tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8703872554354838982024-02-06T22:06:01.992-05:00The Everitt FamilyForever a FamilyThe Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-7037153615092220642020-06-13T21:44:00.000-04:002020-06-13T21:45:41.247-04:00Resources from my journey<p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDRyqQ-_Jb4jBEFhgNzlV-X0egoDZy6rrH9Wgc3YraXKe4ABOIjtKhzkGemdszUuJ3S3HLexXtqR9TlLaFt6Urgxa9O8PGaXxg-WUSlzLoH2mEcMvo1ZIwr0MJkYThHht0qvRm7JoH3t9/s1440/100593722_10163569900110577_2822653885615702016_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLiTE3RIRrrD6WrGsMqi6ZMauMAwUqOdKAUuh2YoSkUwM1Sn2KxJ83vwKPWPGmA4RZMBSpqWfm-iB9yy_fSyasAtOev_YfaIspGqpCx7iAjXGyCTta24H4Om6NxCd_iQF0Aw9NfqnslxH/w200-h200/100602509_10163569899950577_7314647467675353088_o.jpg" width="200" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDRyqQ-_Jb4jBEFhgNzlV-X0egoDZy6rrH9Wgc3YraXKe4ABOIjtKhzkGemdszUuJ3S3HLexXtqR9TlLaFt6Urgxa9O8PGaXxg-WUSlzLoH2mEcMvo1ZIwr0MJkYThHht0qvRm7JoH3t9/w200-h200/100593722_10163569900110577_2822653885615702016_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><font size="4">To Watch </font><font size="2">(Movies, Documentaries, and Teaching)</font></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href=" https://youtu.be/YrHIQIO_bdQ" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Systemic Racism Explained</font></a></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B083ZMNSB2/ref=share_ios_season" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">The Color of Compromise</font> </a>(Amazon Prime)</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="s2" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font color="#3367d6"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="ttps://www.netflix.com/search?q=13th&jbv=80091741&jbp=0&jbr=0 " target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">13th</font></a> </span><span class="s1" style="color: black;">(</span></font><span class="s1" style="color: black;">Netflix)</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Just-Mercy-Michael-B-Jordan/dp/B082YKN1M1/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=just+mercy&qid=1591152837&sr=8-2 " target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Just Mercy</font></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><font color="#3367d6"><br /></font></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-Enemies-Taraji-P-Henson/dp/B07Q8TDN2G/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=best+of+enemies&qid=1591152949&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Best of Enemies</font></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Selma-David-Oyelowo/dp/B00S0X4HK8/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=selma&qid=1591725395&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Selma</font></a></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><font size="4">To Read</font><span style="font-size: 12px;"> (Books)</span></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Me-Race-Love-Struggle/dp/0801075866/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2XMBS17CGM0LL&dchild=1&keywords=dream+with+me+john+perkins&qid=1591142275&s=instant-video&sprefix=dream+with+me+john%2Cinstant-video%2C169&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Dream with Me </font></a>by John Perkins</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Im-Still-Here-Dignity-Whiteness/dp/1524760854/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35PZHMOKHF1VM&dchild=1&keywords=i%27m+still+here+austin+channing+brown&qid=1591142187&s=instant-video&sprefix=I%27m+still+here+aus%2Cinstant-video%2C175&sr=1-1-catcorr" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a White World</font></a> by Austin Channing Brown</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Color-Compromise-American-Churchs-Complicity/dp/0310113601/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OYDYHHJKJ3O7&dchild=1&keywords=the+color+of+compromise&qid=1591142215&s=instant-video&sprefix=the+color+of+comprom%2Cinstant-video%2C169&sr=1-1-catcorr" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">The Color of Compromise</font></a> by Jemar Tisby</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Be-Bridge-Pursuing-Racial-Reconciliation/dp/0525652884/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3N6JAZISZF4D6&dchild=1&keywords=be+the+bridge+latasha+morrison&qid=1591142252&s=instant-video&sprefix=be+the+bridge+%2Cinstant-video%2C164&sr=1-1-catcorr" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Be the Bridge</font></a> by Latasha Morrison</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/White-Fragility-People-About-Racism/dp/0807047414/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TZCMXDUW806&dchild=1&keywords=white+fragility+robin+diangelo&qid=1591142303&sprefix=white+fragi%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">White Fragility: Why it’s so hard for white people to talk about racism</font></a> by Robin Diangelo</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Post-Traumatic-Slave-Syndrome-Americas/dp/0985217278/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NGT40D4SY2LE&dchild=1&keywords=post+traumatic+slave+syndrome+by+joy+degruy+leary&qid=1591142348&sprefix=post+traum%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome</font></a> byJoy Degruy</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href=" https://www.amazon.com/Black-Kids-Sitting-Together-Cafeteria/dp/0465060684/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14V4PHGEGJIL&dchild=1&keywords=why+do+all+the+black+kids+sit+together&qid=1591142380&sprefix=why+dod+all%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Why Do do all the black kids sit together in the cafeteria?</font></a> by Beverly Daniel Tatum</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="s2" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href=" https://www.amazon.com/Rediscipling-White-Church-Diversity-Solidarity/dp/0830845976/ref=sr_1_2?crid=10LCEYRFMW34L&dchild=1&keywords=rediscipling+the+white+church&qid=1591152147&sprefix=re+discipling+th%2Caps%2C317&sr=8-2" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Re-discipling the White Church</font></a> by David Swanson</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Birmingham-Jail-Response-Dreams/dp/0802411967/ref=sr_1_4?crid=11VKLKZZHQPYF&dchild=1&keywords=letters+from+a+birmingham+jail&qid=1591725308&sprefix=letters+from+a+birmin%2Caps%2C263&sr=8-4" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Letters from a Birmingham Jail</font></a> by Bryan Loritts</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><font size="4">To Listen</font><span style="font-size: 12px;"> (Podcasts)</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Scene of Radio Podcast- <a href=" https://www.sceneonradio.org/seeing-white/ " target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Seeing White Series</font></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/melanated-faith/id1483872645" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Melanated Faith Podcast</font></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><font color="#3367d6"><br /></font></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="austinchanning.substack.com " target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Anti Racist Pod Squad</font></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><font color="#3367d6"><br /></font></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rediscipling-White-Church-Diversity-Solidarity/dp/0830845976/ref=sr_1_2?crid=10LCEYRFMW34L&dchild=1&keywords=rediscipling+the+white+church&qid=1591152147&sprefix=re+discipling+th%2Caps%2C317&sr=8-2" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Sounds of Justice</font></a></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><font size="4">To Follow</font><span style="font-size: 12px;"> (Impactful POCs on social media)</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jemar Tisby</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Latasha Morrison</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Austin Channing Brown</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;">Love Offering- Josefina H. Sanders</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><font size="4">To Participate</font><span style="font-size: 12px;"> (ways to learn more and get involved)</span></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://bethebridge.com/btb101/ " target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Be the Bridge 101</font></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="color: black;"><a href="https://bethebridge.com/whitenessintensive/" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Whiteness Intensive</font></a></span></p>The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-37989416739033580222016-01-10T21:27:00.000-05:002016-01-10T21:44:38.518-05:00Big News for the Everitts!!