tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15144904853802942472024-02-20T22:32:50.010-08:00The Strickland Site"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." 1 Peter 3:8Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.comBlogger507125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-11861191348772761372023-08-29T21:26:00.004-07:002023-08-29T21:26:33.522-07:00Proposals, and planning, and Weddings, OH MY!<p>We have the privilege of marrying off another daughter. Emily got engaged to a wonderful young man by the name of Wiley. </p><p>They are a perfect match! Not only are we gaining an amazing son in law, he also comes with a lovely family. #blessed </p><p>We can’t wait to marry them in a little chapel in the country. It’s going to be perfect. </p><p><br /></p><p>❤️ Wiley and Emily ❤️</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hBnMxSgRIKkJ7bBYKNynu7HxJytan7WTNQQnn5A9tDmEyWdRjq3tDBED1TcNnpfkgdclU6V7EO4CdxOkz7U1YY1mvtcUHqiwB3q3KxoCEr8qBRQsy_r_QVAhpREQ7UIRkx6x44IUChYT4HyixH4HOo3lVg6Hfu7nciUhebDFaTvoIVf7eWltXdilN4Q/s4032/19A260BA-388A-4C0E-8386-F0689332F0B6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hBnMxSgRIKkJ7bBYKNynu7HxJytan7WTNQQnn5A9tDmEyWdRjq3tDBED1TcNnpfkgdclU6V7EO4CdxOkz7U1YY1mvtcUHqiwB3q3KxoCEr8qBRQsy_r_QVAhpREQ7UIRkx6x44IUChYT4HyixH4HOo3lVg6Hfu7nciUhebDFaTvoIVf7eWltXdilN4Q/s320/19A260BA-388A-4C0E-8386-F0689332F0B6.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-54262199323603472992023-07-28T06:10:00.004-07:002023-07-28T06:16:00.758-07:00An Open Letter to DJ<p><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-size: 14pt;">Dear DJ,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.4pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I knew this day was coming, but why am I so
shocked now that it is here? How can you be 18?!? WOW! The addition of a
brother to our family made us so much more venturesome! We knew from the very
beginning you would need a partner in crime, so we wasted no time in getting
you a brother to grow up with. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The story of your birth is a perfect illustration
of who you are- out of the box on your own time table, no parameters, alongside
friends, and full of adventure. You see, our neighbors, the Snyders, were also
expecting right around the same time. Stephanie and I would go on walks while
pregnant with you and Nathan. On the evening of the 28<sup>th</sup>, I started
to have labor pains. (Note- I was due in August). My doctor wanted me to come
in and get checked out because I was a high risk pregnancy. Sweet Stephanie
took me up to the hospital. We both walked in and the staff was just shocked to
see the two of us- big and pregnant- thinking they had two ladies in labor.
Haha! Needless to say, you came that evening. Stephanie gave birth to Nathan
the next morning. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve loved being your
mother. You have taught me so much- especially in the realm of trusting God!
Ha! Your willingness to try new things and take risks stretches me! The rewards
of such a mentality are exponential! I love how you are so inquisitive. When you were a toddler, you would ask me, "What does that do?" alllllllll the time! By the time you were 3, you were fixing all your toys. Haha! I sincerely love the way you love God and you love
family. You are faithful, Dylan. We can always count on you! You can fix just
about anything- and for that- I am so grateful! Your work ethic just blows me
away. I know you will go on to be a successful electrician because you go hard
and you are not a quitter! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.4pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.4pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now you are an official adult! CONGRATS! You
now have a new chapter to write. The canvas is blank, ready to be colored by
your God given gifts and talents. I have no doubt that the decisions you make
here in the years to come will advance you for your future life. Your
skillset and wisdom will carry you far. With much prayer and pondering, I have
decided to make you a list of 18 WORDS OF WISDOM that you can take with you in
the years to come.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.4pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Let God be your everything!</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. Thank Him for the breath He has given you
and use it to encourage and help others.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. Cherish your family and do not be afraid to
be the leader of your family.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. Take care of your body.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. Work hard at what you love doing.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6. Always have financial wisdom! Always! Bring
in help if you need it.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7. Friendship is about quality, not quantity.
I know you know this!</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8. Know what you want- keep your goals and
focus in front of you.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9. Accept and embrace change. This is what
life is all about. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10. Learn from your mistakes! </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11. Always be learning and gaining knowledge
about this world and yourself.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12. Treat others the way you want to be
treated and stand up for the weak.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13. Don’t worry too much! It’s a waste of
time!</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14. Don’t settle for any girl- find one who
will push you and be your sidekick.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15. Nothing good happens past midnight!</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">16. Be proactive and take the time to make
wise choices and well thought out decisions. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17. Be okay with being different. </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">J</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18. No matter how old,
how grown, how successful, know your parents are always there for you. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.4pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Happy 18<sup>th</sup> birthday, Dylan
James! I love you so very much and I am so very proud of you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri Light",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">XOXOXO, </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Momma</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #454545; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-46143162019894967962023-06-22T06:29:00.001-07:002023-07-28T06:36:35.984-07:00SUMMMERRRRRRRRRRRRRR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisB3u-zZEYlITa7DTM-lj3lL5Uqrjh0MpSFKlZ50XPboN8lI0UgvW4F8FxwYQfTo6EAS_0XiFKRLMSLhk5AXXQ9HW3okKeXR3k8pZC-ctdHNLaoZz7-8hQ_qgrYbrwc4vRlJo9lmnLa__E4UmuR_FDBiaEIMU08pSQkceryw2Q4kfiZsr4PoS1OLjX5Rs/s2048/Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisB3u-zZEYlITa7DTM-lj3lL5Uqrjh0MpSFKlZ50XPboN8lI0UgvW4F8FxwYQfTo6EAS_0XiFKRLMSLhk5AXXQ9HW3okKeXR3k8pZC-ctdHNLaoZz7-8hQ_qgrYbrwc4vRlJo9lmnLa__E4UmuR_FDBiaEIMU08pSQkceryw2Q4kfiZsr4PoS1OLjX5Rs/s320/Beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYGXTsdsTr-1Z2sl1UZV5v1gR5gq-_5JeyU8_iI0WywRbk7l9U29vmqrh8mRpsuc0P8EKIW4b46TpPWZPW_kKXtcFuFZgFUZpmblmqRMJ8ewcitbOrgAmS7xjBubhHNII6vK-vHLRwgNyfbfXrpmDUT9_2I8hLhTRjWwwLcbR-B14WUjrxA-RQQiZW0A/s3088/Fam%20Ride.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYGXTsdsTr-1Z2sl1UZV5v1gR5gq-_5JeyU8_iI0WywRbk7l9U29vmqrh8mRpsuc0P8EKIW4b46TpPWZPW_kKXtcFuFZgFUZpmblmqRMJ8ewcitbOrgAmS7xjBubhHNII6vK-vHLRwgNyfbfXrpmDUT9_2I8hLhTRjWwwLcbR-B14WUjrxA-RQQiZW0A/s320/Fam%20Ride.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp7laRQYXixA1lZpMc-cotR54mBHkasDgrPYfTGL8954CH3S4WhGJXlBiixH64rzpRyHdv6Ghdho6pPz_hMLiM0bvXq9to3zSpdhXu5ss5OjfLbbZJyLMsQkEunDCEhEBGgcKWg_7a_Q83MHoJta2ACrCOPOv7AyBNWxnZ9SrJOEI_xnpkPm_Vec4w-k/s4032/friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp7laRQYXixA1lZpMc-cotR54mBHkasDgrPYfTGL8954CH3S4WhGJXlBiixH64rzpRyHdv6Ghdho6pPz_hMLiM0bvXq9to3zSpdhXu5ss5OjfLbbZJyLMsQkEunDCEhEBGgcKWg_7a_Q83MHoJta2ACrCOPOv7AyBNWxnZ9SrJOEI_xnpkPm_Vec4w-k/s320/friend.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDmS-AHl8GWcFEO1r1AWGhuFw2pwNUyJk0L70n0bRZ8AZEaGsMeG7-Rr6GxSI7cxNDPbt_myeVVA5mIIc2GU5BkNye-94JRuDyiBZz1qNpa91LW0DCDS_qBfNthH_6vreLkeu983eGg8V21yebvpss2-845MsDqr9iu6zT1fEYx37kSBi9g0RybRNpcM/s4032/Ony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDmS-AHl8GWcFEO1r1AWGhuFw2pwNUyJk0L70n0bRZ8AZEaGsMeG7-Rr6GxSI7cxNDPbt_myeVVA5mIIc2GU5BkNye-94JRuDyiBZz1qNpa91LW0DCDS_qBfNthH_6vreLkeu983eGg8V21yebvpss2-845MsDqr9iu6zT1fEYx37kSBi9g0RybRNpcM/s320/Ony.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-54162058578164590772023-05-18T06:11:00.001-07:002023-07-28T06:24:18.033-07:00The cake is baked! <p> Our Brittini has worked SO HARD to complete her bachelors at UNT. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtGe2nCeLW8A4uI5-Tlw66jlRRivI6Ncw5IjhlQEv6M9Vdcs96xDr1PnUlx3Uf-qlfGuXjGv89C5BzRAw35vT8lupLEuUA1Qcb9_RYwRMBzFPKMmJBYqmnt0KQuzl6ZKA1GC_MpnMyA6kupA66HSklK2FtJmYYgSUnDJK74P1KhiclEiRueXisf6R55A/s2506/IMG_8759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2506" data-original-width="1912" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtGe2nCeLW8A4uI5-Tlw66jlRRivI6Ncw5IjhlQEv6M9Vdcs96xDr1PnUlx3Uf-qlfGuXjGv89C5BzRAw35vT8lupLEuUA1Qcb9_RYwRMBzFPKMmJBYqmnt0KQuzl6ZKA1GC_MpnMyA6kupA66HSklK2FtJmYYgSUnDJK74P1KhiclEiRueXisf6R55A/w488-h640/IMG_8759.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We are so proud of our girl!!!!!!!!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHjxQ2l7K7fHTlcndjA6oGIVaFPtad-GrxF7F9Gl60h6X-m0M_NvqShg6jCBiiS1hqA6wF9Zbj5vq3PQcXHlRfR21sjhRriBSR9JthDsfu3dZuhonbxKBy1L7154bM_STgaAfIpuIswZlmTCy0PM8DwV6HSfwnf_CPcVtXqBeX7QyePn7nyDTMkMbrkc/s2048/346669570_245310924745379_3676769326898527743_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHjxQ2l7K7fHTlcndjA6oGIVaFPtad-GrxF7F9Gl60h6X-m0M_NvqShg6jCBiiS1hqA6wF9Zbj5vq3PQcXHlRfR21sjhRriBSR9JthDsfu3dZuhonbxKBy1L7154bM_STgaAfIpuIswZlmTCy0PM8DwV6HSfwnf_CPcVtXqBeX7QyePn7nyDTMkMbrkc/s320/346669570_245310924745379_3676769326898527743_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>She is now moving on to her MASTERS! The cake is baked- all you have to do now is ICE IT!!!!!! Come on girl, show us what you are made of!