SSMT Verse #10

MEMORY VERSE #9

2011-05-01T17:59:00.008-05:00

Matthew 5:5

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought." (MSG)

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (NIV)
SSMT Verse #9

Good stuff from BLOGGY WORLD

2011-04-18T06:09:00.014-05:00

I enjoy following a number of special blogs in BLOGGY WORLD. Most of the blogs I follow are random people who God has led me to through blogging. We share common interests, common struggles, common goals and we encourage one another. We interact in bloggy world and over time, develop friendships. I love how God's hand is directing our paths to cross in this way; even if we are thousands of miles apart, God has ordained our time, our friendship and our interaction. Thank you God for my blog friends!

Some of the blogs I follow are "ministry blogs". These blogs are more one sided, but very special none the less. They contain devotionals or insights about the Christian faith. I was just peaking through the blogs I follow and read this post from Lysa Terkeurst blog about "My Jesus in 5 Days". Lysa is the president of the Proverbs 31 Ministries and has an easy to read approach to writing that is always life applicable.

I know many of my friends in bloggy world love the Lord and want nothing more than draw closer to Jesus. This post encourages me to do draw closer to Him this week and I hope it encourages you to do the same as well. Check out Lisa's post My Jesus in 5 Days... and be sure to leave a comment for her if it ministers to you.

MEMORY VERSE #8

2011-04-15T07:16:00.011-05:00

Continuing on with The Beatitudes from THIS POST...

"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you." (Matthew 5:4 MSG)

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 NIV)

SSMT Verse #8

Less is More~

2011-04-11T16:50:00.006-05:00

Once asked to write a full story in six words, legend has it that novelist Ernest Hemingway responded:
"For Sale: baby shoes, never worn."

In six words he packs an emotional wallop and tells us everything we need to know.

I’d like to challenge bloggers and friends to tell me a story, and leave it in the comments section below. But here’s the catch: IT CAN ONLY BE SIX WORDS!

Here's mine:

"Loud shriek. Bloody dog. Kitten won."

added 4/12- (to ease any one's mind, my German Shepherd (Heidi) wanted to play and be dominant with our new kitten, Cherokee. Cherokee scratched Heidi's face as a defence and since Heidi was persistent, Cherokee scratched her in multiple places. Heidi wanted to play, but Cherokee wanted to fight and put the dog in her place- both animals are o.k. Heidi is healing fine having learned a lesson to leave the new kitty alone.)

Not Just a Bunch of Words~ SSMT Verse #7

2011-04-01T10:08:00.011-05:00

The point of memorizing Scripture isn't to fill our heads with a bunch of words and wonderful "quotes", but to take ownership of the verses, to allow them to shape who we are, to teach us new things about God, to encourage us and to equip us for this journey called "life". Scripture from the Holy Bible is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), it is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-18) and LIFE CHANGING if we live by it.

Since I became a Christ follower 9 years ago (traded in "religion" for actual "relationship"), God has revealed Himself a multitude of times through Scripture that has "blessed" Him and me. I have been memorizing Bible verses off and on for the past 9 years because right off, I recognized they are not just a bunch of words, but they are power in my life when I plant them in my mind and heart. Scripture brings me closer to oneness with the Lord.

Over the next couple months, I will be memorizing The Beatitudes from the Message translation paralleled to the NIV. The Message has such a down to earth, easy to understand and apply message, that I want to plant both translations in my mind and heart.

The Beatitudes is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus "saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them." (Matthew 5:1-2 NIV). The Beatitudes shares when we are "BLESSED". Blessed means more than happiness... the experience of hope and joy not connected to outward circumstances; blessed is the deepest form of eternal happiness like those who are in God's kingdom experience. I love this because I've lived these verses and they're true!!! My prayer is that we all are blessed today in an indescribable Jesus happiness.

Here's my first verse of The Beatitudes (verse #7 SSMT), Matthew 5:3~

"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." (MSG)

(Same verse in NIV) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "

Family Updates and Happenings~

2011-03-29T09:21:00.007-05:00

Since our friends and family are literally scattered all over the United States, I thank God for the internet to post pictures & "Family Updates" now and again to keep everybody up with what has kept Kirk and I (and the kids) busy- here's a post that shares WHAT ELSE is up besides our ongoing "home renovation".

VT-35 Squadron Fun: Kirk is a Flight Instructor with the US Navy. On occasion, we have "get togethers" with other families in our Squadron.

The kids have a fun time seeing the airplane their daddy flies for his "work".

Kirk preparing for a new adventure:

Kirk is nearing the end of his 20 year career with the Navy and he's been spending time on the computer getting himself set up for the next adventure God has for him. Kirk's most recently been applying for civilian flying jobs with a variety of commercial and transport airlines. The application process is all done "on-line" and he is confident he'll get hired to fly civilian (he has over 5,000 hours of flying multi-engine).

I love my family!

More Texas Critters:

From rattle snakes in the summer, to wild javelinas in the winter!!! For a couple months in a row they would come to our front yard to eat acorns and some pear cactus. There is usually about 5-8 of them, but one time we saw a herd of almost 20! We scare them away with making lots of noise and shooting them with a sling shot & acorns. After we put a small fence around the pear cactus, we haven't seen any javelinas in a couple months.

...the pear cactus in our front yard the javelinas love to eat!

Kelsie preparing for college:

Kelsie narrowed her college selection down to Seattle Pacific University in Washington State or Lee University in Tennessee.

After much prayer and direction from God, Kelsie chose Lee University - a Christian college that is offering her a full tuition (4 years) academic scholarship.

...when we visited the school it was neat to see almost every student in the girls dorm had their own eraser board on their door with Scriptures written on them.

Kelsie making the most of her senior year of High School:

...surprising some friends for their birthdays, Kelsie and friend Maddy "kidnapped" Benji and Randi for a special night of Chinese food, a bon fire and hanging out (in our back yard!).

Andrew, our Swimmer:

We are so proud of Andrew and his commitment to swimming. As a freshman in high school, he was the only 9th grade boy to try out for swimming. On top of that, HE MADE THE VARSITY TEAM! He has never swam competitively before this year and did awesome. He made it to District Competition, then to Regionals. He placed in both competitions receiving a couple medals.Andrew's swim regimen dropped about 20 pounds from his 8th grade weight. He morphed from a boy last year to a young man this year.

Girl Scout Cookie Season:

Jessie is a Brownie Girl Scout; I lead the entire multi level troop (of 36 girls) at our school. We had a very busy and successful cookie season January through February.

...in addition to selling cookies, meeting at our troop meetings, crafts, and Girl Scout fun, the troop went to a NHL Hockey game that honored the local Girl Scouts.

Goofing around, hanging out and just being...

Our newest Kitty~

A stray kitty, we have not yet named. We will give her love and hope she "works" as an outside cat to keep mice and snakes away. Bruno, our black kitty is excited to have a new friend.

Function, Practicality, and Common Sense

2011-03-24T10:13:00.007-05:00

We are still in the progression of our home renovation with only about 40 percent of the interior complete. A definate "work in progress". When working on a particular room in our fixer upper, these three questions go through my mind when evaluating our space~

Does this space FUNCTION the way my family needs it to? (storage has been an issue)
Are the changes we're making to this space PRACTICAL to the construction and era of the house? (since it's a 1930's home we don't want overly "contemporary" features.
Are we exercising a level of COMMON SENSE when updating the space not to "over improve"?

Over the past 4 months we've been working simultaneously on updating the living room and two hallways. The light at the end of the tunnel for these spaces is getting brighter to actually seeing completion!!! I hope to have some "AFTER" pictures posted very soon. I know, I know, I say that all the time. For now, here's some more "IN PROGRESS" pictures.

Kirk working on crown moulding in one of the hallways-
it's harder than it looks!

Our living room carpet in the process of being taken out. When you live in the space you're renovating it's a bit harder to get jobs done; many obstacles!

O.K.~ since we've never laid laminate floor before, "how do we do this"?
Kirk reads the instructions.

...we're on a roll, now! (I'm actually enjoying this)

The kids think it's a new play area to slip and slide on. Fun, Fun, Fun!

Great Memory Verse! VERSE #6

2011-03-15T07:04:00.012-05:00

I love the directness of The Message translation of Proverbs 18:21. I pray as I memorize these words of wisdom, God will continually remind me to "choose" life and fruit in what comes out of my mouth. (not just my words, but also my tone of voice)

Words kill, words give life;

they're either poison or fruit—
you choose.

Proverbs 18:21 (The Message) SSMT #6

As I memorize Proverbs 18:21, I will also refresh myself with a previous Scripture from several years ago -Ephesians 4:29. Thank you, Lord, for your Word!

Pray for Japan...

2011-03-14T08:23:00.004-05:00

and ALL who are effected by the recent earthquake, tsunami & and continuing tragedies~

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the LORD has done,

the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 46 (NIV)

MEMORY VERSE #5

2011-03-02T20:08:00.002-06:00

I chose these verses for the next two weeks because I've been in a "funk" and know the enemy is trying his hardest to keep me there. The "funk" I'm talking about is lack of energy, confidence, self pity and the feeling of repetitious defeat. The Lord has convicted me in some areas of disobedience; for those I confess and repent.

Before I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior I was in ignorance and darkness. But now that He's in my heart and I am one with the Lord, I have His light and want so badly for that light to shine bright for His glory...

... for the Lord to show me His victory throughout each day and the fruit of His spirit (below as well as Galatians 5:22-23) to be reflected in all I am and do...

...I want to seek the Lord and not just find Him and find out what pleases Him, but also put it into action. As I memorize these wonderful verses from Ephesians 5 over the next weeks, I also will pray them back to the Lord for myself and my sisters and brothers in Christ.

For you were once darkness,

but now you are light in the Lord.

Live as children of light

(for the fruit of the light consists

in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

and find out what pleases the Lord.

Ephesians 5:8-10 (NIV)

SSMT Verse #5

MEMORY VERSE #4- SSMT Challenge

2011-02-16T08:45:00.004-06:00

I love how God gives us His word as his direction to live life, as encouragement, and to give us complete strength and absolute truth as his children. He gives warnings to protect us, and promises to motivate us, all wrapped up in His overwhelming love.