<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">No, this is not a pregnancy or adoption announcement. But it’s big news for us! After years of praying, the Lord has told us the “time is now” to begin a new adventure. The Lord has opened the door for our family to join a church plant in urban Tampa.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Beginning on February 1, we will “officially” join the Redeemer City Church plant. Kevin will partner with three other pastors and their families to form the launch team for this small plant in the city of Tampa (specifically the Channelside/Ybor City area). Kevin will serve as the Worship Pastor alongside of Mitch Kuhn, the Lead Pastor, a Creative Arts Pastor, and a Next Gen Pastor. We’re very excited to reach the inner city of Tampa. For many years Tampa struggled to maintain fruitful urban churches, but in the past years, we have a seen a movement of Christ take hold. Successful church plants have begun to take root, and <span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">we are thrilled to be a part of this wave to share Christ with the millions in Tampa. </span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Kevin will be re-entering the banking world in February with the Bank of Tampa. He will maintain a full time “secular” career while working with RCC in the evenings and weekends. The other three pastors will be doing the same thing. We desire to pour available resources into the church. For the next few months, we are holding launch team meetings on Saturdays and Sundays with an official launch in the later spring! We’re very close to securing our building. Please be in prayer that all of the paperwork goes through quickly!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To learn a little more about the mission and vision of RCC, visit <a href="http://redeemertampa.com/">redeemertampa.com</a>. The website is still in development, but you can catch the vision. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We’ve listed our home with a great real estate agent and are praying for a quick sell. We’ll see how that goes. In the meantime, we will be house shopping in the Tampa area (Seminole Heights/Riverside Heights areas). If you know of anyone who is looking for a wonderful home in a quiet Ruskin neighborhood, have them check out <a href="http://mfr.mlsmatrix.com/DE.asp?k=1538979XZQb7&p=DE-74365674-198" target="_blank">our home</a>. It’s well-loved and maintained since it was built. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mallory and Tabitha will remain at Seffner Christian as it will actually be a shorter commute than the 70 minute round trip commute that they take each day to and from Ruskin. So the shorter commute will be welcome!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We covet all of your prayers as we embark on this new adventure. We know the Lord is faithful to supply our needs as we make all of these transitions. It’s an amazing emotion knowing that the Lord is actively moving you to a new work. However, we are sad to leave our ministries at First Baptist Church in Ruskin. We have made great friends who we love like family. We are thankful that we’ll only be a 45 minute trip down to see them often. We love and will dearly miss the church members and especially our kids in the EDGE student ministry past and present. We love them like our own kids. Our last Sunday at FBC Ruskin is January 31. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now onto the next adventure God has prepared for us!!!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<br /></div>
The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-65249782587729523792013-11-26T22:05:00.000-05:002013-11-27T10:22:54.819-05:00Our Annual Christmas UpdateEvery year since we were married, we have sent out a Christmas card and family update letter. This year, we thought it was time embrace more technology. We've still kept the traditional touch of a Christmas card that has been sent out to our friends and family near and far through snail mail. However, instead of the traditional letter, we directed you to our family blog (which you are now reading). This way you can see our year blow by blow through our posts. :)<br />
<br />
As you can tell, we're getting a jump on things since Thanksgiving is just days away. This year has proved to be more busy than ever. So it was time to get ahead or get left in the dust of the holiday season.<br />
<br />
The highlights of 2013 can be seen in the 7 or 8 blog posts below. Most importantly, we officially made it official with Tabitha. She took our name, "Everitt," and according to the laws of the land, she is ours forever and ever. Even though she was ours from the moment we laid eyes on her, we have the paperwork to prove what was always true in our hearts. We continue to thank God every day for His perfectly laid plans for our lives with all the hormones, drama, taxi stops, volleyball practices, cheerleading uniforms, homework hours, youth activities, "coaching" sessions, car conversations, and night time prayers. We are officially the parents of a teenager!!!<br />
<br />
May this Christmas season bring you love, joy, and hope with friends, family, and our Savior.<br />
<br />
<i><span class="text Luke-2-10" id="en-KJV-24984">And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.</span><span class="text Luke-2-11" id="en-KJV-24985"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.</span><span class="text Luke-2-12" id="en-KJV-24986"> And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. </span></i><span class="text Luke-2-12" id="en-KJV-24986">~Luke 2:10-12</span><i><span class="text Luke-2-12" id="en-KJV-24986"><br /></span></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0CZsWrRq0asXEA&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0CZsWrRq0asW/0CZsWrRq0asWcW/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1385230978000/0/" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 255); border: medium none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-82180594051457417982013-11-01T10:02:00.000-04:002013-11-01T10:02:08.400-04:00Happy Birthday and Halloween!We have a girl who you could consider a "Halloween baby." She was born just 7 days before this fun holiday. One year ago at this time, we had just begun our unsupervised visits with T. We weren't able to celebrate her 12th birthday on her actual birthday, but had a little time a few days later to celebrate with her. It didn't feel like we could give her all she deserved for a birthday, since we were on such tight restriction in visitation. <br />
<br />
This year was our first big birthday bash. It was T's first big birthday of her life and her first "friends' party." She was turning 13, but it was like a first birthday. :) Instead of an actual birthDAY, she got a birth4days.<br />
<br />
<u>The blow by blow of her birthday:</u><br />
<br />
<strong>Thursday, Oct 24-</strong> <br />
Breakfast in bed with the "celebrate plate." (the plate our family eats on special celebration days).<br />Cookie cake brought to lunch for her class.<br />
Dinner of her choice (Genghis grill.... where we took her last year for her birthday).<br />