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMTbpvW-cn_R6sLE8OPt3l5kDLuQepfvVEHxtQ3md86x0eEyv0UxHF2YpjnGrTVRKDbkjmDS_x_9DezpkSqZKohYrg2AvuSIy9v0awGiZCy8I4GKX9qA-9nj_rQjsGw1ucGk3lNsa8XMIts-VipU4-W8pqQ1x6hiX9Vhco7vBqLV-ROLPHASQBil1IbQ/s4032/IMG_7127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMTbpvW-cn_R6sLE8OPt3l5kDLuQepfvVEHxtQ3md86x0eEyv0UxHF2YpjnGrTVRKDbkjmDS_x_9DezpkSqZKohYrg2AvuSIy9v0awGiZCy8I4GKX9qA-9nj_rQjsGw1ucGk3lNsa8XMIts-VipU4-W8pqQ1x6hiX9Vhco7vBqLV-ROLPHASQBil1IbQ/s320/IMG_7127.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-71757411576845730382023-05-08T05:52:00.003-07:002023-07-28T06:13:33.401-07:00Another one graduates. <p> Cue the song, "Another one bites the dust", except there is no dust biting. Its more like - "Another one is kicking up the dust". There is no settling of anything around here, we have so much movement and action. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">DJ graduated on May 6, 2023. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixklboLoBqFhKmeQqgfnOGLTzrSW4hLDApcQrrXq33qEVdhbYutjItBMdAkJyt9wZfrpyo8r967PERQ_cViqOnMfRjY4qB0Z3stDU43B-HWZkF6HcWd56-ArKt5sChB3xuQutHfvp9DY6WVY42CrnBTiWozd3Cw6rY51pVbh8iI4cb9JW7KtOA6PlwRyA/s1280/Slide27.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixklboLoBqFhKmeQqgfnOGLTzrSW4hLDApcQrrXq33qEVdhbYutjItBMdAkJyt9wZfrpyo8r967PERQ_cViqOnMfRjY4qB0Z3stDU43B-HWZkF6HcWd56-ArKt5sChB3xuQutHfvp9DY6WVY42CrnBTiWozd3Cw6rY51pVbh8iI4cb9JW7KtOA6PlwRyA/s320/Slide27.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Checkout his senior slideshow <a href="https://youtu.be/4hgRvyxdjOo" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">What an honor to be able to home educate DJ and see him wrap up his academic career from home. </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUV5Xo7kGGUKd7gGt7xZ_S-b94l0xMayOsf11r8Gn1t8JCszy1CVGZRo5JXVgyiVSt4ky-tANzXul0CJ25TEUxMTqlDAtvbtK1yig63-hbSq-R3TJeNflm-5iCOi4_uIb6Pa1-DyT7MxriYj5TiWNlekqQcXMhTrtkZhvAiNhW550iRDvBPMFRQ9Rx0I/s1470/Dylan%20in%20CC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1470" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUV5Xo7kGGUKd7gGt7xZ_S-b94l0xMayOsf11r8Gn1t8JCszy1CVGZRo5JXVgyiVSt4ky-tANzXul0CJ25TEUxMTqlDAtvbtK1yig63-hbSq-R3TJeNflm-5iCOi4_uIb6Pa1-DyT7MxriYj5TiWNlekqQcXMhTrtkZhvAiNhW550iRDvBPMFRQ9Rx0I/s320/Dylan%20in%20CC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>He will go on to finish his Apprenticeship as an electrician, then move to Journeymen, then on to MASTER electrician.<b><span style="font-size: large;"> No doubt, his future is BRIGHT!!!</span></b> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOCxn_HTmvqhj2iTxtkknLs_QsaROa_lKgvzI-hajDwErUGhlMTS-JXuktb_ne2k5KWSxCUJSEU37-enZksxbbh8-RnWupkWz4DD7Jhj0fN2IkB9UXuBk-h8eqbAMix5EeShwzpRIj4Vl9V2COi71tUcRS2zEe30gumE9AvgU0kS4AciCxTYWZhPB_ag/s6288/Dylan%20Strickland.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4190" data-original-width="6288" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOCxn_HTmvqhj2iTxtkknLs_QsaROa_lKgvzI-hajDwErUGhlMTS-JXuktb_ne2k5KWSxCUJSEU37-enZksxbbh8-RnWupkWz4DD7Jhj0fN2IkB9UXuBk-h8eqbAMix5EeShwzpRIj4Vl9V2COi71tUcRS2zEe30gumE9AvgU0kS4AciCxTYWZhPB_ag/s320/Dylan%20Strickland.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br />Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-45794666935595384382023-04-30T07:00:00.000-07:002023-07-28T07:00:25.604-07:00Building Strong Minds, Body, and Character through Cycling<p> Gosh, I could not be more GRATEFUL for this organization called <a href="https://nationalmtb.org/" target="_blank">NICA</a>. Our boys have grown and gained so much through our local league, Heart of Texas Jr, which is such an incredible team from the riders to the coaches. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xqI_C-Gjbr6U5hE1hojXmYET_GQkgdiB5H4veTYfh5lIsnxrxnLhn2ShIno4lGJoWnNEM90ehIWLyPZnwkmLVAQVjo7WdkjpfVRmGUq-03_hztylpxu-cqRbYy5MicIydkXxS76RFOkoMUvhZLkyhnD6i1HsECZb_vWoeRmcmwgm5uemWjXt88UsuVI/s5618/IMG_0372_Original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2829" data-original-width="5618" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xqI_C-Gjbr6U5hE1hojXmYET_GQkgdiB5H4veTYfh5lIsnxrxnLhn2ShIno4lGJoWnNEM90ehIWLyPZnwkmLVAQVjo7WdkjpfVRmGUq-03_hztylpxu-cqRbYy5MicIydkXxS76RFOkoMUvhZLkyhnD6i1HsECZb_vWoeRmcmwgm5uemWjXt88UsuVI/s320/IMG_0372_Original.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Joel and I were both coaches this last year and it was so rewarding. We both actually got awards this year, that was fun. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AmlJ8aP8WgWxD7rgDbXtZKCbNT_je3Huz97q0xadi5U_g0n3hUnM1c8FQ7sCVFPCUChtQghd1n778tX9vBHcI93k1qYvqb7-aZReO8VkNdiNZ32OIjML5S5LCLweFXcNI8zBWxDzUZYq6RFG0gxyY02MVoNsDo9YyWERNnvHqVPzefwUBlpiuonJBQc/s4032/IMG_4847.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AmlJ8aP8WgWxD7rgDbXtZKCbNT_je3Huz97q0xadi5U_g0n3hUnM1c8FQ7sCVFPCUChtQghd1n778tX9vBHcI93k1qYvqb7-aZReO8VkNdiNZ32OIjML5S5LCLweFXcNI8zBWxDzUZYq6RFG0gxyY02MVoNsDo9YyWERNnvHqVPzefwUBlpiuonJBQc/s320/IMG_4847.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-OpC4kUK6SaV77SHWd3qWzjgEAGV4XFyFs_C_ioSsd-9seuwCt7qBEaGLsY_bc_cHfy_ErRSF-K6QymkWfXxV-qkriZ2l20tAjAyTGaD3_ElSR-2scbt0CIcy-okQgL2Ibuu7rReyajHXwwEUgRVerGfXKd7tasB5mbZZ75drErapnddHYguqbZ5B9w/s4032/IMG_7537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-OpC4kUK6SaV77SHWd3qWzjgEAGV4XFyFs_C_ioSsd-9seuwCt7qBEaGLsY_bc_cHfy_ErRSF-K6QymkWfXxV-qkriZ2l20tAjAyTGaD3_ElSR-2scbt0CIcy-okQgL2Ibuu7rReyajHXwwEUgRVerGfXKd7tasB5mbZZ75drErapnddHYguqbZ5B9w/s320/IMG_7537.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>This was the last year our boys raced together on the same team. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQvGLzSplpl3plcXzAazkErmAvFuUSJ-TVe3SXjddDwUddKqy1pLJcqaQEeQPLxOVrMl2evEsDdsowC-FVC_WTtChNRe2ENFLtE_8WS7E9ATQgBBv_GcOX6PcCQZWBMZiUpHTKT1tWWMXVcuJDPXQQIiWgqAks3v-zGaXJBpeGwiLVOJTLpNzoyNP904/s4032/IMG_7601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQvGLzSplpl3plcXzAazkErmAvFuUSJ-TVe3SXjddDwUddKqy1pLJcqaQEeQPLxOVrMl2evEsDdsowC-FVC_WTtChNRe2ENFLtE_8WS7E9ATQgBBv_GcOX6PcCQZWBMZiUpHTKT1tWWMXVcuJDPXQQIiWgqAks3v-zGaXJBpeGwiLVOJTLpNzoyNP904/w400-h300/IMG_7601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At DJ's very last race, it just so happened that both boys were on the trail at the same time. I got a video. It was priceless!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw5fn8qlnXRB5DGAKyviDGCHRLsiCrw7QrTWMdFBEdJBcK5RDVwPzmTwJjd1wgSZelOCabh85w3Ckq0DUgYZw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-86835854910732608372023-04-01T09:27:00.004-07:002023-07-28T05:12:19.600-07:00Taylor's 16th bday! This boy is now <b>16!</b>! SO grateful for all the family and friends that came out to celebrate him. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvbv6yZcCseq9OYBtPz-ggaqDdWsdojaC2kjLP557Lzf3-6p9suwLCEasA0ddOY_dpOIhdcu7PDjLLGAbFW4wASI50Sg8R4vYtvivPWCT7KoaAfcPmCyD5WPUq2qIMEcvrLKehdmall0DLhNkT-Hxrm9xEBJrTaybAFrK0H9AHgPjhulkSTFmyOw2-Wk/s960/341775477_6440754189314156_2354241688759621580_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvbv6yZcCseq9OYBtPz-ggaqDdWsdojaC2kjLP557Lzf3-6p9suwLCEasA0ddOY_dpOIhdcu7PDjLLGAbFW4wASI50Sg8R4vYtvivPWCT7KoaAfcPmCyD5WPUq2qIMEcvrLKehdmall0DLhNkT-Hxrm9xEBJrTaybAFrK0H9AHgPjhulkSTFmyOw2-Wk/s320/341775477_6440754189314156_2354241688759621580_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhICIWUGMJQRUPwTi43h7ozfoRSII_eLDAOawnD8P8JkyxMebQjs2cQp7L2DUxqoBOMexhWa6eSYmJKjNCXCLfGFeNGYu6Wt3-0eQkH0G1yX3S_j7d0AVcMNBrdp7ZqwmG57xA4xeYUVK5v5YQqV2JrmOXt9ETzg7SEAJLRKce8BKEkLntJqCWTOIPh9c/s2048/341679641_248807504186102_924483112177452583_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhICIWUGMJQRUPwTi43h7ozfoRSII_eLDAOawnD8P8JkyxMebQjs2cQp7L2DUxqoBOMexhWa6eSYmJKjNCXCLfGFeNGYu6Wt3-0eQkH0G1yX3S_j7d0AVcMNBrdp7ZqwmG57xA4xeYUVK5v5YQqV2JrmOXt9ETzg7SEAJLRKce8BKEkLntJqCWTOIPh9c/s320/341679641_248807504186102_924483112177452583_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20I6ES915pzrrdvi17NHe77zC9eBoFwAPSqH4kPwPwhVf6h5UN3kaBH2WskfHQfHH-JmIayX_QgjvEqAmhmFT0jHjQrYqDvA8oP6T7ZnNiVRBvgOIS_UKAEscb3OY5jVvGe0gqauTvokHiOzQI0b6FP8wfd_aBYzfFM5-jLqs332qQtTReV-_hl1kbxo/s2048/341547563_563131048990782_3149232124884830057_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20I6ES915pzrrdvi17NHe77zC9eBoFwAPSqH4kPwPwhVf6h5UN3kaBH2WskfHQfHH-JmIayX_QgjvEqAmhmFT0jHjQrYqDvA8oP6T7ZnNiVRBvgOIS_UKAEscb3OY5jVvGe0gqauTvokHiOzQI0b6FP8wfd_aBYzfFM5-jLqs332qQtTReV-_hl1kbxo/s320/341547563_563131048990782_3149232124884830057_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrVZTghwrShX1urCdXuteuvQi95EROmwXC_V4BP2BAHLPKkghzE7Gvzozz--AZLs-S6ApB_8vxi1UeWdrLlMb6-Qubh6yyVQjZQF3uGi9b__ztBo49MgvrqF_8wtJDEzABxtn8hbrs-mwMPJ1VB0_05_4ae15Hu1SoGbDG2TgbGCBAgyYqLgf2xFUnv0/s2048/341519459_6384640951556033_325247678172560778_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrVZTghwrShX1urCdXuteuvQi95EROmwXC_V4BP2BAHLPKkghzE7Gvzozz--AZLs-S6ApB_8vxi1UeWdrLlMb6-Qubh6yyVQjZQF3uGi9b__ztBo49MgvrqF_8wtJDEzABxtn8hbrs-mwMPJ1VB0_05_4ae15Hu1SoGbDG2TgbGCBAgyYqLgf2xFUnv0/s320/341519459_6384640951556033_325247678172560778_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9As11G4dnK2PpDaB4nfQHwMELskWrli-k2eiUgfbMkIkHqOexir5RwhVVA2-FfGipF6erAyhHLz2sa8ZW6ReJ9KRKGeTV_hMrcCFnbHRSk1q2iWcVo-ihnwO5SGWvHxjARAhbEnXwbCGZHnk9T6x9lexGuuC3w6p5truVok3pOt3l5lMtP9yI8iMC8hc/s2048/341508277_752419309923676_4907474437981610122_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9As11G4dnK2PpDaB4nfQHwMELskWrli-k2eiUgfbMkIkHqOexir5RwhVVA2-FfGipF6erAyhHLz2sa8ZW6ReJ9KRKGeTV_hMrcCFnbHRSk1q2iWcVo-ihnwO5SGWvHxjARAhbEnXwbCGZHnk9T6x9lexGuuC3w6p5truVok3pOt3l5lMtP9yI8iMC8hc/s320/341508277_752419309923676_4907474437981610122_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IwOtoj54Y_qySeTamo_P1pHp57wY3Pb_S5puyXoTMhd27uD8ZCllinPWSkNKPar_r0zVtzr4q4uJBjN2Nxom4o1WA9hqPYsRKGkF9NYt_cLmDZG-ZdDhlxDi_x7B_S92zcRCkgmFB7sqesO5xSPyGUgf96ZqEB6Y4OrzeZnCDfCm83jASuH6Pv6Fd34/s2048/341463307_1429200104492464_6010692055266451635_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IwOtoj54Y_qySeTamo_P1pHp57wY3Pb_S5puyXoTMhd27uD8ZCllinPWSkNKPar_r0zVtzr4q4uJBjN2Nxom4o1WA9hqPYsRKGkF9NYt_cLmDZG-ZdDhlxDi_x7B_S92zcRCkgmFB7sqesO5xSPyGUgf96ZqEB6Y4OrzeZnCDfCm83jASuH6Pv6Fd34/s320/341463307_1429200104492464_6010692055266451635_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPLX8Obshn-VyGr-nUjaVXVLPBBqKnLwub-FlDjf6ou31-1oXSnqjes8U0v3v1N4rhLO7LTb2CJLP-HFEbrWuvcCoCazDTIbwZFyDvewLzkDGZRwaQg57Pw15hwEWTIVbuAQTn89hjNf45xoXK1b5XZU5lPqh0cQoXtkg7tFlfohxj2-NCL0-2nk-lms/s2048/340897005_215829367735552_1448243094000570699_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPLX8Obshn-VyGr-nUjaVXVLPBBqKnLwub-FlDjf6ou31-1oXSnqjes8U0v3v1N4rhLO7LTb2CJLP-HFEbrWuvcCoCazDTIbwZFyDvewLzkDGZRwaQg57Pw15hwEWTIVbuAQTn89hjNf45xoXK1b5XZU5lPqh0cQoXtkg7tFlfohxj2-NCL0-2nk-lms/s320/340897005_215829367735552_1448243094000570699_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-81389600465127414292022-11-30T10:56:00.011-08:002022-12-10T06:07:34.676-08:00Merry Christmas 2022!!We have SO MUCH to be grateful for this Christmas. We don't take God's gifts for granted! Here is a little about our family, starting with our kiddos.