For the past couple weeks the truth and promises in my memory verse #3 (Matthew 11:28-30) has sustained me and encouraged me. Finding "rest" in him has been awesome! (need to claim this more often!) THANK YOU, JESUS!

My next memory verse to write on my heart for Feb.15-28~

Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

Psalm 63:3-4 (NIV)

Verse #4- SSMT Challenge

Living Room Remodel~ IN PROGRESS

2011-02-03T21:29:00.008-06:00

We started the living room in October and have slowly been making progress. I hope to have AFTER PICTURES by end of February, but for now, here's some "in progress" photos.

OVERVIEW

of BEFORE REMODEL:

Dark wood paneling, dated carpet, oversized fireplace...

...damaged ceiling. Notice the tape by the ceiling trim on the fireplace? This tape is covering a crack in the ceiling.

FIRE PLACE~

The "monster hearth" as we referred to it, is too big for the space. The living room is small (11'2" x 17') and this hearth doesn't make sense in front of this door way.

The monster hearth has to go! With our furniture in place, it's a tight squeeze to get through this walk way space.

Demo time!!! Joe loves to help demo!

As we took the fireplace out, our original intentions were to drop the existing firebox to the floor. As we took the fireplace apart, we discovered that the existing firebox was cracked in three places with a small hole on the back side.

The hole on the backside of the firebox created a burn mark (hot spot) on the drywall behind it. SCARY for the previous owners and for us with the high risk of a fire starting; we hadn't built a fire since we'd moved in, so we are thankful nothing bad happened.

After considering our options, we decided to get rid of the "real" fireplace. We covered the hole and damaged ceiling with a reinforcement piece of plywood with the plan to create a new unit that would serve as much needed entertainment storage, a "faux" fireplace, more lighting, a focal point for the room and a backdrop for our flat screen TV.

I (Teri) designed the plan and built the framing while everyone was at school and work. Notice the duck tape? Since I was working the framing project by myself, DUCK TAPE was my extra pair of hands. In the photo above, the tape is holding the 2 x 4 so I can screw my other corner piece to complete the soffit.
What a beautiful frame job! Kirk did the electrical on this job, adding another circuit to the breaker to accommodate the extra lights (in the soffit) and additional outlets.

We installed the dry wall together, I did the mud and texturing, and Kirk did the painting... WHAT A TEAM we are!!!
No longer a "fire place", I have created a "candle place". No more "monster hearth"... you can see how far it had come out (where the wood floor shows) compared to where we have it now. Also included, an electrical outlet inside the "candle place" to plug in a string of lights during holidays or when ever.

I love to tile!!! Kirk and I had a hard time agreeing on how we wanted to finish our fireplace. We ended up deciding on slate- a natural stone that will add balance to the room and be a smaller scale tile than what was previously there. (I'll post AFTER pictures later!)

ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING ISSUES~

Three light switches by the front door; one goes to the front porch light, one goes to the dining room light, and the middle was a "mysterious" switch that we could not determine what it went to (it had live wires going to it). Notice the OLD wiring that is frayed out in places?
We got ALL NEW wiring!!! And the middle light switch, now goes to our two new ceiling can lights. Beautiful!

And God said, "Let there be light".

Two soffit lights on each side around the "candle place"... they are on a dimmer switch that make it real nice for the times when we're watching TV and don't want bright lights, but have them on as mood lights.

INSULATION~

This wall had no insulation. I pulled down dry wall and everyother board to fit in R13 Insulation. As we do each room of our fixer upper, adding insulation has been a priority.

CEILING~

...time to replace? YEP! Hummmm? why is that tape there?
As we took the fireplace apart, we discovered the "gaping crack" that was taped at the top of the fireplace; that's o.k., we can fix it...

A nice, sturdy piece of plywood screwed securely in the ceiling studs fixes our ceiling issues and creates a nice guide for the soffit framing.

I continue to be amazed at what a new coat of fresh paint can do!

Tired and worn out... I need MEMORY VERSE #3

2011-02-01T19:16:00.004-06:00

Over the past number of months, I've felt weary and burdened. I'm continually overwhelmed by having too much to do and not enough time to do it. I feel as though I'm operating my life in "mediocrity mode" and am continually falling short of my best because of my many commitments. Perhaps it's the "people pleaser" in me resurfacing this year in my inability to say "no" when things need done. I don't want to disappoint people; I rationalize "I'm capable", "I can do it", "no one else seems to be stepping up...", "if I don't do it, who will?" Lately, I find myself on a perpetual motion of being extremely busy with different projects and demands on my time; I'm being pulled in multiple directions most of the time. As a result, the time I spend with my husband and children is not what it should be... it's like I'm giving them my left overs. That's not right or is it fair.

I'm in the realization that I need to prune back some of my commitments and simplify my schedule. I will give the Lord my weariness and burdens knowing that through him I will have strength as I endure the rest of this year and prioritize my time and commitments the best I can.

To keep me on track and encouraged, I've selected my upcoming memory verse for the next couple weeks (Feb 1-14) from the book of Matthew- Jesus speaking:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

SSMT VERSE #3

Ready for the week end!

2011-01-21T08:31:00.007-06:00

Yes... "ready for the week end"... but not in the normal sense to get rest and relaxation, but in my case, to plunge toward a busy weekend with my Girl Scout Troop. This weekend (for our area), begins our "Girl Scout COOKIE Booth Sales"! YA HOOOOO! Yummy-nummy Girl Scout Cookies.

My troop will have two separate booth sales this weekend alone, selling a total of 8 hours not including the direct sales in neighborhoods they already have been doing. We have several more Booth Sales scheduled over the next several weeks enabling the girls to build confidence through interaction with the public. The girls have been having a fun time with cookie sales and I'm so proud of all 35 girl scouts... they've worked so hard to live up to the Girl Scout Promise~

On my honor, I will try:

To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times,

And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

(The Girl Scout Law)
I will do my best to be

honest and fair,

friendly and helpful,

considerate and caring,

courageous and strong, and

responsible for what I say and do,and to

respect myself and others,respect authority,

use resources wisely,make the world a better place, and

be a sister to every Girl Scout.

SUPPORT GIRL SCOUTS~

BUY COOKIES!

($3.50 a box)

MEMORY VERSE #2 ~ SSMT Challenge

2011-01-15T09:57:00.007-06:00

With the new year, we all have a fresh start... but do you notice how everything from the previous year still follows us into the new year?

I finished the 2010 over committed to people and projects, feeling overwhelmed and anxious. I feel like a one man band, doing it all, barely having time to take a break! I try to delegate, but somehow, end up still having to do the brunt of things...

2011 is here~behold, I start the new year in the same manner- over committed, overwhelmed, anxious and doing it all. I know God is testing me, refining me, and leading me in a way to depend on Him more and less on myself. I praise him for Scripture, His encouragement, and His love. My prayer is that I make the positive changes for the new year to honor God with my time and commitments and be more at peace with all that I'm doing. Meditating on God's word & promises is one positive change for 2011 I am thankful for.

My memory verse for Jan 15-31:

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NIV)

Same verse from the MESSAGE~

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.

Verse #2- SSMT Challenge

Wymore Christmas 2010

2011-01-13T10:55:00.004-06:00

As the month of January is nearly half over, I wanted to take time to share the recent memories of our Christmas holiday that have filled my head these past weeks. We were blessed to leave our 80 degree December weather in South Texas to visit our families in Washington and Oregon to get a taste cold winter wonderland and spend time with our family! We spent two weeks between WA and OR in mid December:

On our way to the Houston (to catch our flight)... a place we always stop... BUCKEY'S! The cleanest and pretiest public rest stop/bathrooms in all of Texas!!!

Kids crashed out on the lonnnnnngggggg flight.

We get to Seattle, and the kids enjoy the cold weather; they can see their breath!

First stop... Castle Rock, Washington.

The kids get to know their cousin, Alicia.

"Cozy quarters" - kids' sleeping arrangements.

...time to help Grandma & Grandpa Eccles decorate the Christmas tree.

Alicia, Sean, Andrew, Kelsie
Joe and Jessie
Notice how Grandma Eccles is filled with joy.

(me) and Traci~ sisters and BFF's
I MISS my sister and brother, Curtis!

I'm proud of my dad (in the blue jacket) for his faithfulness to walk pretty much everyday for exercise. We joined him on his 3 mile walking route this day (kind of cold & wet).

A stop to buy a few scratch off lottery ticket...
"you can't win if you don't buy".

We wanted to drive up the mountain (Mt. St. Helens) to see if we would find snow. We drove about 20 minutes- NO SNOW on the way- but we did have fun seeing some sights.

Tyler (kid's cousin) and his girlfriend, Jessica... the kids all had fun playing board games.

Traci and Sean (Traci's heart-string son- Brittneys boyfriend when she passed away)

Very cool! Castle Rock has a tradition... the city fire truck rolls around town blowing the siren, seeking out young children for Santa to visit.

Jessie got to tell Santa what was on her Christmas list (Joe missed out since he was taking a nap) .

Cousins hanging around the computer... probably checking Facebook!

Kelsie, Andrew, Tyler, and Sean... some of the coolest kids I know!

Even though Brittney lives in heaven now, her Birthday on earth is celebrated each year. We felt privileged to be a part of the celebration this year. Friends and family of Britt gathered, sang "Happy Birthday", and let go many balloons in Britt's honor. Brittney passed away just over a year ago and would have been 19 years old this year (Dec. 17). I know Britt see's, hears, and feels the love we continue to have for her.

...me and my man!

My mom pulls out the vinyls and 8 tracks to show off to the grandkids! They have never seen either (a vinyl record or 8-track tape) before now...

...an mom still has a sterio to play both!

Dancing to Elvis... mom is in her element!

mom and dad... so sweet!
I LOVE YOU, BOTH!

Grandpa Eccles and the Wymore kids.

And have you figured out yet~
Grandma Eccles LOVES ELVIS?

This "Elvis" is mechanical... it moves and talk...
"Thank you, Thank you, very much"... ,
it's actually kinda freaky!

...called the "Gold Lame Room" with Gold Lame' Elvis.

Believe it or not, this is only a sampling of all the Elvis stuff mom has. We joke with her that when the day comes that her and dad are in heaven with Jesus, us kids will eventually have a huge eBay business selling Elvis collectibles.

Time to head to Hood River, Oregon.