<br />
<strong>Friday, Oct 25-</strong><br />
Birthday concert with friends (Ashlynn, Cayla, Mackenzie, and Molly)<br /><em>Finding Favour, Hawk Nelson, The Afters, and Building 429</em><br />
Aunt JoJo, Auntie K, and Auntie Steph came, too!<br />
<br />
<strong>Saturday, Oct 26-</strong><br />
Mom-Mom and Pop-pop fly in from PA to spend the weekend with her.<br />
Shopping spree with her grandparents<br />
Joint family birthday party with her fave cousin, Micaiah. (They are one day and one year apart)<br />
18 people gather at Spaghetti Warehouse for a big party!<br />
<br />
<strong>Sunday, Oct 27-</strong><br />
T gets to spend the entire day with Mom-mom and Pop-pop all to herself!<br />
<br />
Once her birthday weekend ended, we ramped up for Halloween. Gigi made her a BEAUTIFUL Princess Belle costume. Hours were put into that dress to make it look perfect. She wore her mom's Homecoming Queen crown for 2001, and Mammaw found a huge crinoline to wear under the dress. She really did look like a princess. This was her first major Halloween costume! <br />
<br />
On Wednesday, she went to our church's trunk or treat and fall festival. On Thursday, she decided that she wanted to give candy rather than receive it. So she sat in the drive way and passed out candy to all the little ones that came through the neighborhood. It was so cute to watch. <br />
<br />
<strong><u>To top it all off, T made straight As on her report card!! Proud Mom/Principal moment!</u></strong><br />
<br />
November 21st will be our official first anniversary as life as a family under one roof. We're looking forward continuing our family traditions that we began building one year ago around this time. It's amazing to look back at this astounding journey. God is the Master Designer, and this was HIS perfect plan! We thank God for the prayers He answered in unconventional ways. <br />
<br />
<strong>November is National Adoption Awareness Month, and this Sunday is "Orphan Sunday". Learn about ways you can be a part of caring for orphans even if you can not physically adopt or foster a child. </strong><a href="http://www.orphansunday.org/"><strong>www.orphansunday.org</strong></a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIo47D7Sp2JyqSlRoGox8uWwRAmfpX_AcICf9Ss9TFu3AsZJ8GtjiWFunLFRO1oiCDM3Hgrr261B8mtd6W6CjN6HTIwpiiCrm-IkydiY5Vz5ybQA1F3y2_BIKVcrGvqdkKfG9RpkXE0QZ/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIo47D7Sp2JyqSlRoGox8uWwRAmfpX_AcICf9Ss9TFu3AsZJ8GtjiWFunLFRO1oiCDM3Hgrr261B8mtd6W6CjN6HTIwpiiCrm-IkydiY5Vz5ybQA1F3y2_BIKVcrGvqdkKfG9RpkXE0QZ/s320/1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Breakfast in Bed</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKdtZn8mtdkdp32Cqem2qJcCte7BlBFPfK52BarHlXKicicuZca6O2uA0uvIl3VtRPGM1ioND7IEkgS08yB2ctsT-J0V-HNgrYwFdlZGzJR7jteaJmIRd61BtbwFFBajcKmQazJM9C9_P/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKdtZn8mtdkdp32Cqem2qJcCte7BlBFPfK52BarHlXKicicuZca6O2uA0uvIl3VtRPGM1ioND7IEkgS08yB2ctsT-J0V-HNgrYwFdlZGzJR7jteaJmIRd61BtbwFFBajcKmQazJM9C9_P/s320/2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on the way to the concert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL2JCuqfEWDsEdl0DoKgL6Vwdonk12JT225HT7Mt9dHKENxySsG_F8ULBXsw8JNP6erzVcmMxagOqXTDBnfvxEKJ8phf9OtkDApfdlm0ROsWF_B-yw8a7OL3t_aA93AI-z8c50wiGupQq/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL2JCuqfEWDsEdl0DoKgL6Vwdonk12JT225HT7Mt9dHKENxySsG_F8ULBXsw8JNP6erzVcmMxagOqXTDBnfvxEKJ8phf9OtkDApfdlm0ROsWF_B-yw8a7OL3t_aA93AI-z8c50wiGupQq/s320/3.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Waiting to get into the concert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tp6W8osndn9MK_eY-58tnOrDuLkYZtc90F9BZs0uA12_GkQRWOXVpn0jWGjMJ5hKRG8FEahGQXMNkdZGRFnI2YRNz_kaIZaLnYdTuUDDPijDC6DSdxjxZwVHBmCkBAYtG1z0SqRz-9XY/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tp6W8osndn9MK_eY-58tnOrDuLkYZtc90F9BZs0uA12_GkQRWOXVpn0jWGjMJ5hKRG8FEahGQXMNkdZGRFnI2YRNz_kaIZaLnYdTuUDDPijDC6DSdxjxZwVHBmCkBAYtG1z0SqRz-9XY/s320/4.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dinner at Genghis Grill</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73Eh913B0c2ROVRHDitmRWpXiYRp67o6FNHo4Mu7ZFgDESmYqddzBkjOsbWVRfkWk2kSD2GwrqKe1DtRVspsh8WjluEIYS_OmfogO6kX5vNF1ByaSxYj2Z6qFF0fsITjDJQlv78GJRylg/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73Eh913B0c2ROVRHDitmRWpXiYRp67o6FNHo4Mu7ZFgDESmYqddzBkjOsbWVRfkWk2kSD2GwrqKe1DtRVspsh8WjluEIYS_OmfogO6kX5vNF1ByaSxYj2Z6qFF0fsITjDJQlv78GJRylg/s320/5.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Birthday at school</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv4NxZkzmRrUXOaeF4_LtQ5GqsI92ocPcmR5C44dE1Lgu8W6xbRx7SFsVlndT7hY_GBYPFgY0HcINtI1jBp7tpGEkbPrHfNg7jru-uhwTcs-YYjynPj4d7pAKmTvWu1EB8_h88GnSVeDN/s1600/6+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWv4NxZkzmRrUXOaeF4_LtQ5GqsI92ocPcmR5C44dE1Lgu8W6xbRx7SFsVlndT7hY_GBYPFgY0HcINtI1jBp7tpGEkbPrHfNg7jru-uhwTcs-YYjynPj4d7pAKmTvWu1EB8_h88GnSVeDN/s320/6+(1).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The concert</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMC59i6F3rCPjbpbYktLP0U3KX53Uqtj0BvE0q4iVJtWbC9yZG7OOuNCpk1WVArjx9dJ5fpiiLwPSy4zw12H_tvbaxy3ve-VZTMVewdIAdpJoG-AGBU13p6engXB-Zu5KbiK2PuqqrRuM/s1600/6+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMC59i6F3rCPjbpbYktLP0U3KX53Uqtj0BvE0q4iVJtWbC9yZG7OOuNCpk1WVArjx9dJ5fpiiLwPSy4zw12H_tvbaxy3ve-VZTMVewdIAdpJoG-AGBU13p6engXB-Zu5KbiK2PuqqrRuM/s320/6+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Auntie K and Auntie Steph </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-xjs3oUrgPwli-T1FxnnpWAisbW9tiUlgbt1DcymxnBgv0olK-K0mWJT9brKGh7-ovvNP_STa__UvuZH7NwQS9F3IJXEo5vwlK29ZhElQ0FT0RLiSTclVSEHZdzVPLpW2Nc32rM4a0U0/s1600/6+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-xjs3oUrgPwli-T1FxnnpWAisbW9tiUlgbt1DcymxnBgv0olK-K0mWJT9brKGh7-ovvNP_STa__UvuZH7NwQS9F3IJXEo5vwlK29ZhElQ0FT0RLiSTclVSEHZdzVPLpW2Nc32rM4a0U0/s320/6+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Joint birthday with thee favorite cousin! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidF1Y1I6ExlTr1Aod9AahHvc_QYjE9tjIa8heUfxMPYSDxfmkO3Pv29VPZVAcUbljmyPvP2kapopX0UNVy6bFrYDSecGI7XrezYXvqb3ckjdgoBDJ3nunQ4E3rsi3Hi9R3VBm-5-5pwYPK/s1600/6+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidF1Y1I6ExlTr1Aod9AahHvc_QYjE9tjIa8heUfxMPYSDxfmkO3Pv29VPZVAcUbljmyPvP2kapopX0UNVy6bFrYDSecGI7XrezYXvqb3ckjdgoBDJ3nunQ4E3rsi3Hi9R3VBm-5-5pwYPK/s320/6+(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
presents!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3bBwgUlRBVRQXEMULa9NFW6HBfdDwgLF1PvUtSbCWtOSWx1nXVhimd0ER4sRuGUviSOd0G_J_NdngqIQEqmtIEA09Z_0zf3dhJlvc0TvKkNnc6szSq4DrkItIxF-Ss8RoY5ECMhijFc_/s1600/6+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3bBwgUlRBVRQXEMULa9NFW6HBfdDwgLF1PvUtSbCWtOSWx1nXVhimd0ER4sRuGUviSOd0G_J_NdngqIQEqmtIEA09Z_0zf3dhJlvc0TvKkNnc6szSq4DrkItIxF-Ss8RoY5ECMhijFc_/s320/6+(5).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cake!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZK3UHitbnK3fL43OCtYZI_7AJHSQ-75bf0RcDNRdXgNIzeW1CerZmpmv9iIS_h4PTOj_3GId3ygNtSR3SqBV_WglwtuuYC2VkAb1aCXn7aR7IZnuG4QHyWGQo3E-vAZxwO4jgfC1BkDaI/s1600/7+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZK3UHitbnK3fL43OCtYZI_7AJHSQ-75bf0RcDNRdXgNIzeW1CerZmpmv9iIS_h4PTOj_3GId3ygNtSR3SqBV_WglwtuuYC2VkAb1aCXn7aR7IZnuG4QHyWGQo3E-vAZxwO4jgfC1BkDaI/s320/7+(1).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