First, we have only two more left at home! How in the world?
Dylan will be graduating this year. It has been a JOY to see him turn into a handsome, joyous, faithful young man. He plans to be an electrician after schooling and certifications. He is currently working on his apprenticeship. In his spare time (other than school and work), he likes to hang with friends, ride his mountain bike, and play his guitar.
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Taylor is a freshman this year and working on his driver’s license. He has been saving for the perfect car- a convertible mustang. We will see! He has also enjoyed working when not doing school. He held his first summer job and did great with all the tasks and tools. Along with DJ, he will be mountain biking again on the Heart of Texas Jr. Cycling team. In his off time, you will find him gaming, disc-golfing, or hanging with friends. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dsXmsc9Ohg8Cvstt4B-Wl7Ro2KL1Gp0klRUudeGSIDFf4-N6Cnd-6pFZOTniDSpDt3BeA-LQnbi-H5Nr5xEGcYi_s7ICbR4tXxYxWfhKDHUvVfE10Y4HCvS9z8PhacI3mJ9IDTYiT3OZwD1TVYmxBb9hSzh0g0rGl2VpL-upi08b3-oKeaJBVHGA/s640/IMG_2915.GIF" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dsXmsc9Ohg8Cvstt4B-Wl7Ro2KL1Gp0klRUudeGSIDFf4-N6Cnd-6pFZOTniDSpDt3BeA-LQnbi-H5Nr5xEGcYi_s7ICbR4tXxYxWfhKDHUvVfE10Y4HCvS9z8PhacI3mJ9IDTYiT3OZwD1TVYmxBb9hSzh0g0rGl2VpL-upi08b3-oKeaJBVHGA/s320/IMG_2915.GIF" width="320" /></a></div>
Emily and Kayla are still rooming together, but that will come to an end this summer as Emily plans to move off on new adventures. They have been together almost 3 ½ years!
Kayla is trying her hand at homemade pottery with BLACK OAK and she also nannies two of the same boys since their birth. She enjoys time with good friends, and you’ll find her hiking/walking with her weenie dog, Mabel.
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Emily has remained steadfast at Texas Aero while back in school after graduating from McLennan Community College. Most of her time lately has been with her beau- Wiley. He is a dear! We love him! They are making serious future plans together after he graduates from college as a robotic engineer. STAY TUNED! ;)
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Troy and Brittini celebrate their 7th year of marriage this December! WOWSAS! They have been working hard to get Brittini through college. Short term pain- long term gain!! This May, she will graduate with a bachelors in psychology and working towards her masters in counseling. Lani is enjoying 1st grade while Tony has fully adjusted to kindergarten. Their school is just precious and allows them to learn multiple languages. Its amazing!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnoUSC1ftoiVTwGsVYDsDIfHoRHwKaNeg13RHvlqv19wq7NTeVVTbWpdLLriLYkIAsRXE0E78Y9AphDXlSpFjdAM7JVHAtRteuZP7L5mUhn073ql4RVS4r5UAUqJuKnTT8rntCDFvgH0ed9c7t7Ly7ENNy11WkbY4l8uqsGYsmQYaBl7dEjmrpwTg/s4032/68670255230__C2E4EB18-4609-4D1F-9C2B-0880F499FD39.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnoUSC1ftoiVTwGsVYDsDIfHoRHwKaNeg13RHvlqv19wq7NTeVVTbWpdLLriLYkIAsRXE0E78Y9AphDXlSpFjdAM7JVHAtRteuZP7L5mUhn073ql4RVS4r5UAUqJuKnTT8rntCDFvgH0ed9c7t7Ly7ENNy11WkbY4l8uqsGYsmQYaBl7dEjmrpwTg/s320/68670255230__C2E4EB18-4609-4D1F-9C2B-0880F499FD39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Papa J and Momma T really do cherish time with those grands and with our entire family. Joel has taken up a position with his uncle Walt working on new construction. They have some exciting projects ahead. Tressa is still home educating and working from home with Classical Conversations. She will be undergoing some serious dental procedures in the near future. Prayers appreciated! Both Joel and Tressa lead as coaches on the cycling league and serve a section leaders at their church. They just celebrated 25 years of marriage and had a great getaway celebrating. We look forward to the future and more adventures together!
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So much to say, so little time. We will stop there. Please send us a note and let us know how you and yours are doing. We would love to hear from you!
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Please know that there is nothing greater in this world than the love of God! May this message of this Christmas season bring you HOPE and PEACE. <div><br /></div><div>If you have never watched the Nativity Story by the Chosen, we would like to gift you a <a href="https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thechosenfirstchristmas/278535075?autoplay=1">24-hour rental on Vimeo</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please go here and <a href="https://forms.gle/4z7SQrjT7h4MGSkf8" target="_blank">fill out this form</a> and we will get it to you! </div>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-41172143063787339342022-10-28T11:06:00.001-07:002022-12-04T11:42:18.343-08:00Ride or Race<p><br /></p><div class="WordSection1"><p align="center" class="MsoHeader" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 363.45pt right 6.5in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Mystical Woods Rough Script"; font-size: 36pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ride or Race<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoHeader" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 363.45pt right 6.5in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Written by Tressa Strickland<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
</p><p align="center" class="MsoHeader" style="tab-stops: center 3.25in left 363.45pt right 6.5in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dedicated to Don Strickland<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
a ride versus a race,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">what’s
the difference in spinning the pedals?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
enjoy the peaceful pace<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Or
to ride hard for the medal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Both
motives have their own reason</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
see, there is a time and a season<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
all things to be as good as done<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Only
determined by one’s cohesion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
considering life is a great mystery<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
puzzle to never be completely solved.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Completion
will come in the Great Beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Until
then, some pieces can be sorted out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Speed
should not be the only way of assessment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Busy,
hustling, striving, and haste.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
all make for a lot of waste.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Instead,
allow beauty and truth to offer assessment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Knowledge,
conversation, love, nature, and you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
all make for a place of appreciated value.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Quality
over quantity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
bigness can be pondered<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
littleness to be wondered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nothing
is off limits.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joy,
sadness, mountains, and valleys.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
a glory it is to search it out!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ride
or race<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May
it offer a reward so great<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because
life is a vapor<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
must be lived with so much grace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<span face=""Raleway SemiBold",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="break-before: auto; mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-5378959786500908352022-09-20T04:00:00.001-07:002022-12-04T11:35:04.418-08:0025 Years of Marriage<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We celebrated our 25th Anniversary!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>There is so much to be grateful for. See our top 25 photos throughout our time together.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwCgFHCifwLVvsvCYEtvEHh_Y5IREnkhkTkKC9Y5Fq5r3n_OCZAEFz7FqwRpAUdyhYz77FICSPzSyGhhVaiRg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-13681923941135105132022-08-01T11:04:00.002-07:002022-12-04T11:09:35.609-08:00Act of Faith<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzzWONfXcRTTEKoIu20DrpeYFPVH4gaNoTU1EusyZTk1IuOk_ciucK1EL3SEPpvT_vMh51Y14ugWKYzDEshul2Ef4WdcfpEgknulsSFY6vgLijV1-KjLdfSCeziDBJuSZOebH6tXHVCC_YtRPldwyDBkr3QH6DHQM6UBqjlzEZVGl5RsdyU78qD1D/s720/Act%20of%20Faith.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzzWONfXcRTTEKoIu20DrpeYFPVH4gaNoTU1EusyZTk1IuOk_ciucK1EL3SEPpvT_vMh51Y14ugWKYzDEshul2Ef4WdcfpEgknulsSFY6vgLijV1-KjLdfSCeziDBJuSZOebH6tXHVCC_YtRPldwyDBkr3QH6DHQM6UBqjlzEZVGl5RsdyU78qD1D/s320/Act%20of%20Faith.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2Z2ZBfCBAvs1rEcu_pbaQZcRtTxHLzaYkBOSPNn3q2yHspqAjocqy5HFcMCZr9DGJilEoAs1rv30hWq2HIVdhSjZSI9JC8P8pWV4Y8pegT9vt8RdekKc0nPDQf9ZJhPbxaup2wRwsfVM6bjkJpUhiFB2tRev4nxtOBtzy9bqTJ7bupTgzpPIav20/s1721/296448021_10160564357812160_630463172193053508_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1720" data-original-width="1721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2Z2ZBfCBAvs1rEcu_pbaQZcRtTxHLzaYkBOSPNn3q2yHspqAjocqy5HFcMCZr9DGJilEoAs1rv30hWq2HIVdhSjZSI9JC8P8pWV4Y8pegT9vt8RdekKc0nPDQf9ZJhPbxaup2wRwsfVM6bjkJpUhiFB2tRev4nxtOBtzy9bqTJ7bupTgzpPIav20/s320/296448021_10160564357812160_630463172193053508_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> <span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It truly takes an ’act of faith’ to go up this trail on a bike. I have been pushing myself to do hard things. This is just the beginning. </span></p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-21321526802830343332022-06-30T11:00:00.001-07:002022-12-04T11:11:44.221-08:00Musings of a Jeep Owner<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQoCbGx_CIlxv02FSUTVhLUGnHAGcvkGWb6xthg7eZUulptNj5noX_geks9FCPSSj4pLw_MDeJfXXaBbpbqCkKolyAfRMlkMZ7WEuMPfrItUqp4enytU88jWfpWXJ48SMkuzLsWt6WQgJDKar-og7cKnlB9Pfoyh5CkpmzxFPaAMRYvtM0oArs1rb/s701/305033962_10160662476387160_7788221536438717550_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQoCbGx_CIlxv02FSUTVhLUGnHAGcvkGWb6xthg7eZUulptNj5noX_geks9FCPSSj4pLw_MDeJfXXaBbpbqCkKolyAfRMlkMZ7WEuMPfrItUqp4enytU88jWfpWXJ48SMkuzLsWt6WQgJDKar-og7cKnlB9Pfoyh5CkpmzxFPaAMRYvtM0oArs1rb/s320/305033962_10160662476387160_7788221536438717550_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Musings of a new Jeep owner.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">1. When you buy a Jeep, you join a community. And I tell you what, I found my people! We all have this special connection while on the road and it’s magical. We park together, help eachother, and even wave at eachother. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">2. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/duckduckjeep?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZV2g-jD-8yh_9ec9Nzngrdtbnd_VCCsN9BIukiwKxlO4DiagAlZhGoeJgss8oISuAELBteJyXPqOZJYRsCUyvMcavCGb28wsjNfYAwjT3pEfQ&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#duckduckjeep</a></span> is another cool Jeep community thing and we just got our first ducky surprise! Now I need to go buy some rubber duckys to pass out!! I always wondered why Jeeps had ducks on their dashboard!! </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">3. Jeeps are much more <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>fun naked, meaning- with all sides off! I prefer the doors ON as I realize I like structure and security. The boys take them off any chance I let them. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">4. I thank the forethought of <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/shakeygolf?__cft__[0]=AZV2g-jD-8yh_9ec9Nzngrdtbnd_VCCsN9BIukiwKxlO4DiagAlZhGoeJgss8oISuAELBteJyXPqOZJYRsCUyvMcavCGb28wsjNfYAwjT3pEfQ&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><span class="xt0psk2" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">Shakey Matthew Strickland</span></a></span>, the original owner, as he got an amazing easy on and off top. This way, we can enjoy the full windy Jeep experience.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">5. This experience is only possible with a hat. I’m grateful for two creative friends that made me a special Jeep hat for my bday. I wear the heck out of both. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">6. It’s much more fun driving people around now. My first passenger was my mama and it was awesome. The grand babies and even my weenie dog LOVE rides in it as well. The nice thing about a smaller jeep is you cant bus around a whole bunch of people. Haha</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">7. While off-roading is fun, it’s really not my jam. I find it risky and unnerving! I prefer PRE-K off-roading. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">8. Jeeps don’t make for great long distance rides. It’s doable though (ask DJ). </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">9. Jeeps do make for great beach rides. We had a blast on South Padre Island.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">10. I finally feel like I found a car that matches my personality! This thing seems to enjoy life along with me. I love that!