...the road trip between Castle Rock, WA and Hood River, OR is about two hours. Kirk and I both grew up in the Hood River Area (Kirk in Hood River, me, across the Columbia River in Bingen/White Salmon, WA) ; it feels good to be back home.

Joe (our youngest) was such a sport being stuck in the very back of our rental car.

The beauty of the Pacific Northwest...I MISS THIS!!!
Trees, mountains, waterfalls, and snow~ we don't get this scenery in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Multnomah Falls,Oregon

SNOW!!!

Before we went to Grandma and Grandpa Wymore's house, we went straight to the local WalMart to get winter coats, gloves, hats, and snow boots.

Andrew doesn't care to be shopping... can you tell?
Happy to finally be getting out of there!
Jessie- not so sure; she like to shop.

Anyone up for a snowball fight?

...some sledding?

...eating a snow ball?

TIME TO MAKE COOKIES!!!

Christmas Eve, Jessie and Joe pick out cookies for Santa...
and get them ready in front of the fireplace.

All tucked in ready to wake up for Christmas morning.

Christmas morning~

The kids sort the gifts.

Andrew gets a special gift with a note!

...then all of a sudden, a noise started playing music~
like a ring tone, perhaps?
Andrew finds his new cell phone sitting next to the TV ringing a cool tune Kelsie had picked out (one of Andrew's favorite songs). Andrew kept complaining about being "the only 9th grader without a cell phone" (which wasn't quite true-but almost)...
Kirk and I have made a rule that our kids won't get cell phones until their freshman year of high school (so far the tradition is they get it as a Christmas gift).

Mom and Dad Wymore with our family.

I MISS not living driving distance from family to spend more holidays together.

The kid's cousin, Adia.

Adia and Jessie.

Cousin Evyn

Bob making our prime rib Christmas dinner.
It was fabulous! Andrew and cousin "Robo" (Robert)

Aunt Mary and Troy (cousin)

Nicole, (me), Quoya ~ I love my sister in laws!
I MISS being able to hang out with you gals.

Jessie and Evyn playing with Jess' new curlers.

Lots of fun and games...

Grandpa brought out his polar bear for the kids to see (he shot it over 55 years ago when he was in the Coast Guard (in Alaska). Evyn is not too sure about it!

Rudolf?

Joe showing off his new Nintendo DSI...

Time to head back to TEXAS~

Waiting to take off... the plane had to be de-iced!

Back home, our pets were glad to have us home.

As we're back in Texas, I wish I had more time to see more people on this visit... many family members we didn't get to see... so many friends we would have like to say "hi" to... I have a couple "blogger friends" in OR I would like to meet in person someday. I am thankful we had the time we had, and my prayer is on our next few visits back to the area, we can see all those I didn't get a chance to see this past Christmas season 2010. God bless you~

2011~ HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-01-01T09:55:00.011-06:00

Wow... It's 1-1-11! Very cool!
I am so excited for this new year as I know it will hold many positive happenings. I reflect on the past year, 2010, and view it as bitter sweet. Many personal victories, but just as many failures. That's o.k.; the type of person I am, I will learn from my failures, move on, and make positive changes for this new year. I can't wait!

For 2011, I am committing to a number of personal goals (some people call them "resolutions"; I like to call them "GOALS"). One "goal" at the top of my list is staying in God's word on a consistent basis for direction and strength. Part of doing this will be participating in the "2011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team" starting today (CLICK HERE for more instructions/information).

For my first verse of the year I am choosing a passage from Galatians. So many times I get discouraged and feel like giving up. This verse will encourage me to not give up no matter what.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
SSMT~ Verse 1 (first LPM verse post)

A few verses before my selected memory verse (in vs. 7), I am reminded "a man reaps what he sows". I will hold on to this warning as I memorize God's encouragement and promise to me in vs. 9.

Happy New Year, everyone... may your new year be filled with much joy and many blessings!

Letter from Jesus about Christmas --

2010-12-01T09:11:00.001-06:00

I received this "letter" as an email forward a couple days after Christmas last year and thought it was worth sharing this year. Enjoy~

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

Tis the season~

2010-11-30T18:29:00.004-06:00

Being a mom and wife...
Children at different age levels (6,9,15,17)...
Christmas Season...
Calendar of activities...
Home renovation in progress...

Do you ever feel like a Stretch Armstrong? I sure do!!!

Praise God He gives strength; when I am stretched like this, God reveals himself in mighty ways. My prayer is for any and all who feel the way I do right now~ that we tap into God's supernatural strength and find a nice balance in our situations. May none of us lose the meaning of our mission in life (wife, mom, mentor, teacher, etc) or lose sight of Jesus as we celebrate His birthday this month.

I pray Jesus stay at the center of our stretched lives!

...“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV)

IT Gets Worse Before IT Gets Better!

2010-11-24T10:22:00.011-06:00

Have you ever noticed that when you're working on a project or encountering a challenge, "IT" sometimes seems to "get worse before IT gets better?

I think we can all relate to the times when a room in your house gets a "deep clean"... you end up making it much messier in the process to get it to the place of cleaner- "better". In the middle of the project mess you may doubt if the getting worse part was worth the getting better part. Can you relate?

What is your "IT"? We all have them.

Right now, mine is our home renovation project. It seems to get worse before it's getting better! I wonder how much longer?... when will we finally be completely "better"? We are living in the midst of a cluttered mess! It's been 10 months since we moved into our fixer upper and begun our projects based on priority; doing all the demolition and construction while living in the house as we renovate. It's been like a domino effect of shuffling one mess into the next in the process of each stage of updating. Besides the fact that we are living our everyday lives in addition.

My family and I are truly learning patience and perseverance!

Office area by kitchen looking in from dining room.

This is our dining room area looking from the living room. The domino effect of mess from "every day living" and "renovation". This is a sample of our "IT".

What is your "IT"?

"BEFORE" and "AFTER" ~ Bathroom Renovation #2

2010-11-22T16:30:00.007-06:00

"Bathroom #2" is our second bathroom renovation for our ranch house fixer upper. We did some work on it back in February out of desperate necessity (see THIS POST) to replace a leaking toilet and rotten sub-floor. After the repairs, we lived with the out of date bathroom for just over 7 months before we got time to renovate it. That's what's hard about this house- everything needs attention, so it's a matter of prioritizing.

We officially started our Bathroom #2 renovation the first week of September while the kids were on a break from school. We had this vision that we'd start and finish in a couple weeks. HA HA! Just like ALL the other rooms in our home, we discovered there's much more to the updates than we realized once we started, and the length of time it would take would be much longer than we expected.

Bathroom #2 took 6 weeks of hardcore demo and reconstruction before we could install the toilet and sink to even begin using part of the space again; that means six people coordinating bathroom time and showers in one bathroom (we just got done doing that with the first bathroom renovation!). We've learned to persevere because time has not been our friend! Officially as of today- 10 weeks after we began this Bathroom project- I am able to take good "AFTER" pictures. With the exception of a few painting details, a small piece of molding to install, and several knobs on the built-in cabinet, we are done with Bathroom #2!

Check it out~ (forgive me for so many pictures; I'm a "visual" learner and communicator and believe they speak volumes).

BEFORE & AFTER

The kids picked out the "cool" shade of blue on the wall~ "Aqua Ice" by Kilz
The mirror has a recessed cabinet in the wall.

This is a close up of the corner of the floor by the bathtub that had rotted. What you can't tell by the photo is the corner space is stuffed with steel wool and is about 1" x 2" . When the steel wool is pulled out, you're able to look straight to the ground.

Repaired and pretty!

This original built-in cabinet had five layers of different colors of paint from over the many years of it's life (I sanded a small section to investigate). Since the layers of paint most likely contains some lead, we chose to repaint! The piece went from an antique cream color...

...to an "Ultra Pure White" semi gloss, just like the trim. What a difference a fresh coat of paint makes! New hinges and knobs (still needed to be installed), give this original built-in cabinet the face lift it needed.

...love all the storage space. The bottom cupboard space was originally a wood hamper (the smelled musty and not practical). We converted the old hamper to a storage for toilet paper and cleaner- salvaged the original front of the hamper and added a hinge.

Looking into the bathroom from the hall.

The bath tub had seen better days.

New and fresh!

EXTRAS WE ADDED~

...I love stained glass! This window adds some nice light to the bathroom.
...the molding around the ceiling dress up the space as well.
...the mosaic border is our personal touch to accent and compliment the window.

We saw the mosaic border idea at our Home Depot for $10.00 a 12" section. There was no way I wanted to spend that kind of money since we needed 22 sections, so we made our own for about $.50 a section using tile "left overs" from Bathroom #1 and this project. We saved over $200. as DIY'ers and got to make it more special with handpicked colors. Making the mosaic sections was a family project with the kids each doing at least one section piece (12" long)- Jessie did 3 or 4 sections!

Soap and razor niche.

No more arguing over where the shampoo belongs!

Jessie and Joe are the first to initiate the new bathtub. Both in swimsuits, they think it's a fun place to play!

THE PROCESS OF TRANSFORMATION

Joe was excited to help tear down the old tile...

This chunk of wall with tile on it came down in one big piece and scared Joe as it was falling. We were blessed he wasn't hurt.

We knew there would be water damage, just not sure how much! The smell was gross.

...the tile backer board that was used (many, many years ago) was 1/2" plywood. After years of leaking around the broken chalking seal, the plywood rotted and crumbled around the bathtub upon touch.

Joe having a grand time lifting the brittle laminate tile pieces off the floor...

When we lifted the old bathtub to get it out, we discovered previous evidence of "critters"-mice or rats?- under the tub!

..and a rat snake in the wall by the tub! FREAK OUT TIME! We never caught him since he was so fast to escape straight up the wall into a crack next to some plumbing that goes to the attic! YES, HE MAY STILL BE IN THE ATTIC SOMEWHERE! But, that's a good thing, since rat snakes are non-venomous and eat rodents!

A bathroom down to nothing... time to put it back together~

...notice the opening above the shower area? (an opening for a transom window to let light in this room with no other windows!)
... how about the new tub? (we went from a 14" depth to an 18 " soaker tub depth)
...notice the niches near where the shower nozzle goes? (a place for soaps and razors- another is on the opposite side for the kids' shampoos- photo below)
...notice the shelf along the back wall? (perfect for kids to line their toys up, or candles for a nice bubble bath)

...the opposite side- four separate "cubby niches" for the kids to put their shampoos; each child has their own space!