New outfit from Aunt Jojo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDBOk9maPdst6tILFIrApuTnj-03tFH_RGxa2uPVL1rEs1PjB3cZA_AmqTJBeuNSduhm9lV_n1NhHE4YJ96slOJ1cG2lA64ix8GMgZamskUm0Gd_PJdCjifAiWShVVcCLEq9s86-7JFDr/s1600/7+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDBOk9maPdst6tILFIrApuTnj-03tFH_RGxa2uPVL1rEs1PjB3cZA_AmqTJBeuNSduhm9lV_n1NhHE4YJ96slOJ1cG2lA64ix8GMgZamskUm0Gd_PJdCjifAiWShVVcCLEq9s86-7JFDr/s320/7+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mom-Mom and Pop-pop</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajqNgXw2ggWCJKy-4l2iOIJ0I0c3mtLHQRRW2exiFLxPBZaOGHFYhMr-x35VtspIWF-zo1O3VXfEHmrjn0eU3WpSsXcPpa_lorhlyo7Ah9BOer_unBCoFcKh0r7K0MTk6uIwONz81DkPi/s1600/7+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajqNgXw2ggWCJKy-4l2iOIJ0I0c3mtLHQRRW2exiFLxPBZaOGHFYhMr-x35VtspIWF-zo1O3VXfEHmrjn0eU3WpSsXcPpa_lorhlyo7Ah9BOer_unBCoFcKh0r7K0MTk6uIwONz81DkPi/s320/7+(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PJqnpabNv5g3SfYE5s0v5IBwzN5DYleyXSU1E2a4zjD9U8AggxZoRauNBFzP8mBV2uwtzrIZMbHc6F59U_4hPlJbhpMebZmBLT6AQKZpNwLeb8oiWXwZpg0PifafVjq4yDBNIA6Zz0iC/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PJqnpabNv5g3SfYE5s0v5IBwzN5DYleyXSU1E2a4zjD9U8AggxZoRauNBFzP8mBV2uwtzrIZMbHc6F59U_4hPlJbhpMebZmBLT6AQKZpNwLeb8oiWXwZpg0PifafVjq4yDBNIA6Zz0iC/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Princess Belle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iDXUGVud0vK0FlO39axerOi3ElSD9V4YIb6AoL5FVC6vi8TukBXkftkN3NHUCh-xuREnGkOeaQ5GktdA0IHjVvkEmkweTSPu_FqsLQ_flNk8nAJRQW7Sit0flq5foTwJ8awCMGPi1vxx/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iDXUGVud0vK0FlO39axerOi3ElSD9V4YIb6AoL5FVC6vi8TukBXkftkN3NHUCh-xuREnGkOeaQ5GktdA0IHjVvkEmkweTSPu_FqsLQ_flNk8nAJRQW7Sit0flq5foTwJ8awCMGPi1vxx/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ready for Trunk or Treat</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXI6v5EcXjRKyVk4aRDWPuNq3FbAyb4_23VU7xQKHgx_UkUcbw9hTm2PQ-S-W5w4axjam3VqblThX0_ubxwJm68_YkQvyQCkze7U7kUbFrl69_YqtvBUF5Xg8dWjRnKvPZHjg2ZASCsdl/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXI6v5EcXjRKyVk4aRDWPuNq3FbAyb4_23VU7xQKHgx_UkUcbw9hTm2PQ-S-W5w4axjam3VqblThX0_ubxwJm68_YkQvyQCkze7U7kUbFrl69_YqtvBUF5Xg8dWjRnKvPZHjg2ZASCsdl/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The homecoming crown gets "new life"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlOPgHiDJFOsY-GqbN4cOZmO79CxGmtO6s2zodRel5cyuFyK5lUmNWRin4dUszQ39Us6A0SLWTUmIEnhsIuxIFitQ-OxusPkaD2iva9URBV1qf9OB_rlnSeeN0wKJ6K2XzDyWa98-oJUc/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlOPgHiDJFOsY-GqbN4cOZmO79CxGmtO6s2zodRel5cyuFyK5lUmNWRin4dUszQ39Us6A0SLWTUmIEnhsIuxIFitQ-OxusPkaD2iva9URBV1qf9OB_rlnSeeN0wKJ6K2XzDyWa98-oJUc/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The report card!!!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-52936770541053712432013-10-23T08:13:00.001-04:002013-10-23T08:13:09.701-04:00Why adoption...<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaH-YlYyJbKWTClr_uTvUsoBYpdYnSjYU4xV2kgq3VGnDxF4DWcbEtqH2VzMhg1ock3w8gBzUENLeg-PlxY5gmeNwWCI8VvbuTcNeCCBFb1GdPqvShVFxw9QBo_CrIwTU34AC0tbqdXDsi/s1600/blessed20by20adoption1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaH-YlYyJbKWTClr_uTvUsoBYpdYnSjYU4xV2kgq3VGnDxF4DWcbEtqH2VzMhg1ock3w8gBzUENLeg-PlxY5gmeNwWCI8VvbuTcNeCCBFb1GdPqvShVFxw9QBo_CrIwTU34AC0tbqdXDsi/s1600/blessed20by20adoption1.jpg" /></a></div>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been a year since we met T, and almost 2 years since we've began this adoption journey. I joyously I announced my "adoption pregnancy" on Facebook. "Adoption is the new pregnant." Since then, Kevin and I have shared our desire and joy to bring a child into our family. Many have asked the question, "Why Adoption? You're perfectly healthy and can have your own children. Why not have your own first then adopt?" This question never offended us. It gave us a chance to share our heart for adoption. I know we've shared on our blog in the past our desire to give a child a home and be a family to one without as the book of James calls us to care for orphans and widows. HOWEVER over the past 1-2 years, God has taught me even more about the
beauty of adoption.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It also made me realize what a difference adoption has
made in my own life and I am not referring to us adopting our T. I am talking about the moment that I was adopted into
God’s family.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Bible tells of the most beautiful <strong>adoption</strong> story every
written. God’s intentions were for us to live with Him forever but
sin destroyed that plan and separated us from God’s family.(Romans 3:23). </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">And so God created <strong>adoption</strong> and a beautiful story of
redemption was written. If you have put your trust in Christ, it’s your
story of <strong>adoption</strong>, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God’s redemption plan included sending His Son to this
earth in the form of a baby born to a virgin in the little town of Bethlehem.
(Luke 2) Jesus lived on earth and then died on a cross as payment for our sins.
(Luke 23). Three days later her rose from the dead and ascended back
to Heaven to go and prepare a place for us to live for eternity. (Luke 24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My life is completely different because God adopted me
into His family. I was destined to be a life of no meaning that would ultimately
end in death. But, at the moment that I gave my life to Jesus, He took
me into His family and completely transformed me. Everything from my life before Christ has no bearing on
who I am today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s the miracle of adoption.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve thought a lot
about what T's life would be like had she not been adopted into our family. It is hard to even imagine her anywhere but with us. I shudder to even imagine where she would be if she stayed in that situation for any longer than what she was there. My eyes tear up when I even think about it. T was not born into our family and had she stayed
with her birth family, her life would be totally and completely different than
it is today. (We'll just leave it at that). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was not born into God’s family and had I not accepted God’s free gift of salvation for me,
my life would be totally and completely different than it is today. It's better, fuller, and purpose-filled. It's the joy of living in Christ (the family of God). Had I stayed in my sins, my life would be void and consumed with attempts to fill that void. God's love SAVED me from my hopeless situation and gave me hope and a family. That is true love!</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Am I getting the parallel across? This is why the adoption is a picture of God's amazing love for us. If God did that for me, how could I not do that for a child here on earth who was without hope and family. God's love is healing and restoring. It heals all wounds, hurts, and scars. It's that love flowing through us that heals that child. <u>We can love because He first loved us!! (I John 4:19)</u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, I'm thrilled and excited to see more children join our family through adoption as well. My sister and brother-in-law are adopting from Ethiopia. They are in a long and arduous process of bringing a child into their family on an international scale. While their obstacles may be slightly different than ours, it is still a labor of love for this child. Yay! More nieces or nephews! Bring that baby home!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can follow their journey at </span><a href="http://www.kuhnadoption.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">www.kuhnadoption.com</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here we grow again!!!</span>The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-91877380944517393212013-10-05T11:24:00.001-04:002013-10-05T11:24:08.737-04:00One yearYesterday was the one year anniversary of meeting our T. It's been an unconventional year of "firsts" for us. We've grown to love the unconventional and unlikely. <div><br></div><div>There are many days in the year that we will celebrate our formation of a family. It's fun to create traditions and memories. Every year we will celebrate the day of our first meeting on October 4 with the unveiling of the new edition of our family scrapbook. </div><div><br></div><div>When T got home last night from her volleyball game, she found her gift on her bed. Memories precious memories! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ13KmpbhogOVmz44HbSs519l7fwoh_qkMh8xY6as7NtdfNq96NKy3cB8NIkujsG2ODvFxyuUW9jVk2iAs2Ggp9rsgzdmLJkShbCJ9KP_FpHHsYFzLWbbbvxzkUEoSfVDQwWnSvhSrmQ7I/s640/blogger-image-116728381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ13KmpbhogOVmz44HbSs519l7fwoh_qkMh8xY6as7NtdfNq96NKy3cB8NIkujsG2ODvFxyuUW9jVk2iAs2Ggp9rsgzdmLJkShbCJ9KP_FpHHsYFzLWbbbvxzkUEoSfVDQwWnSvhSrmQ7I/s640/blogger-image-116728381.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Now on to planning our first teenage birthday party! </div>The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-6133898860058639552013-08-26T22:20:00.000-04:002013-08-26T22:27:29.702-04:00Taking the 30's by Storm<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>A little note from Mallory:</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<i>So I'm taking a break from the normal adoption blog, and reflecting...</i><br />