</div></div>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-9730812747569930372022-04-01T11:49:00.001-07:002022-12-04T11:50:13.038-08:00Golden Hour<p> I cannot think of anything more beautiful to behold than that of a sunset. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzo4O7fJgiS7df0fPi7jd2Cg4bgFHhdm01pY0m9IBvF28UXbuLYKiALZ70QVYSA2aZTk_U7x6-9bRjZfqOwTQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-23519952496037303532021-08-23T17:00:00.083-07:002021-08-25T17:15:01.416-07:00Tips for the Home Educator<div>We are week 3 into our academic year and I'm delighted to say that we have found our groove. It wasn't as painful as years past. I haven't threatened to quit like I've done years before. I didn't even notice how smooth sailing things have been until I started to see my Facebook memories pop up. Evidently, I like to post about our academic beginnings this time of year. 😁The post I found most humorous was my NOW HIRING ad in 2017. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07KPYZ8pIa_mZmh3AUcdrtpyuwilJIROlS6JueMCRbhNfxhCpHH7uGDyURxP3OQe4BhMK6uFJ-NLSjVPP8_Z6vRm0Vl3pjc0CQlSrvLFCgbMXhdfyzIZhW22ljGHKQ0cQEJEWb4Z9Uw4/s279/Facebook+Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="279" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07KPYZ8pIa_mZmh3AUcdrtpyuwilJIROlS6JueMCRbhNfxhCpHH7uGDyURxP3OQe4BhMK6uFJ-NLSjVPP8_Z6vRm0Vl3pjc0CQlSrvLFCgbMXhdfyzIZhW22ljGHKQ0cQEJEWb4Z9Uw4/s0/Facebook+Post.png" width="279" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Please don't be jealous of this year's smooth start. I have students who wish it were still summer. I also have some students who drag out their work. I've also lost my cool, the house has been trashed on numerous occasions, and we've had takeout multiple times instead of my planned meal. Despite all this, I do have to say- <b><span style="font-size: medium;">it gets easier each year</span></b>. I say it gets easier each year for a few reasons. </div><div><b>First</b>, our systems we have developed over time allow for stability and success. </div><div><b>Second</b>, as our kids get older, they start to own their academic endeavors- no more spoon feeding! </div><div><b>Third</b>, I am more tenured as a home educator. Praise God. I know more than I did ten years ago. </div><div><br /></div><div>So in effort to save a less tenured home educator some time and trouble, I offer my systems and successes. Before I do, I want to reiterate one more time- it has taken me a DECADE to come to this place of peace. I have two students left at home- a junior and 8th grader. We have three students already graduated out of our home. Unless God does something drastic, we will also graduate these two boys!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL HOMESCHOOL</u></b></div><div><b>Teacher Work Day: </b>I propose a mandate that each homeschooling family must release their teacher to some time away. This key time can start off with a sabbatical, then move into focused time of prayer and plotting for the upcoming academic season. I can attest- more proactive I am, then less reactive I will have to be. My sabbath/planning time was usually at my parents about 1 1/2 hours away. My family survived without me and was better for it when I had a plan for success! The Lord was always faithful to offer me insight into the new academic year. Matthew 7:7</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Schedule:</b> Home educators need a time to devote to home education. I've had family, friends, and work contend for my daytime. I learned real quick I had to say NO to alot in order to really be able to educate these kids. Block out your schedule. <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/10IpnUAp-4YpfAEMvULJZG9cpxIW4PLIXaHscU_mLrUI/edit">This is a copy</a> of our last year's schedule. I will admit, I am an Enneagram 8w7, I am a Myers Briggs ESTJ. If you understand these things, you will know that administration and execution are my top giftings, but I have learned the hard way that if I don't order my days, the days will order me.... Ephesians 5:15-17 Here is a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RVIKYk2arO7EZp6g_I9RShodiHsA4dJR/view?usp=sharing">guide</a> to block scheduling your home. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Daily Checklists/Planners: </b>Once a blocks of time have been established, students need to know what is required of them and have some kind of checklist to navigate their daily workload. My students as young as kindergarten had simple checklists. They had received the vision for them that year, they knew their goals and objectives, and now they could play their part in being successful. This gave them an opportunity to own their daily duties and relieved me of micromanaging. My 8th and 11th grader can now unpack their weekly workload into a planner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOqmOhIeevzZdI9zM0fYxrFQTd8ngRvaJYxMkTQLA4vfwnmP4bF0ndqMjHQFb8W6wc_XKBZIaHUCHc9fxgC9tFwxU-vd_Oyy3vtKY3JfWOeOMPhaWE0t25elJllb0x3983JfNPbwA53c/s2048/DJ+Planner+P1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1572" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOqmOhIeevzZdI9zM0fYxrFQTd8ngRvaJYxMkTQLA4vfwnmP4bF0ndqMjHQFb8W6wc_XKBZIaHUCHc9fxgC9tFwxU-vd_Oyy3vtKY3JfWOeOMPhaWE0t25elJllb0x3983JfNPbwA53c/s320/DJ+Planner+P1.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Page 1 of my son's planner for this week. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Delegate:</b> Momma aka teacher can't do it all. There is a philosophy around our home- those who do not work, do not eat. This was a famous Jamestown idea, but it originated from the Bible - 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Everyone in this house has a tidy zone- dad included. I have sectioned off our home and assigned that section to a family member. They are the steward of that space. Each day, everyone tidies their zone before or sometimes after dinner. Every Saturday, everyone deep cleans that space. My kiddos had zones from a very early age. It was sad when the older kiddos would move off to college- I had to rezone the house and we all had more to clean! LOL Here is a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j4DwfRt1aJfyXqKhcdqKR-3SGLH_a4Qt/view?usp=sharing">guide</a> to zoning your home. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Appreciation:</b> To be truly honest, it's just not easy to home educate! This isn't for the faint of heart. Homeschool parents suffer wage loss along with school cost increases, and they now have to function in two roles- doubling their performance at home. On top of that, some parents still need to bring in income. (I actually work multiple part time jobs outside my job as home educator) And then on top of that- a home educator has to actually impart knowledge to a complex little human with a will. Friends! This is a God given right and privilege! And this is a God guided task, even if it might seem impossible! We know that with God, all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 We must appreciate this position He has put us in and acknowledge that we cannot do it alone. Here is a Serenity Prayer for the home educator:</div><div><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">"Lord, grant _______ SERENITY to appreciate this calling as home educator, COURAGE to challenge the students to do their best, and WISDOM to help them become all the You created them to be. AMEN!"</span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Community:</b> Lastly but not leastly, home education is just so much richer with fellow comrades. Nothing is sweeter than having someone else in the trenches experiencing the same trials and triumphs. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said it perfectly in his book, Life Together. He said that we are called as the body of Jesus to mutually bear each others burdens faithfully, prayerfully, and practically as Jesus did for us. I can say with 100% certainty that this type of communal living mentioned in this book with increase the odds of homeschooling success. TOGETHER, we are BETTER.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzryRnLdNqiwuGsHpPeuyqsNlFXVOSv7f6hPS9XrMQ0LuE4GX8079aC2wHq9Jllq8BNqItPX-W4RGtd5E7sHqhvy5ZlG27q-G3ejrC5-tmBHZtQh0ktA9yH8clDDJW12b7cbVPqdgZmw/s480/IMG_2718.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzryRnLdNqiwuGsHpPeuyqsNlFXVOSv7f6hPS9XrMQ0LuE4GX8079aC2wHq9Jllq8BNqItPX-W4RGtd5E7sHqhvy5ZlG27q-G3ejrC5-tmBHZtQh0ktA9yH8clDDJW12b7cbVPqdgZmw/s320/IMG_2718.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"> My son's 8th grade buddies at the beach before the school year started.</div></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I will end with one of my favorite quotes, which I have stapled to my wall above my teacher desk. It reads, <i><b>"an investment in KNOWLEDGE will always pay the greatest interest." </b></i>This quote by Benjamin Franklin reminds me of my daily investment into my family's future. There is no greater role than home educator. </div><div><br /></div><div>-Tressa</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. I'd also like to tell you how HELPFUL home education is when you do it with Classical Conversations. I am not getting paid to say that- but if you want to why- <a href="https://thestricklandsite.blogspot.com/2021/07/homeschooling-with-classical.html">go here</a>.</div><div>P.S.S. I'd also like to tell you about how LIBERATING its been to have my kiddos buy their own groceries each week. (I stock the staples and provide dinners while they cover breakfast, lunch, and snacks) Go <a href="https://thestricklandsite.blogspot.com/2017/05/life-skillz.html">here</a> to learn more. </div><div>P.S.S.S. I'd also like to spend a ton of time telling you about how a life with the Lord is a life with HOPE. If you'd like to learn more about Jesus, email me <a href="mailto:the6stricklands@gmail.com">here</a>. </div><div><br /></div>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-57535552369924144052021-07-17T16:16:00.001-07:002021-08-25T16:58:10.655-07:00Homeschooling with Classical Conversations<p>People are baffled when they learn that there is actually a company devoted to helping families home educate. Why, yes! <a href="https://www.classicalconversations.com/">Classical Conversations</a> offers everything you need to homeschool with success! I can say this with full certainty as I have graduated two students through the programs. </p><p>This summer, I had the blessed opportunity to travel through Central Texas and speak to families about the fundamentals of Classical Conversations. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDEYJLMWJu_cQdBp_BWd7v-hCWYhVVNBoRN5ffE5Q3GatsmkYLv9-xHAV-7c5J4rEsRHa2WbaerZ5oB-AYQa7Zi_54uSjvcufzftsqIKmrgztu_RKvERBnpAaM3gs_keb8Hv9tV-ewuE/s1200/Resized_Resized_20210610_151941.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDEYJLMWJu_cQdBp_BWd7v-hCWYhVVNBoRN5ffE5Q3GatsmkYLv9-xHAV-7c5J4rEsRHa2WbaerZ5oB-AYQa7Zi_54uSjvcufzftsqIKmrgztu_RKvERBnpAaM3gs_keb8Hv9tV-ewuE/s320/Resized_Resized_20210610_151941.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My serious face as I discuss diagramming</span></div><p><br /></p><p>Because I spent so much time on preparing for this presentation, I decided to share these thoughts here in a post for safekeeping in hopes that it would benefit others. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">FUNDAMENTALS of CC</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">CHRISTIAN</p><p style="text-align: left;">"To know God and to make him known." This is the greatest mission of Classical Conversations. God is the unifying principle of all we do. It starts with the leadership, our CEO prays for lost and corporate leads with biblical values. The business practices reflect virtue and our relational principles are founded in scripture. I've seen people healed, hearts mended, and Christ modeled. I've also seen an outpouring of love and service, along with gifts being edified to build up the body. Most of all, I have seen a contention for Truth with a capital t. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">CLASSICAL</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Classical education is a method that uses tools like the trivium to help us learn in layers. This is a natural, restful, and doable way to educate. Not only that, the curriculum offers such richness and depth. Our students have so many opportunities to sharpen their leadership skills before graduation. It's truly a gift. See our curriculum layout <a href="https://classicalconversations.widen.net/s/2hgchnhdmx">here in our catalog</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Truth is required to inculcate wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Wrestling with Truth promotes blessing and virtue for the whole community. So, virtue and truth is an integral part of classical educational pursuits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Classical education celebrates the integration of all knowledge. We find God in our science studies while we play with math in music, or explore language in literature. We see art in history, and writing in debating, None of these subjects are mutually exclusive of eachother and its mesmerizing. Our students walk away with a holistic view on all subject matter.