...the transom window arrives!
(ordered from eBay- an artist in Canada)

Getting it installed was a challenge, but well worth it! The other side of the window faces the laundry room; we changed out the laundry room back door to an exterior door that has a window on the top half to let natural light in the space (which also comes into the stained glass window in addition to the ceiling light from the laundry room).

Our fixer upper has been a labor of love. Kirk has become the expert in updating the electrical and plumbing, while I (Teri) have done everything else- carpentry, framing, sheet rocking, all the tile work, chalking, painting, trim work, - a jack of all trades, master of none. Our house has a total of 12 indoor spaces (halls included) and we have 6 completed. Master Bedroom Before and After coming soon.

Remembering Brittney~

2010-11-08T11:44:00.013-06:00

A year ago today- November 8, 2009, an unexpected turn of events occurred and my sister's only child (my niece), was called home to be with Jesus.

Today, on the anniversary of her "Birthday into Heaven", we celebrate Britt and her memory here on earth. As a memorial to honor her, my family and I placed a cross by the side of the road where the car accident happened that took Britt's life. We let off a single red heart balloon to float to the heavens as a way to let Brittney know we love her and miss her. As the balloon quickly floated away, Jessie and Joe yelled, "we love you, Brittney"! The balloon went so fast to the sky we almost didn't get a photo (as if Brittney was grabbing it to let us know her presence with us).

As today marks the one year anniversary of Britt leaving this earth, I take time to reflect...

I think about my sister, Traci and Brittney moving to Corpus Christi at the end of July (2009) for Traci to start a new teaching job at Calallen Middle School. Traci had some situations occur that inspired her to move from Washington state to pursue new opportunities in Texas. Traci began her new job and Brittney started Calallen High in August. Britt would catch up on lost academics from her Junior year in Kelso, WA and graduate on time in Texas at the end of the school year 2010. Britt had got behind on her school credits when she had back surgery for scoliosis. After the surgery, she went through a rough and painful recovery (physically and emotionally), missing many days of school...

I think about how Brittney resented the move to Texas at first, but was getting adjusted and beginning to enjoy their new adventure in a new place. She was making good grades in school, meeting new friends, attending a new church (Bay Area Fellowship), getting to know her cousins better (my 4 kids), and drawing closer to her mom- a relationship that had been strained over the past couple years...

I think about Brittney's boyfriend Sean moving to Texas (in late August), how it was just what she needed at that very moment. After his arrival, all started to fall into place for Brittney...

I think about Ryan (Traci's husband, Britt's dad) and his trip to Texas to bring a load of belongings before his move. Although he didn't like the state, I believe everything happened the way God intended... he was reluctantly taking his time to square things up in Washington to move down south himself to join his family at a later time (a move that ultimately would not happen- all God's plan)...

I think about how over the month of October, when ever I saw Brittney, she had a countenance that was that of inner joy... she smiled more... she laughed more... she seemed real happy... it was an attitude I now saw in Brittney I hadn't seen in a long while...

I think about how after the car accident that took Britt's life, neither Traci or Sean could bring themselves to to stay in Corpus Christi; Ryan hadn't made it down to this point and chose to stay in WA state; losing Britt and the memories connected to Corpus Christi were all too painful for all three of them to be here (in Texas). Traci moved back to Washington state to join her husband (leaving her new job), and by God's grace found a long term substituting position in the Tacoma area to finish off the 2009/2010 school year...

I think about how this past spring, after applying to a number of schools in WA, God provided her the perfect position. She was offered what she considers to be her dream job- a High School English Teacher (11 & 12 grades) in Eatonville, WA. It's just what she needed to be close to this age group of children to keep Britt's memory alive and feel close to her as she teaches and mentors 16-18 year old youth. God knew what He was doing to provide her this job to help her heal; He IS for ever faithful!

I think about how Traci and Ryan have drawn closer through this time of losing their only daughter. God has been ever present in working to heal Traci and Ryan's hearts through this past year...

I think about the whole string of events, how everything fell in place for Traci and Britt to move to Texas... the mended relationship between Traci and Britt after the move...

I think about the last words Britt said to her mom were, "I love you, mom" before she left the apartment...

I think about Traci and Britt attending a new church together and both of them getting to know Jesus in a deeper way (in such a short time)...

I think about how God always has a bigger and better plan for us than we could ever imagine... I still don't understand why He called Britt home at such an early age and so soon after the move to Texas (only three months), but I know His ways are always right even when they don't make sense to us...

I think about how my sister tapped into a supernatural strength to get herself through every minute of everyday with such a great loss on her heart, and has been an inspiration to many as she seeks the Lord for her strength...

I think about Ryan and all he has gone through in questioning the "whys" of Brittney not being with us any more... the heart ache and different emotions he is going through that only God can comfort and answer.

We all miss Brittney and I personally think of her almost everyday. I know for a fact, Traci and Ryan think of her multiple times a day. As long as they are on earth, they will have an empty place in their lives that was filled by Britt.

As I think about Brittney leaving us; I'm sad, yet I celebrate. Celebrate, because for those who have Jesus in their heart- which she did- when it's over (on earth), it's really "not over", but just beginning! The life she's living RIGHT NOW is what living is all about!

I think about Brittney hanging out with Jesus and our loved ones who have gone home ahead of her and after her... how she is watching down on us from heaven excited to see us all again someday, wanting to give us a tour of "her new home" ... Until that day, we hold her close in our hearts and memories until the time when we join her at home in heaven.

We love you, Britt!

Dec. 17, 1991 - Nov. 8, 2009

Royalty in the House

2010-10-20T09:36:00.005-05:00

This past week was exciting with the Birthday of my daughter, Jessie, and the Homecoming nomination of my daughter, Kelsie, to be on Homecoming Court for her High School (one of 5 Senior Class girls chosen). On the same day as Jessie's Birthday was the Homecoming Game and announcement of the "Homecoming Queen". We sat with the audience as each couple walked across the football field, then through a formation of Jr. ROTC members holding their swords in the form of a large tunnel.

Kelsie and Robin Wymer walked together, a Senior football player. Often, the school office thinks these two students are related because when pronounced, not looking at the spelling, the last names sound very much the same (Wymore and Wymer). Kelsie and Robin walked together last year as well, when they were both nominated as the Junior Class Homecoming Prince and Princess.

After much anticipation, The announcement was made...

and this year's "Homecoming Queen...(pause)
KELSIE WYMORE"!

Jessie~ "Queen for the Day" for her Birthday...
Kelsie~ "Queen of Homecoming"

I reflected back to 1981 when I was crowned "Homecoming Queen" of my small school in Washington state; seems a lifetime ago, really!

Through it all, I thought about the feeling most girls get when they're recognized as royalty (whether it's as a princess in some fashion or crowned queen for something special). I thought about how many of us base our value on what other people think; their approval or disapproval. What most don't realize, is we all belong to the "King of Kings" and are royalty in His eyes.

I am proud of Kelsie in her humbleness. As she was crowned Queen for Homecoming this past weekend, it did not and has not gone to her head; she actually seemed a bit uncomfortable with all the attention. Kelsie has a solid relationship with Christ- something I did not have at her age. She knows in her heart that it is not humans recognition and approval of her that gives her value, but the Lord's recognition and approval of her that matters. She has an audience of ONE, a child belonging to The King of Kings, the Creator of all things. This kind of royalty is one that outshines any other. Thank You, God, we are ALL royalty in YOU!

All these beautiful ladies of "royalty" below are some of Kelsie's close friends. (picture taken at the Homecoming Dance)

Andrew and Kelsie.

(we're so blessed they are as much best friends as they are brother and sister!)

Happy Birthday, Jessie!

2010-10-15T13:52:00.013-05:00

Jessie has wanted her ears pierced for a long time. Every time she would ask, we told her she had to wait until her "double digit" Birthday (age 10), but decided to let her have them done early... her 9th Birthday. On Thursday, October 14, we went to the local mall and she picked out her birthstone (light pink) to be her first ear rings. Watch her facial expression as the second needle went in; too funny!

Jessie turns 9
TODAY, October 15!

Our family tradition is to have the birthday child's bedroom filled with balloons when they wake up on their birthday morning. (Jessie is under the glob of pink blanket)

To celebrate her Birthday, I took a cookie cake to her 3rd grade class to share with her classmates. The class sang "Happy Birthday", then ate their treat.

Home made by lil ole me.

We also will have a "family birthday party" a day after her birthday, tomorrow- Saturday, Oct. 16, since the Tuloso Midway High School Homecoming is tonight, the night of Jessie's birthday... we will be at the game since big sister, Kelsie, is on the homecoming court (a different upcoming post).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESSIE~
We love you!

Random Happenings and Highlights...

2010-10-01T07:42:00.005-05:00

of the past several months.

Kirk and I have been so consumed with our home renovation that I have not blogged about family updates and random life happenings. This post of "random happenings & highlights" is for our friends and family who peak in on this blog to check in on our "Wymore Clan"... we love ya' all!

JUNE:

The kids posing at the "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" in San Antonio.
We took a family vacation to San Antonio and Canyon Lake, Texas for a week in June while the kids were on summer break.

Kirk and I at Canyon Lake. The following month (July 16), we celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary.

We rented a ski boat and tube for the day to spend on Canyon Lake... Joe and Andrew, are first up and have a fun time.

Andrew and Kelsie on the tube.

Jessie and Kelsie. Jessie was a bit timid, but Kelsie encouraged her.

JULY:

We got three new kittens from the Curlee Family that will serve as our "critter cats"... strictly outside kittys that will hopefully help keep mice and snakes away from our house/property (we live in the country on 2 acres).

Jessie and "Socks"

July 9 ~ Joe turns 6 years old!

The Eccles Clan ~ Castle Rock, WA ~ A one week trip I made (by myself without children or hubby) to the Pacific Northwest. I had a great time just hanging out with mom, dad, and my sister, Traci. I saw Curtis (my brother) for a day which was nice. About this picture...
Oh my goodness! This is one of those pictures that adds about 20 pounds... oh wait! Those extra pounds are really there! YIKES.