<br />
Last year at this time, I was frustrated, hopeless, and desperate. We had just spent all summer hoping and praying that our background checks would come through, and when they did, we continued to twiddle our thumbs waiting for our "child." I remember breaking down into tears various times in my office (hoping that no hormonal middle schooler would come by to catch me weeping). I was crying out to God asking "why, are we waiting so long?" I look back now and think what a short time we waited. However, in the middle of the desperation, it felt like an eternity. I am thankful for friends who prayed over us and calmed my frantic heart. God was always there just waiting to let His presence be known in amazing ways. It was a perfect part of God's perfect timing. I am thankful that God is outside of time. <br />
<br />
Now a year later, I am the 30 year old mother of an almost 13 year old. I was beginning my senior year in high school when T was born. If I knew that my daughter was being born (at that time), I probably would have fainted in disbelief. <u><b>I</b><b>t's amazing where my 20's have brought me. </b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLziQVPQOmFkqQdVWJPFtds_gqQ7Tct859D-mb5hQHSHNVCIDfi05cOjyBBzer5tubkv84u4NPSxMvxjGLl_R3VDUGyWgU9fUI0D3qtGkya0dgeQ-hV9cJMx6IPZiXgB8Buozw3Rh7qva/s1600/0021377266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLziQVPQOmFkqQdVWJPFtds_gqQ7Tct859D-mb5hQHSHNVCIDfi05cOjyBBzer5tubkv84u4NPSxMvxjGLl_R3VDUGyWgU9fUI0D3qtGkya0dgeQ-hV9cJMx6IPZiXgB8Buozw3Rh7qva/s1600/0021377266.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This is me on the first day of my senior year (6 weeks prior to T's birth). If I only knew, what was going to happen in Brooklyn, NY in just a few weeks?!?!?! </i></div>
<br />
Most of you know, I recently celebrated my 30th birthday. As the big day approached, I looked back at the 10 years that will be now known as my 20's. I've learned valuable lessons and have grown as a person and follower of Christ. I am now approaching the 10 year mark of my service in student ministry and education. I guess I'm gaining experience and wisdom. My advice now has the experience to back it up. :) A friend told me that your 30s are empowering, and you begin to let go of the insecurities that captured us in our 20s. I'm waiting for that to happen! While pondering the 20's, I made a list of my life lessons that I easily and not-so-easily learned.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WJSpk8VprwZcIZ3nTTs4J1zPoUciK5ysvmEvE8_YeRWGJGJbElojX_-6xxh9U8VypOLLEptZIHOJOo7ivNa-Z2HVjzHC43BbHErn3240HrUlNPiygrQ5LDb_pvucRWBQfSA6F4f66-rF/s1600/IMG_4394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WJSpk8VprwZcIZ3nTTs4J1zPoUciK5ysvmEvE8_YeRWGJGJbElojX_-6xxh9U8VypOLLEptZIHOJOo7ivNa-Z2HVjzHC43BbHErn3240HrUlNPiygrQ5LDb_pvucRWBQfSA6F4f66-rF/s1600/IMG_4394.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> My 30th Birthday!</i></div>
<br />
I have earned two college degrees, got married, parented a pre-teen, bought a house, traveled to multiple continents, lost friends and loved ones, gained new friends/family, worked 6 different jobs, and gained/lost 20+ lbs. I still have multitudes more lessons to learn.<br />
<br />
For those of you who love me (or hate me) know that I am a meticulous list maker (part of OCD personality to keep control in my life- something God is still chipping away at). I took three months and made a list of my life lessons from my 20's. It's quite extensive. God has given me an "education" in life , and I know this can't be a complete list.<br />
<br />
If you take the time to read this, I hope you learn something from this as well. If anything, it's a picture that God is a forgiving and patient Father that continually sends lessons my way, and I only pray that I am wise enough grasp onto his loving instruction. While some lessons are practical and seemingly blunt, others are learned through pain, love, and hard work. <br />
<br />
Ps. I owe much of these life lessons to my parents who taught by example and not words only. My prayer is that my daughter will be the strong, smart, God-loving woman that my parents endeavored to teach me to be.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>What I Learned in my 20s</b></span></span><br />
<i>(I've broken it down into categories for easy reference... it's ok to chuckle at me)</i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><u><b>Family: </b></u></span><br />
*My mom knew what she was talking about after all. <br />
<br />
*A good dad will be your hero for your whole life.<br />
<br />
*Invest in family time. <br />
<br />
*Your sister is your oldest and dearest friend.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Relationships & Friendships: </b></span></u><br />
*Cherish friendships and fight for them. <br />
<br />
*Most people never mature past middle school but just dress it up with fancy words and justify their behavior. The difference is that middle schoolers admit when they were just being dumb. <br />
<br />
*If someone cares about you, they’ll make time for you. If they don’t, then they won’t. But with that said, no one can make time for you all the time. <br />
<br />
*My time is valuable. Make your life count for something outside of my own little world. <br />
<br />
*People count. Stuff doesn't.<br />
<br />
*People do silly stuff on Facebook (or what your social media platform of preference is). If you don't want people to know your business don't post about it where everybody can see it. Writing a status update about a person isn't really a punishment. <br />
<br />
*Take care of yourself emotionally, spiritually, and physically or you be no good to anyone or anything. <br />
<br />
*A good friend tells you the truth even when it hurts.<br />
<br />
*Your speech is a reflection of your worship. Don’t say anything that you would not be able to say in front of your mother or child. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><u><b>Guys, Love & Marriage:</b></u></span><br />
*There’s a huge difference between loving someone and being in love.<br />
<br />
*Guard your heart. Your heart is a precious commodity. Don't give it away to easily. If not given to the right man, it never comes back in good condition. <br />
<br />
*Being single is hard but great and being married is even harder and greater. <br />
<br />
*Finish college before you get married. You will never have enough time or money to focus on both appropriately. <br />
<br />
*Pray for a genuine, God loving, and full of integrity man. Everything else is optional.<br />
<br />
*Pinterest projects completed is not a measure of how good of a wife or mother you are. <br />
There are good guys left out there. Just wait. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><u><b>Emotions: </b></u></span><br />
*It's ok to be by yourself and feel real emotion. God made them and made them for you to feel. <br />
<br />
*Nobody can make you 100% happy. Joy is supernatural. <br />
<br />
*Some times stuff hurts. You just have to suck it up and move on. <br />
<br />
*Feelings are deceptive. You can’t always trust them. <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><u><b>Money/Work/Education: </b></u></span></span><br />