</div></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">COMMUNITY</p><p>I bet that if you put in your zip code <a href="https://www.classicalconversations.com/community-search/">here</a>, you will find a nearby Classical Conversations community. I recently administrated the booth at a convention in Austin. I was blown away by all the CC families from all over the nation who visited our booth. I would walk the halls of the vendors and see that there was one thing that made us stand out from the rest--- we offer local community! There are testimonies after testimonies of doing school with a CC community. We are also international! I was just talking with a counterpart in Australia, leading a program for Classical Conversations. </p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-38411420765923352152021-01-06T06:59:00.005-08:002021-08-25T17:23:27.414-07:00KRAFTY KIN<p> Here is to something new! Our kinfolk, aka family, will keep this booth stocked with goodies in hopes of a profit. We will see!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieU99dLM-zaWXited9wh-GcJ8OoFcAOhOdc2bgh3atpzMbfqVPEmvMUK4FVs3mf4iFOCSzurKlbcE1qUZkarF_pgh9PBWCaj3K6nMDOOUMoA2MXpmwkMTu3zS_DmPFK5atvl7Zbs5GhBI/s2048/2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieU99dLM-zaWXited9wh-GcJ8OoFcAOhOdc2bgh3atpzMbfqVPEmvMUK4FVs3mf4iFOCSzurKlbcE1qUZkarF_pgh9PBWCaj3K6nMDOOUMoA2MXpmwkMTu3zS_DmPFK5atvl7Zbs5GhBI/s320/2021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-90940865066011855622021-01-06T06:58:00.001-08:002021-01-06T06:58:19.763-08:00A year later...<p> The last post was in November of 2019 and it is January of 2021. I am really not sure how I skipped a year in posting. 2020 was a year!!! Just like most, we struggled with the pandemic and the government imposed sanctions. Thankfully, our lifestyle didn't alter drastically and we stayed close and connected with those whom mattered. </p><p>Here is a 2020 highlight. </p><p>JAN</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq60-QFuOxiGhO2t-CSD0wBXZ7Zp9cvXkSK-qc3iw0JQ3-hPNdJ8BYhJ2H-14W4v0ktrUskH17riOb8mqyR9DHTGtC5v1rFJkWq4_cBviqKmgu9Xjh_CAqxf7s6yzgSxdYLUMY__0mI4/s2048/Jan.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq60-QFuOxiGhO2t-CSD0wBXZ7Zp9cvXkSK-qc3iw0JQ3-hPNdJ8BYhJ2H-14W4v0ktrUskH17riOb8mqyR9DHTGtC5v1rFJkWq4_cBviqKmgu9Xjh_CAqxf7s6yzgSxdYLUMY__0mI4/s320/Jan.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQtjglFvgC2JKDy6ZqE23UTfg8U39-WfY9XWiI1vaN13ASRUbA6tLv4RfVRxeetgh8jSxFFuiN9wa2OHEf2p_rHiwbLHjtVoLmUdFLUQHmR49yTjhaHv8rT3_kD8XaSsWTkpkcHzmdTg/s2048/Jan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQtjglFvgC2JKDy6ZqE23UTfg8U39-WfY9XWiI1vaN13ASRUbA6tLv4RfVRxeetgh8jSxFFuiN9wa2OHEf2p_rHiwbLHjtVoLmUdFLUQHmR49yTjhaHv8rT3_kD8XaSsWTkpkcHzmdTg/s320/Jan.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>FEB</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0k1T8WxaNrYPtgBiialemiJkzsUPjX_hRSiEaV69nb4UJ1EjlO3R1gfk0HSw6jqjILmukS1rx9n3x7_KsWukloqzta45R5eVW-w41AELxilFPPnGIzLv__J0RWHiKjhiF7rFtKDGxOA/s2048/Feb+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0k1T8WxaNrYPtgBiialemiJkzsUPjX_hRSiEaV69nb4UJ1EjlO3R1gfk0HSw6jqjILmukS1rx9n3x7_KsWukloqzta45R5eVW-w41AELxilFPPnGIzLv__J0RWHiKjhiF7rFtKDGxOA/s320/Feb+boys.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu76cZF2fQ0B7OYtscvJyDIqeySzExpuPclTjWAgdk8HFn1DC1XwIo9b98Q4xx2dGNsKsnli-ahwAasEIJ_PsTE3pw-l0xLZ3xhpPF3JC2bEoAnN8-gHB5eZMEFEAIFKIs_MwhyphenhyphenwQcSs/s2048/FEB+KK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu76cZF2fQ0B7OYtscvJyDIqeySzExpuPclTjWAgdk8HFn1DC1XwIo9b98Q4xx2dGNsKsnli-ahwAasEIJ_PsTE3pw-l0xLZ3xhpPF3JC2bEoAnN8-gHB5eZMEFEAIFKIs_MwhyphenhyphenwQcSs/s320/FEB+KK.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDEow_TFMd8fR34kfEKhJoppifCmyRMAT3ScsYS0tISqaf3lWWYAlZ_jIohNTuc7Nz8Lb1Ytq_bcUf9ARsD3B00dz5yTRVKI8Abke0TA6AbH9ihZKSEce31rbTFpA4e4I8PLKAkCHgdg/s2048/FEB.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDEow_TFMd8fR34kfEKhJoppifCmyRMAT3ScsYS0tISqaf3lWWYAlZ_jIohNTuc7Nz8Lb1Ytq_bcUf9ARsD3B00dz5yTRVKI8Abke0TA6AbH9ihZKSEce31rbTFpA4e4I8PLKAkCHgdg/s320/FEB.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>MAR</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Cd3jVEUfNj-8_KHOfwvRM7ODYgsvT1qELS87NaXlyk_P-dv2pEFsRXKIWa3WLQuGg6VTCe66UORYp6YQ5q-cNVhYypZjq3terNQn-_cKM72d9xyap-FriJlBwE8FIJuJtYYfdDfukRc/s1638/IMG_3561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="1638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Cd3jVEUfNj-8_KHOfwvRM7ODYgsvT1qELS87NaXlyk_P-dv2pEFsRXKIWa3WLQuGg6VTCe66UORYp6YQ5q-cNVhYypZjq3terNQn-_cKM72d9xyap-FriJlBwE8FIJuJtYYfdDfukRc/s320/IMG_3561.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZsm_LSX1G_wHVYCeVSKnG3Uz47oqz9uE92u10FK8iXorgt5OqBYPqwR0mZGH1pYFGVkQ-Itxhc_O8996J0QgCxzUVsj3pjhF0R03Cs3VWZvflv2uLc17R8Kly1uYSGE0GpD8JzKs-84/s2048/MARCH2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZsm_LSX1G_wHVYCeVSKnG3Uz47oqz9uE92u10FK8iXorgt5OqBYPqwR0mZGH1pYFGVkQ-Itxhc_O8996J0QgCxzUVsj3pjhF0R03Cs3VWZvflv2uLc17R8Kly1uYSGE0GpD8JzKs-84/s320/MARCH2.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDX4pSXKPRZtRTMsnFp5SEDC8p8njWeu23TyrlaXgk7nQO-NQIlovQS_74ZXzutIv5IFjQbjNMIDhwNw7DlriTt3KJXTKxqoQruRC32x-5FkT82DaclMVntAcpZmip0DvPcdcWHIAm-c/s2048/MARCH.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1649" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDX4pSXKPRZtRTMsnFp5SEDC8p8njWeu23TyrlaXgk7nQO-NQIlovQS_74ZXzutIv5IFjQbjNMIDhwNw7DlriTt3KJXTKxqoQruRC32x-5FkT82DaclMVntAcpZmip0DvPcdcWHIAm-c/s320/MARCH.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrGEMq88XjtGBK9OlyoQQJesdpWGcKfQYv_7ujpqBh_7QwpuBpd7UZM3ZRTH9z7dTCWi3r7xd7xfX-JFiLYNvan_W_o3IfNeZ1-8jfBXsqy-6b4WxmPv0TTLpFzWk9mVAA7c1Evzv3jA/s2048/MARCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGrGEMq88XjtGBK9OlyoQQJesdpWGcKfQYv_7ujpqBh_7QwpuBpd7UZM3ZRTH9z7dTCWi3r7xd7xfX-JFiLYNvan_W_o3IfNeZ1-8jfBXsqy-6b4WxmPv0TTLpFzWk9mVAA7c1Evzv3jA/s320/MARCH.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>APRIL</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8M71xPyjqJgpEelJ0gZS91XCTrXAtzmS159s5W-wMpSUoiKaWHif6TT0os5VHEGBdiSx40ETfoSIopk-Hr_pAb3KCfNFHoi5mz9BEpfVfnhw5trvrNIa0tIqN3DpgoK_KqBHgHebAfQ/s2048/APRIL+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8M71xPyjqJgpEelJ0gZS91XCTrXAtzmS159s5W-wMpSUoiKaWHif6TT0os5VHEGBdiSx40ETfoSIopk-Hr_pAb3KCfNFHoi5mz9BEpfVfnhw5trvrNIa0tIqN3DpgoK_KqBHgHebAfQ/s320/APRIL+2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlChsvxzs7mDHm0ZiUFctssundWcBjzbyELtdiIofPcSTBK8kdeVTAZbZ5rDkysBmadsYao-20nyg3wm6QGc_kf-MTdEMYqicaZkVHW7nmnIke7LXBeBD2pgnIoKTcMko02lN5teV_80/s2048/APRIL+em.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlChsvxzs7mDHm0ZiUFctssundWcBjzbyELtdiIofPcSTBK8kdeVTAZbZ5rDkysBmadsYao-20nyg3wm6QGc_kf-MTdEMYqicaZkVHW7nmnIke7LXBeBD2pgnIoKTcMko02lN5teV_80/s320/APRIL+em.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXVaeWcb2kCZyd4deNRWf8CiTfXtvsET78Qgy2nalaWhii8DNNRmnhvOpdy1Ti67mrXsYFKgQwwpK3dkSu_u2hf_liL0C2ZBmLr_KfE0OCgXhHsb5r9_A59mYIizkB52Qdmsb9YmiXaE/s2048/APRIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXVaeWcb2kCZyd4deNRWf8CiTfXtvsET78Qgy2nalaWhii8DNNRmnhvOpdy1Ti67mrXsYFKgQwwpK3dkSu_u2hf_liL0C2ZBmLr_KfE0OCgXhHsb5r9_A59mYIizkB52Qdmsb9YmiXaE/s320/APRIL.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>MAY</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo9yM1-YGUmEuV9x9M00Ox9t-v5cBEBOOG0uvnZNZnMxO8tgJaWOsAc90UT633XnbAs9cg-Oh03IbpxUorvRZ5rJbS0xI8OuVL5h7QlRVTVxChQdSK8ej1XsMlwfNiMjpLbIKxBkalVs/s2048/May+Mock+Trial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo9yM1-YGUmEuV9x9M00Ox9t-v5cBEBOOG0uvnZNZnMxO8tgJaWOsAc90UT633XnbAs9cg-Oh03IbpxUorvRZ5rJbS0xI8OuVL5h7QlRVTVxChQdSK8ej1XsMlwfNiMjpLbIKxBkalVs/s320/May+Mock+Trial.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKBL6f8fxIDUSYs54TJpgzOjIJpeHs3S-NLXOTTwvFFgq0O8BO1LizbQ0PXG3MZxFWuYhZ3jBS2v-aaODR555TIA-9bAY0lmCWMZdgDVhw_Rjt6_KgYXZiqaEQy5XVCojhapSW5X73Yg/s2048/MAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKBL6f8fxIDUSYs54TJpgzOjIJpeHs3S-NLXOTTwvFFgq0O8BO1LizbQ0PXG3MZxFWuYhZ3jBS2v-aaODR555TIA-9bAY0lmCWMZdgDVhw_Rjt6_KgYXZiqaEQy5XVCojhapSW5X73Yg/s320/MAY.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>JUNE</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E8JhySTSVED6UOQpLzbFCbs86gh90vteOxPSuoNq-2bqSAOOJkhTfHH1rtAd5YfUW2lAYbSLax5XZitapaJrYVLgnh4K2V_8PXXhFhvxXRYpfb4vUxuBzj0MfcGadMtAQlCv1pHMBK8/s2048/JUNE.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E8JhySTSVED6UOQpLzbFCbs86gh90vteOxPSuoNq-2bqSAOOJkhTfHH1rtAd5YfUW2lAYbSLax5XZitapaJrYVLgnh4K2V_8PXXhFhvxXRYpfb4vUxuBzj0MfcGadMtAQlCv1pHMBK8/s320/JUNE.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZJGZb4kVJb4IruLsmhdKQAQQT22gDpO8VSkGlrvwr_L4XGjNpbEX5mjCnQ-44KYRBXkcUm5zPTgMGIXEa-SaIiZmjhGKRiPRVH89aShyphenhyphenOeYHdnZaHcsl8kTAsGllJrj2wd0AL0vneog/s2048/JUNE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZJGZb4kVJb4IruLsmhdKQAQQT22gDpO8VSkGlrvwr_L4XGjNpbEX5mjCnQ-44KYRBXkcUm5zPTgMGIXEa-SaIiZmjhGKRiPRVH89aShyphenhyphenOeYHdnZaHcsl8kTAsGllJrj2wd0AL0vneog/s320/JUNE.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFeJOjB4o3Uf8R0Z8StxrEathr9E1puEfkuxCiKeCW8m__5t35Gg4Ah9IM74g6DWGL53UQIX85u68xZxCSwC-j3J5hznuJgE3IFuFDZGbNuZ9pxx-pZkOG74lqxd2eejA0x37HKXc-q8/s2048/Lockenour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFeJOjB4o3Uf8R0Z8StxrEathr9E1puEfkuxCiKeCW8m__5t35Gg4Ah9IM74g6DWGL53UQIX85u68xZxCSwC-j3J5hznuJgE3IFuFDZGbNuZ9pxx-pZkOG74lqxd2eejA0x37HKXc-q8/s320/Lockenour.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>JULY</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcypCqBFcoOpAZKRWgKaj3yFlpTfaz3S-mxF7V6YMW_NZWrd51oBLwQV85jYvU6Eb2-yGvQmn8MtirHjT8DwtKrqw7P45q5nG7GymFV6lvENMdL79Jiq3ZSBaU62eo1wgd606NvQUOfPA/s2048/July+Dj+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcypCqBFcoOpAZKRWgKaj3yFlpTfaz3S-mxF7V6YMW_NZWrd51oBLwQV85jYvU6Eb2-yGvQmn8MtirHjT8DwtKrqw7P45q5nG7GymFV6lvENMdL79Jiq3ZSBaU62eo1wgd606NvQUOfPA/s320/July+Dj+bday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0H-3kQsUBpGj9VbKcZc5kqNuGbmGs6MxzmM6egO7lj1Jcx3h58vqgN-LAdPu-BKCjdPRmXp6VIAFDXGEKIuBmYT2fcytZK_y8GHGQ27DJDr26LTqdeUne2aSYDV6UkxXc3jCDM4c9eo/s2048/JULY+fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0H-3kQsUBpGj9VbKcZc5kqNuGbmGs6MxzmM6egO7lj1Jcx3h58vqgN-LAdPu-BKCjdPRmXp6VIAFDXGEKIuBmYT2fcytZK_y8GHGQ27DJDr26LTqdeUne2aSYDV6UkxXc3jCDM4c9eo/s320/JULY+fam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcpq4upCZRLFVy12l768Us3uETuMpw1BeUYTgoV2_D19nsyTxGrubGDw9AKmO1nY2hrlkr9huAGQ2MataOKUxVgzN99BU-x2DY4EAoMkgpRvmQgt6fx4TlY8q4py0XsndFV8fwfR1keg/s2048/July+papaj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcpq4upCZRLFVy12l768Us3uETuMpw1BeUYTgoV2_D19nsyTxGrubGDw9AKmO1nY2hrlkr9huAGQ2MataOKUxVgzN99BU-x2DY4EAoMkgpRvmQgt6fx4TlY8q4py0XsndFV8fwfR1keg/s320/July+papaj.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXOJXxwQkYT1ULbvBGPV9MZB5Wnn1taHV7YruUp0OHP0aTfeDIH5pToOZei3Wh3OMJbMkVMK2AG1WM_Roy2ThvcTlNTKYFYNzIveDOQHIkUeent3dsfetl6Um3ZXLCMqD8tb0CSJmoiI/s2048/JULY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXOJXxwQkYT1ULbvBGPV9MZB5Wnn1taHV7YruUp0OHP0aTfeDIH5pToOZei3Wh3OMJbMkVMK2AG1WM_Roy2ThvcTlNTKYFYNzIveDOQHIkUeent3dsfetl6Um3ZXLCMqD8tb0CSJmoiI/s320/JULY.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>AUG</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgrBDnEBPOwh_a1Jreb0EkIbfw4vN14tAkAwakeBBt7Izq4mK1qn2qni5ZY7bGXBxeK3rTSLxEEVqgQr4p9Auk45q6HK-6vWnUbW5Vi0OIzmfQjfJDnIObQwGZW9Ugxvl6CITbv4cFDA/s2048/AUG+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1388" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgrBDnEBPOwh_a1Jreb0EkIbfw4vN14tAkAwakeBBt7Izq4mK1qn2qni5ZY7bGXBxeK3rTSLxEEVqgQr4p9Auk45q6HK-6vWnUbW5Vi0OIzmfQjfJDnIObQwGZW9Ugxvl6CITbv4cFDA/s320/AUG+mom.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhI2Hvp8sTld5gjGearzXVLaznfSnUyahwxl-k5Yguz7LVADxq3g2n-XULjbhqowbvtY3BqZ1ue1XpO298eSiCFiF0RIzb99gmi5QM0vbWFoX5b0F3G9QAjnuRzNP4mNU0E6oIAktkLZY/s2048/IMG_3429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhI2Hvp8sTld5gjGearzXVLaznfSnUyahwxl-k5Yguz7LVADxq3g2n-XULjbhqowbvtY3BqZ1ue1XpO298eSiCFiF0RIzb99gmi5QM0vbWFoX5b0F3G9QAjnuRzNP4mNU0E6oIAktkLZY/s320/IMG_3429.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>SEP</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K2IrgGASoDaG48ZLYP-zGPXPKyKcuMOG3JB2Q7ELrMrZ2FjcSJmt41Jy7wcUd6o-2shdu8JUXK5qIYA3io4Q1sBsU4XwcY3QOinMoxUM-wEScBZpUxn9PlDjFGiNH3VhxuPujOO2E2g/s2048/Sept+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K2IrgGASoDaG48ZLYP-zGPXPKyKcuMOG3JB2Q7ELrMrZ2FjcSJmt41Jy7wcUd6o-2shdu8JUXK5qIYA3io4Q1sBsU4XwcY3QOinMoxUM-wEScBZpUxn9PlDjFGiNH3VhxuPujOO2E2g/s320/Sept+girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCyWr9WcMIHZeMd6a9nayRqR8gUZwgNMDr1qZKaeCu9SZw3JoJ8Yyxd5dj1lr_BhxOY4zmLrxgHz0XRrY6ZqEs27Xlcpc8KVB-PD9jwsOUW_8jlYL19EL17ye1ALdAiBu_1ooXK7tAN4/s2048/September+anni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCyWr9WcMIHZeMd6a9nayRqR8gUZwgNMDr1qZKaeCu9SZw3JoJ8Yyxd5dj1lr_BhxOY4zmLrxgHz0XRrY6ZqEs27Xlcpc8KVB-PD9jwsOUW_8jlYL19EL17ye1ALdAiBu_1ooXK7tAN4/s320/September+anni.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeRoaAudkXfGfWn_TLv3qN7BXORFlaTND-3lgQgzhNhVICnZEfhn0RNxvLzav3B5tkJAL3rFQrfWBXbl10RVcWqlfIkXFYL-qIdHnPsSC5o5c1DxELp3CF7cxEvGA3ecM4r4-eA9ROdA/s2048/Summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeRoaAudkXfGfWn_TLv3qN7BXORFlaTND-3lgQgzhNhVICnZEfhn0RNxvLzav3B5tkJAL3rFQrfWBXbl10RVcWqlfIkXFYL-qIdHnPsSC5o5c1DxELp3CF7cxEvGA3ecM4r4-eA9ROdA/s320/Summer.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>OCT</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYbQs7XK1pq2OqRekb5R-K7FDSjRlms-1elY0vJUDE0f22R0rJ9_fzyX2crrwl2gkBC3rlTIPFGy7mc5x2fHH6ZkQfaOrw2nMHbfaUEYfaKlJ-GU_frq7T728iB__4zizKfyRW5a16_Y/s2048/Ocober+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYbQs7XK1pq2OqRekb5R-K7FDSjRlms-1elY0vJUDE0f22R0rJ9_fzyX2crrwl2gkBC3rlTIPFGy7mc5x2fHH6ZkQfaOrw2nMHbfaUEYfaKlJ-GU_frq7T728iB__4zizKfyRW5a16_Y/s320/Ocober+work.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdMLh8DGFmS2p9J-h4Rp_JgNYDaAAtXaB13VgQ0wFaMPmfWrDgzqzXk5rsMK8zPl1qQq2_Q2IqdBs9XyaoXo9pAaNImeRwqseuEg2qtEigiW4LE40WsaUopY_dpA_0YNfXkFxTyMyHi8/s2048/October+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdMLh8DGFmS2p9J-h4Rp_JgNYDaAAtXaB13VgQ0wFaMPmfWrDgzqzXk5rsMK8zPl1qQq2_Q2IqdBs9XyaoXo9pAaNImeRwqseuEg2qtEigiW4LE40WsaUopY_dpA_0YNfXkFxTyMyHi8/s320/October+work.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5E9U0E-niE7HQJzMMyAw4HvAQFJBieyzv7FrVPe0o33ZTfxiQTrcZb6RUsxPGnF_kP6SHoshPB8lmdlqMAzLk80a5uyQsoooEo7x0TCuhAyMoXiaFajEVgJUEXQkxRX7po2VMgJsqFM/s2048/October.