Andrew and Kelsie ~ First Day of School, July 19.
Andrew is in 9th grade, a Freshman...
Kelsie is in 12th grade, a Senior.
WOW; can't believe they've grown so fast- I remember when they were both just starting Kindergarten!
Keslie drives to school everyday (her cute blue Kia car in the background). Since she's so busy with her variety of activities, it's a blessing she drives. Andrew chooses to ride the bus most of the time (social reasons), but does catch a ride with Kels on occasion.

Jessie and Joe ~ First Day of School, July 19.
Jessie is in 3rd grade and Joe is in 1st.

Kirk and Teri ready for a "Change of Command" dinner... a Navy event that celebrates our new Commanding Officer taking his new position. Congratulations Commander McGee and wife Julie (our new COW - Commanding Officer Wife)!

AUGUST:

With the start of school, comes the start of a new Girl Scout year at London ISD. I am one of the Troop Leaders who administrates the group and helps lead (check out our BLOG). We have a great group of girls, a multi level troop; 36 total girls this year between Daisy, Brownie and Junior levels.

Jessie is a 2nd year Brownie this year.

This IS NOT a posed picture. I walked in the living room and found Jessie attempting to help Joe with his loose tooth. HUMMMM~ maybe we have a future dentist in the family? Although Jessie tried, Joe's tooth took another week before it was ready to come out.

Joe loses not just one tooth, but TWO teeth... in the same day! The tooth fairy paid double that night.

Jessie works on a mosaic project that is a contribution to our next bathroom remodel. Each of the kids helped with this project making mosaic sections. Using discarded pieces of left over tiles from our previous bathroom remodel, we added a new color tile to compliment the left overs, and included glass half marbles that will compliment a stained glass transom window. This mosaic border will surely add a personal touch to the kids' shower surround/bathroom space when we get it finished. (More to follow in an upcoming blog post on how we did this project and the whole bathroom renovation before and afters)

SEPTEMBER:

Over the kids' first intercession break from school (starting Sept. 4), we began demolition on the kids' bathroom...

... and to our surprise, we found a critter living in the bathroom wall. Talk about a "FREAK OUT" when I saw this Texas Rat Snake glaring at me as I peeled away a wall board. I think it was as afraid of me as I was of him. When we tried to capture him to put him outside, he quickly slithered up the wall into a hole in the ceiling between the studs (that the vent pipe went up in). This snake, as far as we know, is now living in our attic! First, I didn't know snakes could slither so fast up a wall; and second, I suppose having this type of snake in our attic is a good thing since he will most likely eat any mice he finds.

September 13 ~ Andrew turns 15!
We celebrated with a family birthday party and Kirk and Andrew spending an entire day putting together one of Andrew's birthday gifts...

...a new gym that Andrew will use to stay fit and conditioned as he trains for the Tuloso Midway High Swim Team this year. We're so proud of you Andrew for your commitment to fitness and faithfulness to swimming on the swim team. We can't wait to see you compete!

September 21 ~ I turn 46! I had a Girl Scout troop meeting after school, then when I got home, Kirk had baked me a cake and we had a family focused evening which was real nice.

Kelsie in her bedroom book worming it for the day! (not wanting her picture taken.)

We are so proud of you, Kelsie!!!
On top of being a person after God's heart doing her best to keep Him at the center of everything, Kelsie is a model example and a great daughter. Her personal ambition and gentle spirit are inspiring.

As a senior, Kelsie is Student Body President of the high school (1006 student enrollment), ranked #2 in her senior class (of 227'ish students), received exceptional SAT and ACT test scores; is applying for Baylor University, Seattle Pacific University, Houghton College, and a couple other Christian schools (hoping she gets clear direction from God as to which way to go), she was just nominated to represent the senior class as one of 5 girls for the homecoming court, and is involved with a number of clubs in her school. In the past couple months, Kelsie had it on her heart to help spearhead a new ministry with some friends at the high school. They are "Youth Alive"; a group that shows the love and kindness of Christ to anyone who might be interested. Their hope is to be be used by God to minister the Gospel to other teens who may not know Christ and to encourage fellow believers in their peer group to live out their faith. They meet once a week and also interact through the week in a variety of other ways. Kelsie, you truly are an example of a godly young lady.

I am proud of all our kids, my husband and thankful for my family. As I reflect on the past several months, I'm feeling a sense of graditude that God has given me all the people in my life. I love it when he brings new people in... random people who "connect"; I have been blessed with many friends- ones I interact with in person, and ones I've met and interact with through bloggy world and social networking. I love how God brings people in our lives for a season, a reason, and sometimes a whole life time. I just want to end with~

I couldn't have hoped for a better group of people to do life with; you reading this post included in that group! Thank YOU, God!!!

For the Long Haul

2010-09-28T18:24:00.010-05:00

When I was a child there was a time when I wanted to be a "long haul truck driver" when I grew up. My Uncle Ronny and Aunt Lois were long haul truck drivers and had adventurous experiences and exciting stories of their challenge to make good time driving from one side of the country to the other and back again in just a short amount of time. They would often drive the entire length of the US in just over a day (taking turns at the wheel). This was in the early 70's when there were not as many driving restrictions as there are now with how much drinving time in a 24 hour period you could log. Uncle Ronny and Aunt Lois were on the road for long periods of time and got to see grass roots USA from a different perspective than most people.

The other day I was pondering what it means to do something for the "long haul" (doing anything for a relatively great period of time). I reflected on all the areas in my life I'm committed to for the "long haul":

seeking, following, and growing my relationship with Christ
being a student of the Bible and living out what I learn
my marriage
my occupation as a Family Investor (investing in my children, husband and other family members)
being a kind and compassionate friend to those I know
renovating my house
any landscape project I begin
sponsoring Alice in Ghana through Compassion International
partnering with The Solberg Family and Family Life to strengthen marriages across the country
each year that I commit to leading my daughter's Girl Scouts Troop (on a year by year basis)

When I think of people who inspire me the most to stay strong for the long haul, I automatically think of Paul (formerly Saul) in the Bible. He is a great example of commitment and perseverance. After the scales fell of his eyes (full story in Acts 9), he became a sold out Christ follower; what ever he did, he was in it for the long haul. He never gave up, staying deliberate, and constant, and centered on Christ. I want to be like that! Many of my favorite Bible verses are written by Paul as his life is a good example for us to follow. God speaks through Paul in Scripture to keep us encouraged to live a Christ-centered life for the long haul...

... As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. Colossians 1:9-12 (The Message)

Chicken Citrus Salad Recipe

2010-08-24T08:21:00.006-05:00

An ongoing struggle that I continue to be challenged with~ eating healthy and getting some extra weight off (20 pounds to be exact). I haven't been successful in either over the past multi-number of months of sporadically talking about my weight issue on this blog. Several days ago, when I saw myself in a picture my son took of me, I didn't like seeing the image of a person who has let herself go. I'm usually the one behind the camera taking pictures, so to see myself in this photo was an eye opener. I was sitting in an overstuffed chair, round face, puffy looking eyes, belly flab that you could see through the shirt I was wearing and thick upper arms that used to be muscular. At that moment (seeing the photo), it was like a major turning point for me; I decided to FINALLY get SERIOUS about not just talking healthy eating, but DOING IT! I'm recording everything I eat in a journal / keeping track of my calories; I'm drinking lots of water and doing all the things I KNOW to do. I'm also working more activity in my everyday which is key.

Last night I made one of my favorite recipes from years ago when I was active with my First Place group while living in Florida. It's a "meal salad", called Chicken Citrus Salad that I thought I'd share with bloggy world. It's so good! I served it with whole wheat rolls to balance out the food groups.

4 cups each baby spinach leaves and mixed salad greens
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
2 cans (15 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
8 oz. sugar snap peas, halved
1 pkg. (6 oz.) Deli Fresh Oven Roasted Chicken Breast Cuts
1/2 cup Pecan Halves, toasted
1/2 cup KRAFT Light Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing

COMBINE all ingredients.
SERVE immediately.

Makes 8 servings, 1 1/2 cups each ; approximately 175 calories (whole wheat roll adds extra calories)

Exchange per serving: 1 Vegetable, 1 Meat, 1 Fruit

Bathroom Renovation #1~ FINALLY DONE!

2010-08-17T13:58:00.006-05:00

...Finally done except for a door that needs painted and a few areas of touch up paint, BUT I'm feeling like good things come to those who wait... AND WORK HARD!

Three months and about $3,800 later, we have our newly renovated bathroom that we are enjoying on a daily basis! This bathroom is somewhat small-6 feet by 9 feet- and to make the space more practical and functional, we did several things. First, we moved the door over about 6 inches and changed the door size from a 32" door to a 28 " door to help make the shower stall wider; we eliminated one of the double sinks to add space to the length of the shower as well as include a linen cupboard. Eliminating one of the double sinks was a hard choice since a double sink vanity is good for re-sale, but a sacrifice we felt was worth it to create an updated space that has more storage and a shower that was bigger and more comfortable to take a shower in. We're feeling like we're in a "spa setting" with our new tile shower and all the nifty details. See for yourself!

View standing in the door way, looking in the bathroom as you enter (BEFORE)

(AFTER)

12" porcelain tile floor, 5" floor baseboards, new walls, new toilet... NEW EVERYTHING!

Sink area (BEFORE)

Sink Area (AFTER)

WOW... it's so much nicer to wash up and brush teeth in a sink area that doesn't have "crusty- black" stuff growing around it.

Shower stall (BEFORE)

Shower Stall(AFTER)

...several built-in's for soap and shampoo.

(below) View from sitting on the throne.
The door still needs to be painted white.

When we moved the door over, we decided to add a transom window that was handcrafted by an artist in Canada (we found him on Ebay-superb craftsmanship!). This window adds a novelty touch to this bathroom space... and it's pleasant to look at while taking care of business.

If you're interested in your own beautiful stained glass window, check out creationeuropeenne. We have been very pleased with this purchase. As we continue to renovate our old fixer upper, I'm keeping my eyes open for a different place in this house I could add another window like this one. Hummm~ maybe the OTHER bathroom?

Time Line... WHAT TIME LINE???

2010-08-04T11:38:00.002-05:00

BATHROOM UPDATE~ we're STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS with our bathroom renovation! Our mantra for this house is "It's taking a lot longer than we thought!" We demolished our bathroom in mid-May, and we're still not finished! We are doing a lot of special things to add charm and function to this bathroom that you'll see in the "After" pictures. (hopefully will be done to post pictures in a couple weeks)

For a sneak peak~ here's some of our "in progress" pictures.