*There are somethings that are worth a time or money investment: like education, ministry, people, pair of tennis shoes, set of cookware, and a mani/pedi. <br />
<br />
*Set money aside for a rainy day. Spend less than you earn. <br />
<br />
*You will work with incompetent people. Don’t be one of them. <br />
<br />
*Embrace the college experience. You don't have to have a career picked out to go to college. Your major doesn't define you. You will grow more as a person than any book will ever give you. <br />
<br />
*Being able to think critically and troubleshoot a problem makes you a competent adult, the top candidate for a job, and smarter than 90% of the other people in the US. <br />
<br />
*Give regularly. Make a habit of giving money, time, and things. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><u><b>Random Lessons: </b></u></span><br />
*Don't buy a black car with black interior to drive in Florida. You'll have second degree burns for 9 months out of the year. <br />
<br />
*Vacations are needed. Take them regularly. <br />
<br />
*Take care of your car and it will take you anywhere you want to go. Written by the girl who is still driving her car from sophomore year of college!<br />
<br />
*Every woman should know how to change a flat tire, change the oil, check, tire pressure/oil levels, and refill the coolant. <br />
<br />
*If you can only do one thing in morning, make your bed! Nothing is worse than coming home after a long day of work, school, or both than a crumpled mess of a bed. <br />
<br />
*Texting does not replace talking. <br />
<br />
*The freshman 15 is not a myth.<br />
<br />
*There is a quarter life crisis. Just snap out of it quickly. <br />
<br />
*Your closet should include these basic fashion staples: good jeans, a black dress, classy pair of heels, comfy flip flops, a cool pair of shades, silver hoops, and a quality leather belt. Labels don’t matter...only quality.<br />
<br />
*Have a diverse music catalog on your iPod and read a book. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><u><b>Personal Choices:</b></u></span><br />
*Patience is a virtue. A virtuous woman is hard to find. You want to be worth more than a bag of rubies. <br />
<br />
*Own your mistakes and take responsibility for your choices. <br />
<br />
*Don't let your identity be found in anyone else but Jesus. Be content in the woman God made you and you'll be beautiful in any man's eyes. <br />
<br />
*Alcohol/drugs makes people do strange things. Make wise choices when dealing with that stuff. Don't put anything in your body that takes you out of control of yourself. <br />
<br />
*Seek out spiritual and life mentors and heed their advice. They've been there and done that and have the life scars to prove it. If you can learn it the easy way, it will save you the tears. <br />
<br />
*Vote. Vote intelligently. Know your American rights and History. <br />
<br />
*Have an opinion, stick with it but be able to back it up. <br />
<br />
*You can't do it all, and if you try, you'll end up frustrated and worn out. <br />
<br />
*Go to dinner, the movies, shopping, and other things <u>alone</u>, and be ok with it. <br />
<br />
*Know how to count calories and cook a healthy meal. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><u><b>Faith:</b></u></span><br />
*Fall in love with God’s Word. It will never fail you. <br />
<br />
*Your relationship with Christ is your most important investment. <br />
<br />
*Un-forgiveness makes you bitter and unhappy. Forgiveness is not optional. Let things go and move on. <br />
<br />
*There is no perfect church with perfect people. Just blossom in the body of believers that God plants you. <br />
<br />
*God's purposes are bigger than my purposes, and God’s purpose should be my purpose. He shows up in Big ways!<br />
<br />
*Pray in the car. When you’re driving to/from work, it’s a great time to talk to God. <br />
<br />
*Life isn't fair, but God is sovereign. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">After this pause of reflection, I'm ready to take these 30's by STORM!</span></b></span>The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-48844959364620185232013-07-27T19:24:00.000-04:002013-07-27T19:25:37.749-04:00Back from VacationWell, we're back from our family vacation and getting back into a summer routine...which will soon be interrupted by the back to school routine. After Tabitha returned from Word of Life summer camp, she spent one day at home unpacking and re-packing for a three week adventure on the road.<br />
<br />
We flew to Philadelphia and met the Everitts. We visited typical Philly landmarks: cheesesteaks, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc. We spent one evening in Quakertown, and then headed for the shore in Ocean City, MD. We spent 5 days playing with cousins. T was finally able to meet her Uncle Brian, Aunt Amy, Uncle Matt, Aunt Jenna, and the last 6 cousins. There was 19 of us in one house and it was filled with constant activity. After the 5th day, we said goodbye, got up at 3 AM and head back to the Philly airport. We caught a plane to Phoenix, AZ. After racing through the PHX airport, we met the Alexander/Montgomery side of the family on an airplane bound for Honolulu, Hawaii!<br />
<br />
When we landed on Oahu. We were tired and sleep deprived. We had just enough energy to eat dinner by the pool and watch our fist Hawaiian sunset. The first 6 days of our Hawaii vacation were spent at Disney's Aulani resort. Beach, pool, snorkeling, and sightseeing (Pearl Harbor, Kauloa Ranch, and Polynesian Cultural Center) filled our days. Mal celebrated her 30th birthday, and we watched the fireworks on the 4th of July on the balcony of our condo over the Ko' Olina bay. Absolutely the best fireworks!<br />
<br />
On July 5th, we flew to Kauai (a more rustic and natural island). For that week, we enjoyed the nature and AC-less wonders of Kauai. We learned how to surf and zip lined in the mountains. It was a fun time with family, and we had many memories that will last forever. We made it home to Tampa late on July 12. We were more jet lagged coming home than going out. T slep until 1:00 pm the next day. It took Mal and Kev at least 3 days to get back on EST.<br />
<br />
Mal wasn't home for very long before she jumped on a girls' cruise to celebrate her's and Stephanie's 30th birthday with Kamden, Jodie, and Amanda. T. and Kevin had some quality father-daughter time and a Busch Gardens trip.<br />
<br />
Now, were' enjoying the final days of summer. T starts cheerleading camp and volleyball practice next week in preparation for the upcoming sports seasons. She's finished her summer reading projects and is enjoying a little "pleasure" reading before her school work starts to flow again.<br />
<br />
We asked her what her 7th grade goals were. After some contemplation, her response was....<br />
<br />
1. Make straight As<br />
2. Make the Volleyball team, Basketball team, and Cheer squad<br />
3. Make a basket in a real game. :)<br />
<br />
We'll see what this new school year brings us, but we're excited to our first full school year as a family of 3. God has blessed us with wonderful memories and the means to have these special experiences.<br />
<br />