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5E9U0E-niE7HQJzMMyAw4HvAQFJBieyzv7FrVPe0o33ZTfxiQTrcZb6RUsxPGnF_kP6SHoshPB8lmdlqMAzLk80a5uyQsoooEo7x0TCuhAyMoXiaFajEVgJUEXQkxRX7po2VMgJsqFM/s320/October.PNG" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>NOV</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PM4epLo2WN3f0yjbywaXW8O6Uj6qL4DpdLeGWISRIvW-ZKj5wM95sQLSQtwnOEnXqWD25nTtQ2SHVCG9snaZV9te-BoIVAc79i99JHGtYYnswS5SPhDUZ3QJyis8WBu613wsYMR87r8/s2048/NOV.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PM4epLo2WN3f0yjbywaXW8O6Uj6qL4DpdLeGWISRIvW-ZKj5wM95sQLSQtwnOEnXqWD25nTtQ2SHVCG9snaZV9te-BoIVAc79i99JHGtYYnswS5SPhDUZ3QJyis8WBu613wsYMR87r8/s320/NOV.JPEG" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>DEC</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2Tv1FOPmhLQKN43TvgcBJ3Sxh-mY-xvQSMCymlevIeWrGpARkBCpmsK07zykZ9irB3zyY4CEL27d2oRHGYNvhYheH8H8USVr-CfjuQ5FCt37ogh2qf4vlT3CRaUWl-5Sq6IvY7kjMGI/s2048/december+nana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2Tv1FOPmhLQKN43TvgcBJ3Sxh-mY-xvQSMCymlevIeWrGpARkBCpmsK07zykZ9irB3zyY4CEL27d2oRHGYNvhYheH8H8USVr-CfjuQ5FCt37ogh2qf4vlT3CRaUWl-5Sq6IvY7kjMGI/s320/december+nana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT7fKmhtM4uPmkgzHsU5WZPIqAuuqRMvc7sUG428Ts3mTlkB5LXtw5p4z1f3o4_P7c4yAGGCsA38JnG96aGDgPpk8osAkesWm2J2EBuOX-8lk8KzEFC-BQXWFj7WOG7fyNldtBvQlzdI/s820/DEC+Fam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="820" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivT7fKmhtM4uPmkgzHsU5WZPIqAuuqRMvc7sUG428Ts3mTlkB5LXtw5p4z1f3o4_P7c4yAGGCsA38JnG96aGDgPpk8osAkesWm2J2EBuOX-8lk8KzEFC-BQXWFj7WOG7fyNldtBvQlzdI/s320/DEC+Fam.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9Z2T1gSB1bWP1uswHQrwlZBpbLe7QJqXdk7hpcFnQG9iRapLP6SW6OYPfDeARuUT0kRlpyjviXWynmOhGr013MjMOolghrPDQdWQaeYlFc7ghKEiYtkkRYxvAH04sCHOqg1xBhVQFFg/s2048/Dec+arleen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9Z2T1gSB1bWP1uswHQrwlZBpbLe7QJqXdk7hpcFnQG9iRapLP6SW6OYPfDeARuUT0kRlpyjviXWynmOhGr013MjMOolghrPDQdWQaeYlFc7ghKEiYtkkRYxvAH04sCHOqg1xBhVQFFg/s320/Dec+arleen.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr34NUtZLNbpCT5xVCp5XxTBhgwn5MPBYedBAl1UNRHT24a6VkKpu0hsluedqeY5c2C93Em-fJLl_vB1e6weM0uJ5qjT3apX0lbskr2UqFGtsMEQPoBxv2QxQ7_9y7uhpc4GAKHCzLEdM/s2048/december+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr34NUtZLNbpCT5xVCp5XxTBhgwn5MPBYedBAl1UNRHT24a6VkKpu0hsluedqeY5c2C93Em-fJLl_vB1e6weM0uJ5qjT3apX0lbskr2UqFGtsMEQPoBxv2QxQ7_9y7uhpc4GAKHCzLEdM/s320/december+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-1607627293765718742020-08-01T12:10:00.000-07:002022-12-04T12:13:04.344-08:00COVID TIMES<p>Despite Covid, our world never stopped. We kept on with life, school, work, family, church (real life communal church), and sports. We are blessed with good health. We understand there are those less fortunate. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinmV_O9QSUZEITjqGx_dz_WZ1vzW1BVgOWgjyxccxD8jN7x-PqBeeDhzNBDk_qbkU2ykY9mawlKdLEzmGp8vuLLd-HGksYwkA5DcgVK13IX_u--XrTymYR9fOAEv-Exic-YCqgIu9ZYElTg_ud6B5-qbxCKIeyLum0uNzPWWSyHveu9kR-J0oxJ1CV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinmV_O9QSUZEITjqGx_dz_WZ1vzW1BVgOWgjyxccxD8jN7x-PqBeeDhzNBDk_qbkU2ykY9mawlKdLEzmGp8vuLLd-HGksYwkA5DcgVK13IX_u--XrTymYR9fOAEv-Exic-YCqgIu9ZYElTg_ud6B5-qbxCKIeyLum0uNzPWWSyHveu9kR-J0oxJ1CV" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHwhustYVbn7rkI3x_Y8VyP0oBUxX0SZMUYG1Ozm5Xj_lU1nqYsa_GQ4IgDgm99tE3F8yrk_0C6SgHKIVWtv62j_9A5yHelnnnIDYhm6b-LsSiweViufBIiXbtiumNSRHR6m7P9c7xanvxV0xqn2P2xKYYdiNotbwiwiFjsiEx5xlwqxsGe4eiMzi1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2061" data-original-width="2755" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHwhustYVbn7rkI3x_Y8VyP0oBUxX0SZMUYG1Ozm5Xj_lU1nqYsa_GQ4IgDgm99tE3F8yrk_0C6SgHKIVWtv62j_9A5yHelnnnIDYhm6b-LsSiweViufBIiXbtiumNSRHR6m7P9c7xanvxV0xqn2P2xKYYdiNotbwiwiFjsiEx5xlwqxsGe4eiMzi1" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1drre4X58H0hFq7aDorw3cb3-8VSt_7Cjt1am0bDDrrc61fMdkt91bVuTI9_Wae_0G_qByJcuKh9G9q8WzLLrb_wKNDHwmDHmWa-M3vPAMdYUKbalZrKnPKWxTOqR6mB9_LRoS72fJpFwAFyiR_LdqwfkbqmxMMxeCwyN9ypYxgJcnjclPSHEH_Ue" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2482" data-original-width="3568" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1drre4X58H0hFq7aDorw3cb3-8VSt_7Cjt1am0bDDrrc61fMdkt91bVuTI9_Wae_0G_qByJcuKh9G9q8WzLLrb_wKNDHwmDHmWa-M3vPAMdYUKbalZrKnPKWxTOqR6mB9_LRoS72fJpFwAFyiR_LdqwfkbqmxMMxeCwyN9ypYxgJcnjclPSHEH_Ue" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibclYJ_63jph_TLeZpF1a8wX1jF5es04aydq3o-ORbHWIZNFsPb2Q_c86WGAckWaI8EhVmCYe3bQW6M0S8lvnE-DBlDeu2V2n4o2YTKGDDewJDVAvVVusn6krPA7k5dRlIJ7gkOxVK7UkFo-IaKsurWMXDZAcbjNWKD51BIpGQsQ9XHTvF1V7XZ4ze" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3801" data-original-width="2714" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibclYJ_63jph_TLeZpF1a8wX1jF5es04aydq3o-ORbHWIZNFsPb2Q_c86WGAckWaI8EhVmCYe3bQW6M0S8lvnE-DBlDeu2V2n4o2YTKGDDewJDVAvVVusn6krPA7k5dRlIJ7gkOxVK7UkFo-IaKsurWMXDZAcbjNWKD51BIpGQsQ9XHTvF1V7XZ4ze" width="171" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn-DYQNkxPB9p-etW-cO3-w1TAfCXunIGL0utbrnCb0t-CaInzQOcSyf0D4ZnxZq-wDZ45PEGijg37LOQXQWzbj9DrqD6nrr5t-olc-KUpZeo_XgbG_j4yAebKQ6D79nZeOKrTvxDiqeWFWUe1EnrJcfV4fYRIsXmQ8YqxHppBmGhZdm3zbGK0Rwhl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn-DYQNkxPB9p-etW-cO3-w1TAfCXunIGL0utbrnCb0t-CaInzQOcSyf0D4ZnxZq-wDZ45PEGijg37LOQXQWzbj9DrqD6nrr5t-olc-KUpZeo_XgbG_j4yAebKQ6D79nZeOKrTvxDiqeWFWUe1EnrJcfV4fYRIsXmQ8YqxHppBmGhZdm3zbGK0Rwhl" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9kYf5rGnQTQGHVPrbdZIFCggcI-w0vs6SB8SIPgXTYdZriiy4vdclj1L1wuSTAqS3egNSiBKMuBy_RbED19PkmgMve7CrfQctHmQ7IBLb6JENl-jWMcKXdt1v_zQWWbZjez-lbht6vlmoMZGsxQZPiXOjGTLFfcN0YqUrxhXhl9ClmV7iQVcILN12" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3565" data-original-width="13164" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9kYf5rGnQTQGHVPrbdZIFCggcI-w0vs6SB8SIPgXTYdZriiy4vdclj1L1wuSTAqS3egNSiBKMuBy_RbED19PkmgMve7CrfQctHmQ7IBLb6JENl-jWMcKXdt1v_zQWWbZjez-lbht6vlmoMZGsxQZPiXOjGTLFfcN0YqUrxhXhl9ClmV7iQVcILN12" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-53681401659633525932019-11-23T10:20:00.002-08:002019-11-23T10:40:45.974-08:00Thankful for Work - Living the Good Life<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not too long ago, an assumption was made that I don’t work full time. I couldn’t decide if I should take offense or take pleasure in the fact that there is a lack of understanding about my work life as it doesn’t fit our cultural norm. I know someday this schedule of mine will be long gone as my kids will eventually graduate out, and I’ll need to take full time work outside these four walls called home. With that thought in mind, I've been sincerely grateful for this season of life. I know its just a slice of time. I decided to document it in detail to be able to capture these times and bring understanding that work can take lots of different shapes and be fruitful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Currently, I hold three jobs.</b> The first and most important is home educator. I’ve been extremely blessed to be able to educate my children. Each year our institution gets better and better and better. I do feel bad for my first student, LOL! But you have to start somewhere and know God is at work even in our deficiencies. I currently spend about 18-20 hours a week as a home educator. I've taught Time Management, Bible, Math, Latin, Logic, Science, History, Economics, Reading, Writing, Government, Shakespeare, Music, and much much more.... with no pay. No one compensates me to set up our classroom. I don’t get paid for continuing education or even for my time teaching. No one covers for our curriculum costs either. It’s a hard road to take, but the benefits outweigh the financial deficiencies. I’m soooooooo thankful for a husband who works hard to support this adventure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To supplement our income and utilize my giftings, I work as an Area Representative for a home education company called Classical Conversations. I put in around 15-20 satellite hours a week. I love being able to go to work with or without a bra. Haha! I oversee/support a beautiful team of 11 regional leaders who oversee/support a team of 83 local leaders who oversee/support 594 families who are home educating in my area. Guys, this is no joke of a job! In 2020, we will offer EIGHT 3-day home education conferences in my region this year starting in April and finishing off in July. These conferences need speakers, coordinators, childcare workers, and volunteers as well as financial oversight and administrative execution. We also deal with sales and services, which I love this line of work, and I love serving people who have a passion for home education.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Below: Team TX at our annual forum in November. On top- my awesome team)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lastly, I work as a tutor for a local Classical Conversations community for the 8th grade group. This year, I serve 7 students from 7 different families. This is about a 10-12 hour a week job as I partner with these families to prepare, communicate, lead, and equip academically. We have so much fun once a week discussing big ideas, wrapping our minds around syllogisms, composing papers and readying for other rhetorical opportunities. Next semester we will ready ourselves for a Mock Trial. Just for some perspective, I lead one of the 925 8th grade groups in the world. Our organization is international and there is a group for every grade..my oldest is in a 9th grade group with a tutor, and my youngest is in a 7th grade group. In all, there are a total of 8,049 groups in the world. I plan to tutor one more year in 2020 and then hope to replace these hours with school as I want to pursue my own education.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Minimally, I’m putting in 42 hours a week on work and I love every single bit of it...most the time. There are alot of 50+ hour work weeks, which can be a little stressful as I’m still a wife, mom, daughter, Momma T- who has family, home, church, and sports obligations. I manage these things with clear margins, a tight schedule, and a graceful husband who helps make the hard weeks manageable. We have also been blessed with supportive grandparents who have filled in the gaps, helped financially, and cheered us on as we home educate. I cannot thank enough the homeschooling community who has labored alongside us. There is nothing sweeter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I count each and every one of these things as blessings.</span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b>I'm living the good life.... to live simply, work diligently, and give generously. </span></div>
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Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-45064278072278507442019-10-26T12:02:00.002-07:002019-10-26T12:09:27.216-07:00A Pumpkin Parable<div class="adn ads" data-legacy-message-id="16e093535033637f" data-message-id="#msg-f:1648479449654715263" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border-left: none; display: flex; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Each year, we are able to pick a trunk-load of pumpkins for free. It is such a joy to go out in these fields and pick away to our heart's content. </div>
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We are so thankful and we enjoy sharing all this pumpkin love with our family and friends. I like to call myself the pumpkin fairy! haha! </div>
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Well, one very fun activity is we take a number of pumpkins to carve with the ladies of the Grace House. The GH is a recovery home for women struggling with addiction. We take this time to share the gospel through a story and then we carve our pumpkins. I have adapted this story and called it 'A Pumpkin Parable'. This last week we were able to go out and I once again shared this story and we carved our pumpkins together. It was a sweet time by all. </div>
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See the parable below and feel free to share. Remember, a parable is a story with a lesson. After sharing this story, discuss the lesson and parallel with us and our Creator. While carving, keep in mind of how the Lord made us and cleaned up, and gave us a new hope. </div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>In a far away land, a farmer thoughtfully sowed a seed. With great anticipation, he watched, watered, and cared for the seedling as it grew. This farmer always had this precious plant on his mind. He could not wait for harvest when he could pluck it out of the pumpkin patch. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>When harvest came, the farmer joyfully made it way out to find his wonderfully created pumpkin. Unfortunately, he had to untangle the poor pumpkin from all the prickly vines. He released it by making a cut at the stem and took it into his arms. He was so pleased with the way the pumpkin had turned out- it’s shape, color, imperfections and all. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>The farmer brought the pumpkin in the house, wiped it down and readied it for an amazing transformation. What could this transformation be? That evening the farmer brought out all the tools needed for this transformation. He started with the top and cut off a lid. Once the lid was removed, he started to clean out the insides. Oh how it was a tedious task! The insides were full of stringy, slimy guts. Alas, the insides were scraped clean. The pumpkin felt lighter and relieved the inside mess was gone.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>The farmer then did what he was known to do best. With his tools, he etched, carved, and gifted this pumpkin with two round eyes, and a super sweet crooked smile that had one tooth. It was glorious for the pumpkin to be able to smile back at the one who created it!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>Surprisingly, the farmer placed a light within the pumpkin. This was extraordinary! Not only did the brightness radiate out of the pumpkins face, it also brought an internal warmth inside, which caused the pumpkin to feel hopeful. “Now then”, said the farmer, I will use you to light the way to my door. Trick-or-Treaters will want to come and find my goodies!” </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>Not knowing what this meant exactly, the pumpkin found itself placed on the sidewalk in front of the farmers house. Darkness surrounded the farmers yard and home. To the pumpkins surprise, there were many children overjoyed to see the lit up pumpkin. The light shined on the pathway, which pointed the trick-or-treaters to the farmers front door. Once there they were delighted in his goodies! It was in that moment, the pumpkin knew it was created just for such a time as this. </b></span><br />