This bathroom was a total gut job. It had 1/4" drywall that had cracked over the years of foundation shifting and from the previous post, you can see that it had many other issues.

Kirk installing the new mold & mildew resistant drywall.

We also did all new insulation, which none of the walls previously had. Can't wait to start seeing the savings in our electric bills with all the work we're doing in the areas of energy efficiency!

This is my (Teri), special project that I am single handily constructing- the custom shower stall. Well, I'm doing it all myself, except for updating the plumbing, Kirk did that part for me. I, however, framed out the entire custom shower stall, poured the pre-slope shower pan, did the membrane, then the mud floor, did all the walls, and constructed this corner bench and a couple special shower niches. Thank God for DIYnetwork and several other resources I've used to learn what do do and how to do it right.

I am currently in the process of doing a custom tile job that has been a blast to do... it's just "taking a lot longer than I thought!" As of today, I am half done and hope to be done within two weeks. We'll see!

"Summer" is Over... Today is the First Day of School

2010-07-19T09:13:00.013-05:00

When you have young children or are a teacher or employee of a school district, summer often seems to be defined by the time from the end of one school year to the beginning of the next. The time in between the two school years is your "summer".

Where my kids go to school, we have a very short "summer" of only 7 weeks. The kids attend a "year around school" where they go 6 weeks and have a week off; go 6 weeks, have a week off, etc. They get 3-4 weeks off for Christmas break, and at the end of the school year, they are given 7 weeks for "summer"- this is our school year. It seems like just yesterday (May 26) the kids were getting out, all excited for what fun was ahead... and, with a blink, our summer has slipped away, and we're beginning the "first day of school". Although I'm sad to see the kids' "summer" gone, I'm so excited for them as they begin a new adventure this 2010-2011 school year!

Andrew (Freshman) and Kelsie (Senior). They drove to school together so Kelsie could show Andrew around his new high school. We're so blessed they have each other and get along like best friends.

Jessie (3rd grade) and Joe (1st grade)

Joe is not too happy to be back at school. He kept saying "I have a stomach ache, I want to go home!" Kirk and I suggested he give it a try and that we are proud how brave he is.

Prayer~ Lord, keep these kids and all who attend their schools safe this school year. Help them stay focused on eternal things and guide them to make good choices through the year. Lord, I pray you give each child a spirit of excitement to learn, to grow their knowledge, and encourage them to be the best they possibly can be. Help us parents to be filled with the fruit of your spirit, loving, patient, kind, self controlled... when we deal the challenges that always seem to surface. Lord, give the teachers of our students discernment for each child's needs and bless them as they are such an important part of helping shape the lives of these young ones. Thank you Lord that you hear this prayer and will give our children your favor and blessing as we seek You this year. In Jesus' Mighty name I pray, Amen.

Bathroom #1 - "Before"

2010-06-12T09:10:00.009-05:00

We finished the kids' bedrooms and moved onto gutting the first of two bathrooms. This bathroom is the one closest to the master bedroom. Since this is an old house, the "master bedroom" does not actually have it's own bathroom within the room, but one just outside the door. This bathroom is 8'9" x 6'; we are taking the whole room down to the studs. The walls are not insulated and most of the drywall is cracking (a theme to this whole house!), taking the room down to the studs is necessary for our work to be done right. Here are the "BEFORE" pictures and our current work in process:

Close up pictures of the blue easter egg looking sink with the fixture all corroded and the nasty old caulking against the bold yellow wall.The previous owners has lots of bathroom throw rugs on the floor... ... we discovered the throw rugs were hiding crusty linoleum that was breaking away!
Yes... a leaking shower, getting the sub floor all wet under the crusty linoleum! As each layer of sub floor was peeled off, more water was discovered.

No wall insulation... Let's get rid of this vanity! First- I must disconnect the plumbing.A very small shower stall we will be replacing with a larger all tiled shower.

Steel wool is stuffed around the opening in the drywall to keep "critters" (like mice) out of the shower.

With any major renovation, comes major garbage! Thankfully we live in the country with no neighbors... otherwise we would have some neighbor complaints about our garbage I'm thinking. This pile took two trips to the dump (in the back of Kirk's truck) to clean up!
Kirk and Andrew getting a bathroom ceiling fan installed. There was none before and the steam from the shower created quite a steamy, humid mess in the space.

When I was telling my sister, Traci, that we were renovating one of the two bathrooms, I expressed the challenge of being down to one functioning bathroom and six people having to choreograph our "bathroom time". She chuckled when the reality hit her about all 6 of us sharing the bathroom for the several weeks the other bathroom is under construction. I assured her that I have equipped our functioning bathroom with a variety of air fresheners in case of a previous visitor's presence still lingering...

...take your pick!

Check back for "after" pictures (in about a month!)

Home Renovation "BEFORE" & "AFTER"

2010-06-11T10:44:00.029-05:00

Here are some of the "before" & "after" pictures we have to this point on our home renovations. We have completed three bedrooms (the kids' rooms) except for some detail decorating (window treatments and wall accessories) and are currently in the middle of a bathroom "gut job". We have done all the work ourselves on these projects (except for new window installation) and are getting to be experts at framing and drywall since we have taken each of these rooms down to the studs and had to make massive repairs.

Jessie and Joe's Room

Notice the window to the left with an air conditioner unit half covered by wood and the funky "pass through"? In the "after" photos, you'll notice they are both gone- drywalled in.

The air conditioner unit was in this window and had created lots of damage! Much more than we ever planned for!

We had to not only replace most of the wall, but also part of the rotten subfloor.

We felt like we were rebuilding this room!
We decided NOT to keep the window, framing it completely in so we could build a closet for the kids (this room originally had no closet). Thank you very much, I (Teri) single handedly framed, drywalled, and custom organized this closet. No more "pass through" or large window, making this space more functional and appealing.
Down with old dark wood panel...

up with new 1/2" dry wall, soft yellow paint and 5 1/2" base boards.

EWWWW! A combination of damage from moisture and pests on the old 1/4" drywall... it was all replaced!

All new everything!!!

Andrew's Room

"Before" "After"

Lots of cracks in the walls. This was above his closet. "Before" "After"... no more cracks and newly painted black closet doors.

"Before" "After" It's so nice to have new walls, fresh paint, and clean white doors and trim!

Kelsie's Room

Parts of the wall was damaged by previous moisture, critters, and age, that it was crumbling away...
In this "AFTER" picture, the area above the lamp was where the original "pass through" opening used to be.

What bold colors the previous owners selected! It was themed as a "john deer" room.
Out with the old... in with the new!

This mirrored closet door makes this small room (10 x 12) feel much bigger!
Where the book shelf is, there was a second door to the room which didn't make much sense. We closed it off, creating more usable wall space.

Practical closet organization!
Orange door frame & bold sponged painted walls...
to clean white and eye soothing "spring cactus" green walls.

Weigh-in Wednesday

2010-06-09T10:15:00.010-05:00

The only purpose of blogging today is to be accountable and share my weight for "Weigh-in Wednesday" ... the Summer Challenge at Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. I love accountability!!! ALSO, I'M BLOGGING TODAY~ TO POST A MESSAGE TO ANY "SISTER'S IN THE HOOD" or ANY BLOGGERS WHO ARE WANTING TO LOSE WEIGHT... KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE AND DON'T GIVE UP... YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO! JUST DO IT.

I'm happy to report I am down 2 pounds from last week! This week I cut out my monster bowl of ice cream for desert each night (replaced it with a couple pieces of Dove Promises- dark chocolate (45 calories each)- I don't believe in complete desert deprivation!, reduced portion sizes of my lunch and dinner, cut down on unhealthy afternoon snacking, kept water intake high, and deliberately made over all better food choices. Unfortunately, this past week I DID NOT do any type of "regular exercise, although I do remain active around the house. My goal this upcoming week will be to continue healthy eating choices and start walking on a regular schedule.

Here are my stats:
Start Weight = 155 (on May 26) ... "A Kick in the Hiney"

Last Week Weight - 153.5

TODAY = 151.5 (down 2 pounds/3.5 total)

Summer Challenge GOAL (by end of July) = 145

ULTIMATE GOAL (by end of the year) = 130

This week's Memory verse:

'Not by might nor by power,
but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
(Zechariah 4:6)

Lessons from buying an old "fixer upper"

2010-06-05T07:30:00.023-05:00

As you may or may not know, my family and I recently moved from a beautiful "newer construction home" (built in 2003) inside city limits of Corpus Christi ...

...to an "older fixer-upper" (70+ years old) out in the country, outside city limits of Corpus, in the middle of acres upon acres of farmland:

Kirk and I are avid watchers of HGTV and DIYnetwork; and for the past couple of years, we have been wanting to have a major renovation project to call our own. This house fulfills that desire as every room... I'm not kidding~ ever square inch~ needs to be renovated or updated in some way.

As we are beginning our 5th month of fixing and updating this older house, I'm being reminded of MANY valuable lessons and learning a few new ones (just what God had intended to happen when we bought this property!). In no particular order, these are some things Kirk and I have learned:

Most things accomplished take longer than we expect... the key is not to give up! (whether it's with a home renovation project, losing weight/getting in shape, getting your dream job, whatever... you name your goal)
Things are never as easy as you think they should be- thus taking longer to accomplish! If you plan for a week... triple that time; the reality is it will most likely take three weeks to get done. (that's our experience so far!)
Be sure to add a "10-15% cushion" to the budget... like time~ it always seems to take more of what is planned.
Any goal set will involve some level of planning, labor, perseverance, and patience. With out a balance of these, frustration and some insanity will set in.
We're losing trust in hiring "professional" contractors. (Our carpet guys were great!!!, But we hired window guys to replace all our windows, and air conditioner guys to replace our air conditioner and repair our ducting. Both situations we did a thorough research to hire good, quality service guys. The products installed are great, but the installation was horrible. The guys cut corners and messed up areas of our house that they probably figured we wouldn't notice. We are having to fix things left by these guys and finish up detail work that should have been done by these contractors.)
If you want something done right, do it yourself. OR get referrals of the person you are wanting to hire. OR BETTER YET~ personally know the person you are hiring!
Attitude is EVERYTHING!
A thankful and content heart comes from remembering all the blessings we have. Don't look at what you don't have, look at ALL that you do have! (we are missing our old pool about now with temperatures getting HOT! We are learning to be content without.)
People are more important than things. (Spending hours and hours on a project shouldn't be at the expense of spending family time together)
Life is always full of "surprises". Embrace the good "surprises" and the bad "surprises" and learn from them both.
When ever possible~ renew, reuse, & recycle!
Corpus Christi has rattle snakes whether you're in the country OR a city sub-division! (I was recently informed the people who bought our previous house found a rattle snake on their property)
Any neglected house has the potential to be beautiful... it's a matter of how much love you are willing to pour into it. (same goes for our bodies, too.)
Through it all... the Lord is our source. He is the reason we are who we are, doing what we're doing. He shares in our frustrations; He shares in our victories. When we feel overloaded, he is always there to lift our burdens. What a fun adventure life is with Jesus by our side! He is the Master of restoration and renovations... making that which is broken fixed! Praise the Lord!