Pictures below. Sorry, they are out of order, but you'll get the picture of the fun we had. :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5PEtVzg2KNASea0N5jNHOsNRtAEMf4HBKzxt_TeBGbmx8I6ZmEDcW27uX27ccjrFlLpJFPGIuSpa3QNsUmpBluK6f_qJn60LKYRhVmdlbEFfdFjfUniihUCIil47oGnnc56vQ-tFc6Fk/s1600/1279_10152915856630577_1942064258_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5PEtVzg2KNASea0N5jNHOsNRtAEMf4HBKzxt_TeBGbmx8I6ZmEDcW27uX27ccjrFlLpJFPGIuSpa3QNsUmpBluK6f_qJn60LKYRhVmdlbEFfdFjfUniihUCIil47oGnnc56vQ-tFc6Fk/s1600/1279_10152915856630577_1942064258_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everitt Siblings in OCMD </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjf38K8x8Hxw5Zdtczic3g2kN3dlUxDg4hjqoa437ibG9YrqZKzSyZh_zELK5HARmgSCOfhPmcOdZ_iHEroiZOiQYbnz-5fQ3ntndzjXSeQE261dUPZTZBonqmYyiRdOIBTnqYSf4H-64/s1600/5874_10152930637940577_1066306367_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjf38K8x8Hxw5Zdtczic3g2kN3dlUxDg4hjqoa437ibG9YrqZKzSyZh_zELK5HARmgSCOfhPmcOdZ_iHEroiZOiQYbnz-5fQ3ntndzjXSeQE261dUPZTZBonqmYyiRdOIBTnqYSf4H-64/s1600/5874_10152930637940577_1066306367_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Family Picture of Mal's 30th birthday</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih45rK5S-8RXQOmwgZU_4E24LaTL7P-BQoVd_41tp33tDEk8eAAdUtB78X9anlkLnKS5X6peFJLMyMaI0zrIxR1yBvSMXmCEa6R0pAHC09nHpOPIaGLAsRe-PBY499oI7KAUWTZd7rS_bE/s1600/67803_10152950761690577_2024308532_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih45rK5S-8RXQOmwgZU_4E24LaTL7P-BQoVd_41tp33tDEk8eAAdUtB78X9anlkLnKS5X6peFJLMyMaI0zrIxR1yBvSMXmCEa6R0pAHC09nHpOPIaGLAsRe-PBY499oI7KAUWTZd7rS_bE/s1600/67803_10152950761690577_2024308532_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learning to surf at Poipu Beach</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29lDh0FR-YVkdXIed2wIuIQQ_08Of-byQg96hs_iaa2kGAMg1UZOkuusylpKY9_TS4bBnaIEXtqmKctVtap6stgSBwScsfGvHdj6hlMSnHfI23ZS-HgljZ19nUlOogCx2fSr1kLMiaCdJ/s1600/601663_10152918128805577_167101019_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29lDh0FR-YVkdXIed2wIuIQQ_08Of-byQg96hs_iaa2kGAMg1UZOkuusylpKY9_TS4bBnaIEXtqmKctVtap6stgSBwScsfGvHdj6hlMSnHfI23ZS-HgljZ19nUlOogCx2fSr1kLMiaCdJ/s1600/601663_10152918128805577_167101019_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pool Fun with the older Everitt cousins</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj4yZuOvgTGht3L6NWhgaog4IQS9uDW3dyYedg94qU9CVQPvL0bKcxNurVY-fhHIO9JqzBvyTnbR1WMrwfJAaU00kP30Agexu-vQ-EPYjVIJENRncONBneDhSRs8xxdd2nMsc9Lqg4xul/s1600/945666_10152930638050577_19282559_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj4yZuOvgTGht3L6NWhgaog4IQS9uDW3dyYedg94qU9CVQPvL0bKcxNurVY-fhHIO9JqzBvyTnbR1WMrwfJAaU00kP30Agexu-vQ-EPYjVIJENRncONBneDhSRs8xxdd2nMsc9Lqg4xul/s1600/945666_10152930638050577_19282559_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mammaw's grandkids and Great grandkids at Disney's Aulani</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl0lcQE6EY-cLG49JjNScv_pFHq4wdtBH-V3_FfqFOrBoFYB37baoOaIyXVevDc_Kt-3Bck8jUF_V3ROreZE_-KO_qbw2BaEK6QUIvhcOj13pRM2iWiWzLmzVoZN7wasVNtrvjEACOegi/s1600/968980_10152940835175577_115536718_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl0lcQE6EY-cLG49JjNScv_pFHq4wdtBH-V3_FfqFOrBoFYB37baoOaIyXVevDc_Kt-3Bck8jUF_V3ROreZE_-KO_qbw2BaEK6QUIvhcOj13pRM2iWiWzLmzVoZN7wasVNtrvjEACOegi/s1600/968980_10152940835175577_115536718_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pearl Harbor- USS Arizona Memorial</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL7TPi7g-ZEBpKvbEeWRbX3_GnTxLbDeh10UyqCZ-pb3YLjxVqq8VqXFOI_f5Is22SPoZSctk4YYhKNk2yNfu2_KL6AicvHI3jDn9PkKbGclfMkHl418x97qKLiBodQMRoHhKx4aPAN-z/s1600/971493_10152922528500577_1088076332_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL7TPi7g-ZEBpKvbEeWRbX3_GnTxLbDeh10UyqCZ-pb3YLjxVqq8VqXFOI_f5Is22SPoZSctk4YYhKNk2yNfu2_KL6AicvHI3jDn9PkKbGclfMkHl418x97qKLiBodQMRoHhKx4aPAN-z/s1600/971493_10152922528500577_1088076332_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just getting to Hawaii and very sleepy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqNwrJmZwAdj36IWY7tY8ByjsnRFUy687WC3cVgsDJMkxSbZTTNganbr_yBNJLof3pz3NNEh3FwcpacX8M3nvakjY-U9Xh0fsOWsdlq3LhSuzKQ7ZwzchAC6QMuzjMWpGk9-cgqWGUKdc/s1600/993920_10152971707305577_1356267862_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqNwrJmZwAdj36IWY7tY8ByjsnRFUy687WC3cVgsDJMkxSbZTTNganbr_yBNJLof3pz3NNEh3FwcpacX8M3nvakjY-U9Xh0fsOWsdlq3LhSuzKQ7ZwzchAC6QMuzjMWpGk9-cgqWGUKdc/s1600/993920_10152971707305577_1356267862_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learning to Paddle Board at Kauloa Ranch's "Secret Beach"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw-Ah3OAjECBHqmPK5q30ij0Hk0l8mtQ6Cq1E1vb5aRlYNe5E2IjC4pDwnXDFv3piamyzyaJTjrX3s8OCY6GDwDu7_ZtvHAZ0WLR7MIpE4JvPKNbuPZfKZTWmplFmWbwx8w97viZMl2AQ/s1600/999488_10152971701295577_195945553_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuw-Ah3OAjECBHqmPK5q30ij0Hk0l8mtQ6Cq1E1vb5aRlYNe5E2IjC4pDwnXDFv3piamyzyaJTjrX3s8OCY6GDwDu7_ZtvHAZ0WLR7MIpE4JvPKNbuPZfKZTWmplFmWbwx8w97viZMl2AQ/s1600/999488_10152971701295577_195945553_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meeting Mickey and Minnie at Aulani</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4S2_oGSNsF7OS-YQAKubJzmxt35d3T3n7Y9RTsPVDjfyFVQU249LJ_Kh25o5fHO6smL45DP0kZ1eSWd4GIhPLMncWqQgtNcrBwGzpPwMfIcxF_fdgsCPC3L7O21Z1ip6xKx6Sl39HwPbE/s1600/1000155_10152964008375577_873692711_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4S2_oGSNsF7OS-YQAKubJzmxt35d3T3n7Y9RTsPVDjfyFVQU249LJ_Kh25o5fHO6smL45DP0kZ1eSWd4GIhPLMncWqQgtNcrBwGzpPwMfIcxF_fdgsCPC3L7O21Z1ip6xKx6Sl39HwPbE/s1600/1000155_10152964008375577_873692711_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zip Lining in Kauai</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHoHqHh_oQ8foKEVY842wT_a2d__ZQTzkgZgevRH3Os2mVk-xccu17XKFWayJJbWq04SJEDMTxFvvcz1j4SIFsGndf6PLg_duUs2wq1PtkoBNWqTEYRuJayOaagBPxjWoX5TT2jSZu8hS/s1600/1000426_10152971707315577_1178253345_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHoHqHh_oQ8foKEVY842wT_a2d__ZQTzkgZgevRH3Os2mVk-xccu17XKFWayJJbWq04SJEDMTxFvvcz1j4SIFsGndf6PLg_duUs2wq1PtkoBNWqTEYRuJayOaagBPxjWoX5TT2jSZu8hS/s1600/1000426_10152971707315577_1178253345_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trying out Snorkeling</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1AX6S2Of2quZAk22sEHOb0AT7kwaiuGS4oFeNd1YxSSbT7W6ZvJkefvihnctRnZ1SAVOTURUHAtBSueXxg-epvmvbaSo1dAQe-AtxsMylALoKPIw_YH1JCqIz-5ydCa86NrFZ9AfnWWb/s1600/1001478_10152944629160577_702290004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1AX6S2Of2quZAk22sEHOb0AT7kwaiuGS4oFeNd1YxSSbT7W6ZvJkefvihnctRnZ1SAVOTURUHAtBSueXxg-epvmvbaSo1dAQe-AtxsMylALoKPIw_YH1JCqIz-5ydCa86NrFZ9AfnWWb/s1600/1001478_10152944629160577_702290004_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Family picnic in the infinity hot tub overlooking Ko Olina Bay</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWaxavxcMCiYdYWWb2P-iXxhak8mSiOYRBmgWF2Inj3MBEc7cuPjPAQcGeAa18-d5Rn-dWvByyGHs6Fpn64m2kpV7UZsW91WDtWz64zyLfcJck46ldG3GFi7HAyyvbhXPpvMBkDOBH2u4/s1600/1005619_10152937317255577_649770244_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWaxavxcMCiYdYWWb2P-iXxhak8mSiOYRBmgWF2Inj3MBEc7cuPjPAQcGeAa18-d5Rn-dWvByyGHs6Fpn64m2kpV7UZsW91WDtWz64zyLfcJck46ldG3GFi7HAyyvbhXPpvMBkDOBH2u4/s1600/1005619_10152937317255577_649770244_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paddle Board Champs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegZjejk-ip06igb4QJLKjHvvYMigRmQvXwMdOmubFwzo8LIwbSVxrsIr3bNiut_UyfzdY9R3t4DT0sjw84aeUlI-8tx9wQR4pNjrgYn7ChO_Mxvzzv6e7lxffA7BFPgywZcP2nD458M6X/s1600/1006146_10152930635125577_268458557_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegZjejk-ip06igb4QJLKjHvvYMigRmQvXwMdOmubFwzo8LIwbSVxrsIr3bNiut_UyfzdY9R3t4DT0sjw84aeUlI-8tx9wQR4pNjrgYn7ChO_Mxvzzv6e7lxffA7BFPgywZcP2nD458M6X/s1600/1006146_10152930635125577_268458557_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First Hawaiian Sunet</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgph0wtsOYi6hBp3LcASsjdScGxs7Bce19MpAaMaZXQ9dPsZ4xb08dUQfQs67yy2JiSyUc8s1N4R5zLUlD6dNHI04u9x89JytzQoxzhRYjK4JYN39MZTLVQydJd1CnMANGbHJjq5w3iXMKs/s1600/1006167_10152911598340577_846270903_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgph0wtsOYi6hBp3LcASsjdScGxs7Bce19MpAaMaZXQ9dPsZ4xb08dUQfQs67yy2JiSyUc8s1N4R5zLUlD6dNHI04u9x89JytzQoxzhRYjK4JYN39MZTLVQydJd1CnMANGbHJjq5w3iXMKs/s1600/1006167_10152911598340577_846270903_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Watching the sun with the younger Everitt cousins</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ59lB0jRvJxZxvrccY2VgNJ6n8Id_08SRDPabUApI9j6tnjuvT3-XcLEBSc0as99nXEuVYINAZYr5j05R5Zyb1XaXYXPjOQmtQ9E0qKE4JBfv7hnFw5G0LOZKTMB5AGcllJRteETF-PxS/s1600/1010494_10152925653205577_1305792133_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ59lB0jRvJxZxvrccY2VgNJ6n8Id_08SRDPabUApI9j6tnjuvT3-XcLEBSc0as99nXEuVYINAZYr5j05R5Zyb1XaXYXPjOQmtQ9E0qKE4JBfv7hnFw5G0LOZKTMB5AGcllJRteETF-PxS/s1600/1010494_10152925653205577_1305792133_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First Family pic in Hawaii</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYbW60lgqRjEOIvqrTWOZi7htdV4ko2sKc1Ish5yuHXmfIfOabPIJM1Z9SfvDoz_h6kTsjK9gzZtVPldi9-Lrn_AmsqCqDL3RuuaydQpBJR1OAgv0HptPpeq3EZzDEVtkqsToII-50fXG/s1600/1011154_10152918127995577_1943900579_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYbW60lgqRjEOIvqrTWOZi7htdV4ko2sKc1Ish5yuHXmfIfOabPIJM1Z9SfvDoz_h6kTsjK9gzZtVPldi9-Lrn_AmsqCqDL3RuuaydQpBJR1OAgv0HptPpeq3EZzDEVtkqsToII-50fXG/s1600/1011154_10152918127995577_1943900579_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNLDVumFSuI3pAKTo7UARes3nsLT09Ix0dpJE4tjZeZfPs3VSKEDW2OlGbLt1mTPknV5Xcb61v6AlU3Wkwmvj2MPisnxE7WNP_vrJx48uhURtb5FuP3jsatqxWdd76_znb-xweFgmry-x/s1600/1012343_10152912557310577_1175510746_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNLDVumFSuI3pAKTo7UARes3nsLT09Ix0dpJE4tjZeZfPs3VSKEDW2OlGbLt1mTPknV5Xcb61v6AlU3Wkwmvj2MPisnxE7WNP_vrJx48uhURtb5FuP3jsatqxWdd76_znb-xweFgmry-x/s1600/1012343_10152912557310577_1175510746_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