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Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-85711780597149582002019-09-01T17:00:00.000-07:002019-09-02T01:03:45.809-07:00Celebrating 10 + Years of Homeschooling<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was in early October of 2008, and we were packing for our family trip to Washington. The Stricklands were taking an adventure to soak up our nation's history by visiting all the national monuments as well as taking an excursion down to Colonial Williamsburg. Our excitement quickly became a disappointment when we left an emergency parent-teacher conference called by our daughter's third grade teacher after receiving notification from us that we would be out a few days. You see, our daughters were students at the area's most cherished elementary school. No doubt, we all loved this school, and I myself was in attendance numerous times a week serving on the PTA. It was at this parent-teacher conference where we realized our philosophy on education differed from that of the traditional public school. It was the moment when the teacher's words changed our lives forever. I will never forget these words as long as I live. She said, <i><b>"You are ruining your child's education by taking her out of school and on a trip to Washington."</b></i> I will also never forget my husband's response to this simple-minded statement. Oh, how I love that man! </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> did end up in Washington that fall and it did ruin our family, but for the better! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once home from that most amazing trip, we decided that these differences in educational philosophies could no longer be ignored, and we decided to home educate our daughters. We were interested in training up leaders who have a zeal for learning.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It was a decision that we never regretted. The Strickland school learned alot that spring semester of 2009. I used the following summer to plan out the upcoming year- I was so excited to plan ahead. September 2009 was when I got my footing as an official home educator.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Our homeschool room:</b></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4dI7a0BCP1sehq8XOEr62A3qJNp_2yxmdxT_m6Ji_zWJ7AsP36gUMkVQC08wZAHMFQLttfyf-1su_RFFWWiXda1hWygdjYfQwuxH7cG3V2FQhbBYqN_zkDpBTPUMoh85R9YoTq_XUpA/s1600/1935917_148806372159_3159201_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4dI7a0BCP1sehq8XOEr62A3qJNp_2yxmdxT_m6Ji_zWJ7AsP36gUMkVQC08wZAHMFQLttfyf-1su_RFFWWiXda1hWygdjYfQwuxH7cG3V2FQhbBYqN_zkDpBTPUMoh85R9YoTq_XUpA/s400/1935917_148806372159_3159201_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sept. 2019</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I honestly can't believe we are coming up on eleven years since we decided to make this decision. We currently have two homeschoolers at home now with three graduated out. I want to freeze time as I know the Strickland School will someday have it's last graduate. This has been one heck of a journey and we all have learned so much. I've pondered these years and compiled a list of </span><b><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #7f6000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">golden nuggets</span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I've learned as a home educator. I'd like to share these 10 nuggets of wisdom with whoever would like to read, learn, glean from our journey. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1. Homeschooling is an Investment</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">When one makes an investment, it usually requires some kind of stake with the notion that time will reward the investor with a return. There will be small pay offs within the days, months, and year, but I have found that the deeper return will come years later when our students are adults.The goal is that this return will come in the form of WISDOM, and that wisdom will be applied to their lives. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>'Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom."</i> - Charles Spurgeon.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We invest a great deal of our time, money, resources, space, and energy into home education knowing that it will produce fruit in time. Lord, let it be!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2. Shaping Skills</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">The work place is looking for leaders who have a skill set. These skills are divided into HARD and SOFT skills. Everyone might know this already-sorry.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The <b>HARD </b>skills come from education- proficiency in a certain field, a degree or certification. Time will lead your student to those skills. The beautiful thing is as a home educator, you can start equipping/preparing your student for their lifelong calling. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">--Example #1: Our daughter wanted to be a pilot. Not only did we help our Em with her physics and math studies, but we were blessed to also allow her experiences to engage in this specialized field while she was in highschool. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">See her solo flight </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N9xoo-dlXQPm944a7IXSDs0mY51TzDOY/view?usp=sharing" style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">here</a><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--Example #2: Our other daughter wanted to get into photography. We looked for opportunities for her to develop these skills and actually she was able to win photo contests, capture important memories, grow as a photographer, and now make money off of her work. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">The <b>SOFT</b> skills are personal attributes that can be acquired over time. Luke 16:10 talks about being faithful in the little. Our kids need opportunities to be faithful in daily tasks that enable them to learn bigger responsibilities, and also to learn to manage their time. Chores, <a href="https://thestricklandsite.blogspot.com/2019/02/tidy-zones-eleven-years-later.html">Tidy Zones</a>, and <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CNaXOiVr7tP7wh8VkvBpPxbz6kxgUWj9/view?usp=sharing">Weekly Charts</a> were/are the nuts and bolts of our school. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Believe it or not, but our freshmen can write out his lesson plans for the week on his own. Our daughters in college are still utilizing these skills as they lay out their college schedules.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, what about LIFE skills- like money and budget? One of our favorite things to do for school on Fridays is go get groceries. My kiddos buy their own groceries people! I made up<a href="https://thestricklandsite.blogspot.com/2017/05/life-skillz.html"> this post</a> a few years ago. All my kiddos were smaller then. Now my college students know how to budget and grab their groceries, and so do my 12 and 14 year old boys. :) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3. Celebrating the Differences</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">This nugget of truth is obvious, but was the hardest to learn as a home educator. Each student/child came with their set of strengths and weaknesses. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had some major academic mountains to move over these years. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I learned to praise Him on the mountain, praise Him for His creations- the good and the bad.I have found that with His help, we were able to conquer these mountains one step at a time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">I found it interesting that my daughter changed the sign in their apartment to this as they start the new school year.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7XuiQCmJ72LId5XOGoLdxcpX9R7U6s-L3IDZNTaucSG7VzrsiVxVcT7613pcUWKqR0mBaeE41AHBXLs-vYB2RRNme0YzIEp3TzAWCz6oDJ6Luq3lNpUpftTW6St89Y_fBhUug8nz208/s1600/58899796359__9A93F3FD-676C-4175-B911-8B3C32479A82.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7XuiQCmJ72LId5XOGoLdxcpX9R7U6s-L3IDZNTaucSG7VzrsiVxVcT7613pcUWKqR0mBaeE41AHBXLs-vYB2RRNme0YzIEp3TzAWCz6oDJ6Luq3lNpUpftTW6St89Y_fBhUug8nz208/s320/58899796359__9A93F3FD-676C-4175-B911-8B3C32479A82.jpeg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>4. Work With What You've Got</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has been a hard financial journey to home educate. We pay our house taxes, AND we pay for all our curriculum, supplies, tutoring, and lessons. We had to improvise and work with what we had. Look around you, what resources could you pull in? Our Mommaw worked with our girls to help them with sewing lessons, which in turn was used for a Choir Concert. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDZ0s9YLv8OFnFupldmnnTEq4ZGWYv74ski1hRi0a3t3DryCMtBDMa-peMxbT-_yvvquyJj1vdkXb501IPhr5E3Z_mqxNtT6AvB3a2vlCJr-Epmc_IvKaTIsAw_ZCbX34VRLG83zzs2E/s1600/IMG_4834+%25281%2529.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="363" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDZ0s9YLv8OFnFupldmnnTEq4ZGWYv74ski1hRi0a3t3DryCMtBDMa-peMxbT-_yvvquyJj1vdkXb501IPhr5E3Z_mqxNtT6AvB3a2vlCJr-Epmc_IvKaTIsAw_ZCbX34VRLG83zzs2E/s320/IMG_4834+%25281%2529.PNG" width="186" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have also bartered for help with laundry. We have had retired teachers willing to come and help our students with reading. We are so thankful for these extra helps!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Be a Lead Learner</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have also learned so much as home educator. </span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">I cannot even begin to express the depths of growth I've experienced. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can honestly say I have:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- solidified my Algebra skills</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- gained insight into be a rhetorician</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- mastered writing essays</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- learned Latin</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- mastered music theory</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These are just to name a few. Even more than that, I've also learned how to teach, how to pray, how to impart, how to study, how to love unconditionally, how to trust, how to forgive, how to manage my time, how to be refined. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is mom's Latin workbook. :)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wd56ZJpjMjxuc0YvISHgxt0T2J8G3wvRjiadgPMzm10Asu-BlXUxQsTNKex6rsTM2MNC8lB6K_zSk9czrGQ-6oWD897zZQp0GrahEgB7Bic8IeopeVZeAn78EoPpGGEsX3onZEb8_Gg/s1600/3676DB6E-CC5A-41FF-8B1E-3F32743D510A+%25281%2529.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1345" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wd56ZJpjMjxuc0YvISHgxt0T2J8G3wvRjiadgPMzm10Asu-BlXUxQsTNKex6rsTM2MNC8lB6K_zSk9czrGQ-6oWD897zZQp0GrahEgB7Bic8IeopeVZeAn78EoPpGGEsX3onZEb8_Gg/s200/3676DB6E-CC5A-41FF-8B1E-3F32743D510A+%25281%2529.JPEG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would say there is one key ingredient in being a lead learner and that is <b>humility</b>. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I heard it once said that if we could parent perfectly, our kiddos would not be in need of a Savior. It was a liberating statement to hear that my children's lives are not hinged on my perfection. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have to remember we are on a journey ourselves. We have to point our children to Jesus, we have to say sorry to our kids. We have to model humility to our kiddos, for they are watching.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. Read to Succeed</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has a quote that says, <i>"The person who doesn't read is no better off than the person who can't read." </i></span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Most books on success or leadership will promote reading! </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading is the medium in which we can be inspired and changed like no other. These books can answer life's greatest questions about man, God, and ourselves. These experiences reach past ours and allow us to take in more than we ever could with our own experiences.