Stay tuned...

I will be posting "before" and "after" pictures of the kids' bedrooms at the end of next week, as well as some "before" pictures of the bathroom we're currently in the process of renovating. This bathroom could seriously qualify among "The Ugliest Bathrooms in America Award"! I can't wait for this bathroom to get done!

"Trying"... is planning to fail.

2010-06-02T10:08:00.007-05:00

I'm not much into watching TV unless it's SURVIVOR or any of the number of DIY shows on HGTV or the DIY Network. But, last night my husband and I planted ourselves in front of the TV for an hour to watch the new Jillian Michaels show, "Losing It With Jillian". It was a motivating show for both of us because of our current struggle to get back into healthy eating habits and faithful exercise. Although neither one of us is obese, we both need to lose some unhealthy weight (about 20-25 pounds each). We have not been successful in our attempts to "try" to shed this weight.

Something Jillian said last night when the mom of the family was in the gym having a real hard time with the work out and sobbed to Jillian, "I'm trying!!!!" Jillian snapped harshly back at her, "Trying... is planning to fail!"... WOW I never heard that before. I always thought "trying" to do something was a good thing. Jillian saying "trying... is planning to fail" resonated with me the rest of the night.

As I thought more and more about it, I realized that it is so true!... "trying IS indirectly planning to fail, and if it's not planning to fail, it's certainly giving an easy excuse for any failure. After "trying" one could say, "at least I tried". That is so where I'm at!!! I've been "trying" to lose my extra weight for the past year. Yet, I continue to fail. My efforts are really half way if you want to know the truth. Is that O.K to try and fail? Some say yes. But I say, no when it's my health I'm considering and the difference between quality of life and my choices leading to life or death. Obviously "trying" to be healthy hasn't been working too well for me this past year. Something needs to change; my way of thinking needs to change!

So, with my new way of thinking, instead of "trying" to eat better and exercise, I need to just "do it". Instead of an attitude of "I will try to do my best", I will have an attitude of " I CAN DO & WILL DO my best"; "I WILL be my best"; "I WILL lose my extra weight"; I WILL be healthy"; I CAN DO THIS!.

Today is "Wednesday Weigh-in" for the Summer Challenge from the Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans . Even though I had a number of times I blew my healthy eating choices this past week, and had inconsistent structured exercise, I did manage to lose a small amount of weight.

Last week ~155
Today~ 153.5 down 1.5
Goal (end of July) 145 (7.5 pounds to go!)

This new week, I will not try to eat healthy and exercise consistently... I WILL simply DO IT. No trying involved!

This week's verses~

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place. (Proverbs 16:3 Message) -emphasis mine

Memorial Day Weekend~

2010-05-30T09:12:00.007-05:00

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

Amidst the backyard BBQ'ing and hanging with friends and family, I take time to say a prayer for all who gave their life for my freedom and yours.

And I'm proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me. -Lee Greenwood

A Kick in the Hiney

2010-05-26T07:42:00.008-05:00

A new challenge from the "Sisterhood of Shrinking Jeans"... this is what I need to kick start my commitment to a healthier lifestyle of eating and exercising!

Over the past two years I have gradually gained some unhealthy weight. I have become aware of my declining health and lack of energy for quite some time, but my efforts of making a change seem to fail every time.

My healthy, happy weight for my body frame and height is 125-130. This is where I feel optimum; this is where I was two years ago. I remember feel'in great and being energetic! I want that back.

Today, for "WEIGH IN WEDNESDAY", I start this challenge at 155 pounds. Over the next 8 weeks I am setting a goal to get down to 145. To achieve this goal, I plan to follow the 9 commitments of the First Place 4 Health Program (minus the actual group meeting) with the "Sisterhood" as one of my accountability's; and my real life sister, Traci, as my other.

As the saying goes... "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired". I'm ready to get serious and do something about my health!

As I was in prayer this week, God reminded me that not only am I in the middle of a renovation of my entire house (La vieja casa)... I am to also begin renovations on my body, His temple... this Summer Challenge is a God send.

Memory verses for the next two weeks~

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)

Facing my Fears

2010-05-21T15:09:00.010-05:00

Over the past 5 weeks I have continued to be "freaked out" over my fear of snakes. As of May 18 (this past Tuesday), we have encountered a total of 5 rattle snakes around our 2 acre property... having killed 4 of the 5 (one got away, slithering under our house). Out of the 5, 3 of them were discovered in our front yard within a foot or two from the foundation of the house.

#5 was a baby rattler that Kirk and Andrew killed which I had discovered after getting home from a Girl Scout meeting. After decapitating the thing, the kids made an observation that is was "kinda thick looking".

Had it just eaten something? ...we wondered~

Kelsie and Andrew decided it would be interesting to dissect it. Their motives... Kelsie, my academic prodigy says, "for the sake of science"; while Andrew, my typical curious boy, says, "because it's cool".
Sure enough!...

...this baby rattler had just eaten a lizard about the same size of it's own body- about 10-12" long.

EEEWWWWW! So gross!

As far as my personal fear of snakes, I'm still fearful; but am facing my fear with a proactive attitude. We all are carefully watching and looking when ever we go outside. We're keeping the grass cut short. and de-cluttering low growing landscape. We still haven't gotten any "barn cats" for our property, but plan to real soon. Having some outdoor kitties we're told will help keep the snakes away. We'll see about that!

Amazing!

2010-05-19T15:35:00.003-05:00

Amazing how THE KID'S KEEP ME YOUNG AND MAKE ME FEEL OLD ALL AT THE SAME TIME...

Amazing how AT THE END OF EACH DAY I FEEL LIKE I'VE BEEN ON A TREADMILL- RUNNING ALL DAY LONG BUT NOT SEEMING TO GET ANYWHERE...

Amazing how TIME FLIES...

Amazing how I HAVE ALL THESE GOOD INTENTIONS... (but that's all many remain)

Amazing how COFFEE USED TO BE MY "WAKE UP JUICE" IN THE MORNING, BUT NOW IT'S MY "KEEP ME AWAKE JUICE" EACH AFTERNOON.

Amazing how GOD IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL EVEN WHEN I'M NOT!

That's my last couple months in a nut shell. Busy with the kids, many school activities, leading our school's Girl Scout Troop, and trying to keep up with all the everyday life demands at home (cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc.). Feeling like all the things I want to get done, especially with this new house and our home renovation- "La Vieja casa"- isn't happening because of all the other busyness. Feeling like I'm constantly on the go, but not really going anywhere. I'm exhausted... ALL THE TIME! Feeling like I've let "a full plate" of busyness crowd out quality family time and my quiet time with God. I realize I must be careful, because at a blink of the eye, another day, week, & month will pass and I could still be in this same place. Heaven forbid! I KNOW MANY READING THIS POST CAN RELATE.

I reflect over the craziness of life these past couple months, and recognize that through it all, God is always faithful! He never leaves me; He gives me strength when I need it; He gives me constant peace and comfort even though I don't deserve it. He loves me more than I can comprehend, again, nothing I did to deserve. Even though I haven't been faithful in seeking Him, He is forever faithful in seeking me.

Today I stop and bow to Him in AWE! I think "Amazing"...

...Amazing how GOD IS AMAZING!

The thing I'm most afraid of...

2010-04-12T11:00:00.004-05:00

SNAKES! ...terrify me!

So you can imagine my overwhelming fear when, on Sunday afternoon, I open our front door and happen to glance to my side and I see a rattle snake (about 18" long) on the ground slowly slithering along the dirt next the the front porch. It wasn't rattling, just quietly slithering. I hollered into the house, "Rattle Snake"! Kirk thought I was joking. I was not. I would never joke about seeing a rattle snake!

Kirk ran to the garage and grabbed a shovel, I grabbed the camera and stayed a safe distance away. Kirk trapped it, then ended up decapitating it. Now we're thinking about how we can keep other rattle snakes away. Several people told us to get some cats to keep as outside pets since the cats eat mice, and the snakes are around looking for mice to eat. The only problem is, the area coyotes will possibly eat the cats. ...circle of life?

We suspect the snake came out from under the house (a pier and beam foundation), where is was cool. It was probably looking for a sunny location since our afternoon temperatures this past Sunday were in the high 80's (F).

I'm FREAK'IN OUT about this snake and have emphasized with the kids what they need to do to be safe and to always be alert. One thing I KNOW I can do is claim Jesus' words in Luke 10:19 (NIV) over our house and property (we have scorpions, too)...

" I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."

Nothing will harm us!; Lord, keep us and all who visit our home protected from these critters and any other kind of danger! In Jesus' Mighty Name I pray. AMEN

A New Appreciation!

2010-04-08T12:54:00.006-05:00

FOR ANYONE WHO DOES DRY WALL FOR A LIVING! Hat's off to you. Dry walling takes patience and is truly an art form I have learned!

We have been getting the kids' bedrooms moving ahead these past several weeks with getting the walls fit for new drywall, installed, plastered, and finished out.

Kirk and I put up new 1/2" dry wall on the 3 bedrooms- replacing most of the 1/4" stuff that was on there. After installing the drywall, we've learned that "taping" & "mudding" the seams, getting all the finishing work done is a lengthy and time consuming process. All to be done in preparation of primering and painting. WOW! ...talk about labor intensive!!! I have muscles hurting I forgot I had.

Joe helping with cleaning.

Before we finished putting up the dry wall, we had the kids write their favorite verses and anything they wanted to express on the walls of their bedrooms that would be under the drywall.

Andrew has always had a small concern of this house being haunted since it's over 70 years old. He's asked several times, "do you think there's ghosts in this house?" When we told the kids to write things on their walls, he decided to include a word of protection on his wall.

I wrote a special message on each of the kid's walls...

"I love Jesus" written by Jessie.

Joe had a certain Super Hero on his mind when he did his wall writing!

I've become quite the "pro" at cutting dry wall!

The stages of "taping" is a messy job! I'm SO READY for a shower & manicure!

Jessie and Joe's Room (before closet, above)

Jessie and Joes's room (after closet added)

Andrew's room

Kelsie's Room

Kelsie paints her room "Spring Cactus" by Glidden.
The orange ceiling fan HAS TO GO!

We are currently at the place of getting the painting on the walls finished and have ordered the new carpet- a nice neutral frieze by Mohawk. We will hopefully have the carpet installed (by professionals) no later than April 23 (according to who we ordered it from).

Besides getting the painting finished, the other things we'll be working on in all the bedrooms over the next couple weeks in preparation of the kid's having their rooms done:

install new doors and paint them
install door hardware
replace ceiling fans
caulking around all windows (inside)
caulking around air conditioner ceiling vents (to prevent further condensation which has been an ongoing problem)
paint and install door & window trim molding
paint and install base boards
install new 2" Bali wood blinds (faux wood , that is)
add customized units to Kelsie and Jessie & Joe's closets
DECORATE the rooms to feel fresh and cozy!

We are starting see this phase of renovation FINALLY coming close to an end! I will soon be able to post the official "after" pictures! I can't wait!!!

Wizard of OZ~ A School Play

2010-03-28T10:08:00.017-05:00

Last weekend, we had two performances of the "Wizard of OZ", performed by the 8th graders of London ISD. What an awesome time and experience for these kids; they did fabulous and everyone seemed to enjoy the play!!! London School Rocks!

(above photos taken by John and Milda Sendajar~ 8th grade parents and professional photographers who take many photos for school events. Thanks John and Milda!)

My 8th grade son, Andrew... the Tin Man!

After the performances, the cast signed their character autograph on programs and kids' arms!

I'm very thankful to Mrs. Pedraza, Spanish teacher at London and 8th grade parent. Her love for the kids and the time she poured into this production of Wizard of OZ is appreciated beyond words. As a parent of 3 children who attend London ISD, I feel blessed to be a part of a school that is full of staff that go the extra mile for our kids. As Mr. McMath, our loving Superintendent would say, "God shines bright at London". Mrs. Pedraza is among the the many shining bright.

Mrs. Pedraza initiated this play for the 8th grade class as a fun way to earn extra money to help pay for some of the 8th grade graduation. Not only did the 8th grade class earn over $2,000. (pretty good considering our entire school consists of about 350 students K-8), but more importantly, this play created a positive memory and life imprint for these kids that will be with them all their lives.

Thank you Mrs. Pedraza and all the parents who supported the children in this fun experience!

MUSIC MONDAY~ "Save A Place For Me"

2010-03-15T07:56:00.013-05:00

I have not blogged a Music Monday in a while! I love listening to positive, encouraging music each day. It's one of the many ways God ministers to me and I am lifted up. I primarily listen to our local Christian station here in Corpus Christi, TX, 91.7 KBNJ. Nothing like our home town radio station! On occasion, I also listen to nationally syndicated stations K-LOVE and AIR1. Check out KLOVE & AIR1 web sites to find a station close to you or listen to any of these three on the Internet!

Back to Music Monday~ A song I've been hearing a lot on the radio lately is called "Save A Place For Me" by Matthew West. As I listen to the lyrics of this song, I long for my home in heaven more and more. I think about the many people in my life who have left this earth to be with the Lord in their home in heaven. I think about my niece, Brittney Jennings who was taken from this earth at the age of 17 this past November, just 4 months ago. I think about all the many friends and family Britt left behind so suddenly~ those who still think about her energy, her life, and her love. How we didn't get to say "good-bye". I think about Britt's boyfriend Sean, who, through Brittney's death, know's in his heart there IS a God in heaven... He looks forward to seeing Brittney again along with his baby brother who also passed at a young age when Jesus takes him there.

May the Lord encourage us through this song~

This song was made for "Tanya" from Janet.

I dedicate this song to any person grieving the loss of a loved one; that they may find encouragement that anyone who is in Christ Jesus and has left this earth has a place prepared for them in heaven and with Jesus by their side, they are saving a place for us as well. Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4 (New Living Translation)

Our renovation continues!

2010-03-11T09:57:00.019-06:00

By now we thought we'd be a lot further along on the kid's bedrooms than we are, but the good news is, each day we move forward a little bit more, even if it's at a snail's pace.

Since my last renovation blog update, we've had all new double pane (energy efficient)windows installed on the entire house. The new window installation is the only project (so far) we hired people to do the work for us. Even as DIY'ers, Kirk and I know that an entire house needing windows is something we'd rather have the professionals do.

Over the past couple weeks, Kirk and I replaced a section of rotten subfloor (in Jessie and Joe's room); we framed out a wall that used to be a big window; we installed moisture barrier and prepped an exterior wall for siding (where a window used to be); Kirk updated a number of electrical cables under the house, old junction boxes, old outlets, and old switches for the bedrooms we're working on... they are all new! We are feeling little victories in each accomplished task.

New windows being installed!!!

This is the opening that used to have a large window. The window had an air conditioner unit in it that leaked and rotted out the wall and a small section of the floor. We've decided to NOT replace the window, but fix the rotten places and make a solid wall.

Little did we know when we bought this house that we were going to be rebuilding this much of it. It's a fun experience, that's for sure!

...all ready for new insulation!

...moisture barrier, and exterior insulation panels.

Our electrical issues... old cables that made a "crunchy" noise when they are moved around and several places that had exposed wires where critters had chewed through. YIKES!

(this photo is just a sampling of what Kirk replaced)

Kirk fit snug under the house getting the cables updated. Bless his heart, he spent a total of 8-10 hours total under the house. He even got bit/stung by a bug on his hand (we suspect a scorpion), which freaked him out when his hand hurt, tingled and went numb for a day.

...new outlets! Oh JOY! (a total of 10, so far)

What a beautiful sight... updated electrical!

We found a friendly gecko in Andrew's room, wondering why we disrupted his home behind some old wall boards. We relocated him outside where it's nice and warm.

We continue our renovation "process" at a snails pace . This week we've been putting up drywall (in 3 bedrooms) and are hoping to get the walls finished out over the next 4-7 days. I'm motivated to post "after" pictures of the three bedrooms all finished and decorated. But more than posting "after" pictures, to have the kids in their own bedrooms, with all their stuff, for the comfort and convenience of them having their own spaces again, this will be a reason to celebrate!

If It's Not One Thing, It's Another! Such is Life!

2010-02-25T15:52:00.023-06:00

Our fixer upper is keeping us busy as we knew it would. Officially this past Sunday, Kirk and I were doing a happy dance for saving over $1,500. by not hiring a plumber to re-route plumbing (washing machine, dishwasher, a shower, a bathroom sink and the kitchen sink) to our septic system. All these items were going into a mysterious location in the ground next to the house (we still don't know exactly where it was going for sure). We bought all our own supplies, and after 5 trips to Home Depot on Saturday with Kirk and I working on the project together all day Saturday and part of Sunday, we successfully completed the work and got our plumbing updated, new bathroom floor down, and new toilet up and running! We are very happy DIY'ers!

A beautiful sight! Plumbing going where it's supposed to!

A PVC "Wye" Connection. A week ago I wouldn't have known what that was... now I have a new vocabulary of plumbing terminology!

Another beautiful sight. A 1/2 " cement floor thin-set and screwed on top of a 3/4" plywood sub floor; nice and sturdy for our new toilet and future tile floor (end of March)!

A toilet that is brand new and doesn't leak!!! The box it came in even says "flushes a bucket of golf balls". I'm hoping it's safe to assume our toilet won't get plugged too often.; a bucket of golf balls is quite a load if you know what I mean.

My plumber man, Kirk! Just finished the last connection and realized his place on the ground is quite comfortable... a body shaped hole (that used to be where our grey water drained down a pipe); a clear blue sky above, a dryer vent blowing warm air on him; and a weekend plumbing job that just got done! All he needs now is a nice hot shower.

Now that this plumbing saga is behind us, I wanted to get our focus back on finishing the kids' bedrooms... we started getting back on track with the four kids actually getting in on the action working on the rooms~

Andrew pulling out carpet staples from his bedroom floor...

...and getting rid of the old vinyl 1" mini blinds.

Kelsie starting first layer of primer in her closet.

Joe and Jessie want to get in on the primer job in Kelsie's room since theirs isn't ready for work yet.

Our focus back on the bedrooms only lasted about a day. We are NOW contending with some very outdated electrical cable and outlets we discovered in the process of getting the kids' rooms a few steps closer to progressing. GO FIGURE!!! The electrical issues are from the original part of the house that was built in the mid 30's. As Kirk and I have taken the 3 kids' bedrooms down to the studs in most places, we've discovered that only part of the electrical has been updated and much of it hasn't. The electrical is this old black fabric covered stuff that sounds after 70+ years sounds "crunchy" when it's moved. Kirk crawled under the house and found places where mice (or some critter) had chewed away the electrical casing exposing bare wire. YIKES! Not something we want to overlook so we will be side tracking our attention to electrical instead of bedroom drywall.

I'm frustrated about this because we had two separate inspections done that should have caught this- one done by a general inspector, and one by a reputable local electrician. Why the outdated, chewed up electrical cables under the house wasn't caught, I don't know. Kirk saw them almost immediately among the many old electric cables. He is now taking off his "plumber hat" and putting on his "electrician hat". I'm so proud of him. He has his DIY strengths, I have mine. The electrical updating project seems pretty basic and thank God for web sites like THIS ONE.

As the title of this blog post states,

"If it's not one thing,

it's another!

Such is life!"

Through this home renovation experience I am learning so much...

one thing I've learned~

I have learned the secret to being content in ANY and EVERY situation. (Philippians 4:12)