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UX32pPz4nLIS2K7UlzFlezfdtopI448NLpoME0CX_Zvhm-mqYripMXxeuRAMEfv9e7Z6yGz01pBijsd0YueYpcfvPoPgYW-22QRX0uKipIrEZTPZuDF9NlwKLvar_bsjEQWI6K4aFgE/s1600/15542235_10154888649157160_897645316847464317_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UX32pPz4nLIS2K7UlzFlezfdtopI448NLpoME0CX_Zvhm-mqYripMXxeuRAMEfv9e7Z6yGz01pBijsd0YueYpcfvPoPgYW-22QRX0uKipIrEZTPZuDF9NlwKLvar_bsjEQWI6K4aFgE/s320/15542235_10154888649157160_897645316847464317_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If your kids are babies, toddler, young, teenagers, adults--> read to them. My husband made a commitment to read to our kids every evening before bed. I was so thankful for these times for him to connect with the kids. If you are tired of reading to them, get an audio book out. If you are on a trip- play an audio book in the car. Read together at night instead of watching a movie. Have your student read so much that it becomes a habit. There are so many resources out there for reading- the library, <a href="https://feedback.sixflags.com/rts/">Read to Succeed</a>, and <a href="https://librivox.org/">LibriVox</a> to name a few.</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I have a quote up in our homeschool room that says</span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"TODAY A READER, TOMORROW A LEADER"</span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">by Margaret Fuller. I truly believe this. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>7. Always Attend</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Multiple kids, chores, bills, practice, dogs, church, life- OH MY! It is easy to get washed up in the fast lane of life. We musn't allow this to keep us from being intentional about our time.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ephesians 5: 15-17 says, <i><span style="font-size: large;">"</span></i></span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-5-15" id="en-ESV-29303" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,</span><span class="text Eph-5-16" id="en-ESV-29304" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29304AH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29304AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>making the best use of the time, because <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29304AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29304AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the days are evil.</span><span class="text Eph-5-17" id="en-ESV-29305" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span>Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."</span></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I come back to this scripture on a consistent basis to help me remember my key objectives as mom and as a home educator in each season. There is this thing called MARGINS. You have to decide how much time you want to devote to school at home, and once you do that- you protect those margins. The Strickland School has a schedule and we keep to it. I rarely allow things to interrupt our school hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Attending is not only the act of taking charge of something, it is also the act of being present. I have been known to look at my child in the eyes while they tell me something and not hear a word they said because my mind was off somewhere else. I find that when I am engaged in the subject my students are partaking in, they also become more interested.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Attending is also choosing to say NO. I heard it said once that there isn't a shortage of good things to do. I have found in this season that I have to lay aside what is good for what is GREAT. Choose wisely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Me 'attending' to the boys during our Latin Hour. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>8. Pursuing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I've heard this phrase numerous times before I truly understood the meaning of it. We started homeschooling because we believed that education should be more about hands on discovery and less about test taking. (More on that with Nugget #10.) I did not realize that we could find God in Math, or find His Thumbprint in Science. I didn't grasp that worship could be the paper we write about on His Goodness. And theology class was happening when we gave a persuasive speech on His Truth. DUH! We honestly don't need to start our school day with devotional because our school day is one long devotional! God is the unifying principle to our studies. He is our study. I try to not</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> let a day go by without pointing out His Truth, Goodness, and Beauty in our studies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>9. Togetherness</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Community is another key ingredient needed in order to thrive academically. You must be connected to a group of people in one way or another. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We decided to home educate with Classical Conversations. With CC, families come together once a week to present, dialog, and work together on many subjects. Everyone then goes home to accomplish their weekly work. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">The parent remains the academic advisor for their student all year long. They have the power to veto, switch, add, scale, tweak, or alter their student's academic trajectory. This is a right and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">privilege</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I value and take seriously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Other than CC, I am blessed to have several other homeschooling resources in our region. Our kids can participate in a group History Fair or Field Day. We educators have even banned together for retreats, and recently to help put on a graduation ceremony for our seniors. We are also thankful for our church and the amazing programs that have for us all. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Helen Keller, who truly knew the need for community once said, <i>“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”</i> I believe this in so many regards, but mostly, with our ability to glorify God. We just recently sat down with a few parents and contended for our children's academic year. This is a tradition we have been doing since for a decade now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not go at it alone. Connect with other families in the trenches just like you! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>10. Nourishment and Assessment</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I started this post with the backstory of how we came to the decision of home education. I was grieved by the reality that our daughter was drowning in the mandates of standardize testing. At first, we thought there was a major learning disability. I found myself frustrated when the results offered no major disabilities. This was confirmation that she needed an alternative education. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>"Children are souls to nourish, not products to be measured." </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> </b>-Leigh Bortins </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Unfortunately, we felt our daughter was just another measurement to uphold the exemplary status for the new school marquee. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For a few years following, we did not require our daughters to take any major tests other than the chapter quizzes and such. This was a huge mistake. We later realized that assessment was necessary for a multitude of reasons. We had now experienced the two extremes. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With this said, my last nugget of truth would be to find a balance of nourishment and assessment. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Nourishment:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I usher my students to wonder and worship. Remember, Proverbs 25:2 says, <i>"it is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to search it out!"</i> Learning is said to be glorious!! Given enough of these opportunities - how can anything damper the zest for learning. I consider these as deposits into their love tanks. We want to keep a surplus!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Assessment:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And all the while I must</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> drill study habits into my students for test taking. Galatians 6:4 says, <i>"</i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>But let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable [ in itself alone] without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor." </i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I offer them enough </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">opportunities</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to be tested and to be satisfied. I also offer</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> feedback on both the quality and quantity of their work. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Quizlet, College Prep Genius, Academic Records.net, and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://homeschooltestingservices.com/ </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">have been amazing resources with assessments, transcripts, and college readiness. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Well! There it is! </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for reading. I hope you have found these personal experiences from the last eleven years insightful/inspiring for your own journey. God willing, I have six more years at home. I'll have to post again at that time! <3 span=""></3></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">One last thing, before I end this reflection. I feel it necessary to thank all of those who have impacted and sown into our journey. First off, thank you God for your sovereignty over our home. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">A huuuuugggeeeee shout out to Papa & Granny and Pawpaw & Nana - you both were/are our biggest supporters. You backed us financially, you helped with school supplies, curriculum, you've come to school presentations, graduations, and you have celebrated with us all the way! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another thank you to Leigh Bortins and Classical Conversations teams for blazing a trail for us in C/TX. Thank you to Robin Tipton for modeling this thing called homeschooling. Thank you to all of you who have tutored or sown into our home academics in one way or the other. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With gratitude,</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">D</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">isclaimer: these experiences listed in this post do not prohibit anyone from their own experiences and deductions. I personally endorse public education to educate the public. I know and love many excellent public educators and I think highly of their endeavors. We also have no hard feelings for our elementary school our daughters attended as well as the leadership who served and is currently serving. Lastly, this post is not exclaiming that home education is the gospel-the only way to Truth, knowledge, and success. Only Jesus Christ is the W</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; white-space: pre-wrap;">ay, the Truth, and the Light, so I will leave it at that.</span><br />
<br />Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-61069873129444280092019-08-01T00:53:00.000-07:002019-09-02T00:53:32.379-07:00She is back! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our KK made it home safely on July 30th! We are so happy to have her in the midst of her family again. She was so missed.<br />
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She had an amazing stay in the UAE. Read about her last summary she sent out <a href="https://www.smore.com/4nghk-home-sweet-home"><b><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></b></a>.<br />
<br />Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-76733030458241381742019-05-01T19:48:00.000-07:002019-09-02T00:36:27.201-07:00Mock TrialDJ and his class had the wonderful opportunity to compete in a Mock Trial with neighboring students in the Temple/Belton area. This sure was an amazing experience as they debated the case of Barbara Barrett. DJ was one of the prosecuting attorneys. He did great with his opening statement!<br />
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Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-22520232103340061332019-05-01T19:41:00.000-07:002019-09-02T00:38:09.062-07:002019 Graduate!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Our Em is officially graduated. We are so proud of her! </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Time to soar!</b></span></div>
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Tressahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707403331252838182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1514490485380294247.post-7261301162031858182019-04-30T20:00:00.000-07:002019-09-02T00:41:54.080-07:00NICA Cycling 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another cycling season has come and gone. We are so proud of these two. This was DJ's third year and Taylor's first. NICA is the organization we ride with under the Texas division. Their mission is to build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling. </div>
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