T's Pals</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0VNWNlEzG5N-IZvBsp7JLwmNdpW14j9pKm0SQMUtM67BfzJ_GZ38FbZ-YfoghWv0Bet2RaMkifHOjOpPEYZa9HgWijdj7vYTOU60tl1Z_-TJX2zKoAiFGQdTVLFEygoEsDabapBP8d3v/s1600/1013036_10152930637005577_1189651109_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0VNWNlEzG5N-IZvBsp7JLwmNdpW14j9pKm0SQMUtM67BfzJ_GZ38FbZ-YfoghWv0Bet2RaMkifHOjOpPEYZa9HgWijdj7vYTOU60tl1Z_-TJX2zKoAiFGQdTVLFEygoEsDabapBP8d3v/s1600/1013036_10152930637005577_1189651109_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kev documents his summer of visiting both major oceans</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Gs46ecBmQupE7sMnjgVttQoO2B8oadixh5YlpATJZ7zIF59-uURvenLpjE3IdVKA6GRSHvFx-wEbfh1XqwTuTdKIzg6c2dE1FIBreNV-q50ieJy__DxXclhV94Kj0br0ARTNYnJ2ysjV/s1600/1013200_10152964366430577_817286225_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Gs46ecBmQupE7sMnjgVttQoO2B8oadixh5YlpATJZ7zIF59-uURvenLpjE3IdVKA6GRSHvFx-wEbfh1XqwTuTdKIzg6c2dE1FIBreNV-q50ieJy__DxXclhV94Kj0br0ARTNYnJ2ysjV/s1600/1013200_10152964366430577_817286225_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dare Devil Child</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZQP9AfkT76IHQ_7x-PqxE9UMZDVUKo-at-G03GvAoN-tQIHH-n06B3y4bOa9m5e50IKOpGE3gTw7PrXg4T-CMWuhDU3T3fWmkR0-QWCNaynLD3NZ0OXj4SNydB07MgqJausKcyHitDNZ/s1600/1014415_10152949747100577_884021512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZQP9AfkT76IHQ_7x-PqxE9UMZDVUKo-at-G03GvAoN-tQIHH-n06B3y4bOa9m5e50IKOpGE3gTw7PrXg4T-CMWuhDU3T3fWmkR0-QWCNaynLD3NZ0OXj4SNydB07MgqJausKcyHitDNZ/s1600/1014415_10152949747100577_884021512_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Besties were fishes in the pool</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYnKJ8vDkhwke_RDpVr3rZGI07xVXNZxqmndXyERQBVLhRMFidJwLuwBhPMUg1nGNz0ocF092slE9EB2Nk8Ozwh_CbpdCbJUOYLInh0OvxdVX1DGa1hENdhg9dB7dFEkE-cLZ-U0c-FXM/s1600/1017624_10152937314670577_2002194950_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYnKJ8vDkhwke_RDpVr3rZGI07xVXNZxqmndXyERQBVLhRMFidJwLuwBhPMUg1nGNz0ocF092slE9EB2Nk8Ozwh_CbpdCbJUOYLInh0OvxdVX1DGa1hENdhg9dB7dFEkE-cLZ-U0c-FXM/s1600/1017624_10152937314670577_2002194950_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learning a tune on ukelele </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWUrgy-M0eZDyHYpqz-lvxCYNdbJVWiO7foO8vBnCVX5Pjg59FB1ipdgqeg0rNBsmTma1T18DNggLACBc1PpE0uLxlq-Bz2RY942G1TlrzFxcB9Dd4y3fYMtJxZ6GR92Uu3pqFh0a4jOe/s1600/1044345_10152937317315577_327202363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWUrgy-M0eZDyHYpqz-lvxCYNdbJVWiO7foO8vBnCVX5Pjg59FB1ipdgqeg0rNBsmTma1T18DNggLACBc1PpE0uLxlq-Bz2RY942G1TlrzFxcB9Dd4y3fYMtJxZ6GR92Uu3pqFh0a4jOe/s1600/1044345_10152937317315577_327202363_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think our only sister picture on vacation</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNojo3z-_LLP-9-_q2t-9cdtJ03jPtsWnk4ZKY2mV4twRnAIotD_E-uyhUh6gb0jGWgzyVLVfY6sdaWneFn6GBvun-mSOAJmmxYUE7j8wMrZWSimOXBuQyr9lfoAI4seMSRiOPlLzXzBb/s1600/1045177_10152904406630577_1922256327_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNojo3z-_LLP-9-_q2t-9cdtJ03jPtsWnk4ZKY2mV4twRnAIotD_E-uyhUh6gb0jGWgzyVLVfY6sdaWneFn6GBvun-mSOAJmmxYUE7j8wMrZWSimOXBuQyr9lfoAI4seMSRiOPlLzXzBb/s1600/1045177_10152904406630577_1922256327_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Liberty Bell!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSDrsgt3ZzDKQrgrKoQSbZI8NkWqQtVakwWvrPw1QI3QQjmef-3gnEumZW9xUtjbBGtRfqo0wcTKImhQLifhnuZHAhZIPtu10X9aTz277WFcI0PFtOSp0sZwt8hQJbMl2EZoIy6QOKug4/s1600/1070109_10152971711205577_37996014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSDrsgt3ZzDKQrgrKoQSbZI8NkWqQtVakwWvrPw1QI3QQjmef-3gnEumZW9xUtjbBGtRfqo0wcTKImhQLifhnuZHAhZIPtu10X9aTz277WFcI0PFtOSp0sZwt8hQJbMl2EZoIy6QOKug4/s1600/1070109_10152971711205577_37996014_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visiting movie sites from famous movies filmed in Hawaii</div>
The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-52936703620339601762013-06-12T14:14:00.003-04:002013-06-12T14:31:44.578-04:00The Life BookThis summer we've taken on the project of chronicling T's life story in a life book. Most children have the blessing of a baby book that their parents take the time and effort to journal their major mile stones. In the life of a foster care child, they may not have this special blessing. A life book is a way to preserve what memories the child has.<br>
<br>
We've been working diligently on each page. We were lucky to find a pdf document on an adoption forum that has pre-done life book pages. It makes it easy for us, so we're not starting from scratch. T can fill in the pages with her memories. We're thankful for the road map others have left for us who have traveled down similar paths.<br>
<br>
We try to complete a page or two each time we sit down. We've learned more about our girl each time we do this. Some times, it's painful. There are tears, and other times it's joyful looking back at her memories. My heart breaks at many of the memories she has lost (in trauma and age). We had to leave a whole page blank because we have no information on early years mile stones (first steps, first words, first hair cut, etc.). No baby pictures or even elementary pictures. The earliest picture we have is from when she was 10 years old (leaving 5th grade). It just reminds us how important it is to preserve the memories of now.<br>
<br>
There are some days that she just doesn't want to do work on it or wants to give up. It's a delicate balancing act that we're playing in encouraging her to preserve the memories and not push her too far into past. At this point, it has been successful, and today she was able to write two letters (one to Bio Mom and one to Bio Dad). She expressed her feelings, hurt, and disappoint (as much as a 12 year old can). She ended each letter with her prayer for them. It amazes me how forgiveness has such a healing effect on the soul. A beautiful picture of Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins.<br>
<br>
I recommend the life book process for adopting families. It's so important to have a story for each child to tell. It provides a little glimpse of their past (even if it's painful). It tells them who they are what they've made it through. A story of strength, resilience, and triumph. Even in those painful parts, God was there loving, guiding, and protecting. <br>
<br>
<u><b>More updates on life:</b></u><br>
1. School is out. T is diligently reading (with much prompting from mom) her summer reading books (school and mom assigned :)). I believe T's words were, "I wish my mom wasn't a principal." HaHa! Sorry, girl!<br>
<br>
2. She leaves for Word of Life Camp on Sunday to spend a week learning from God's Word and having a blast.<br>
<br>
3. We leave for a long family vacation with both sides of the family the day after she returns from camp.<br>
<br>
4. T earned 6 academic achievement certificates at her end of the year awards ceremony.<br>
<br>
5. T was released from adoption transition counseling! She loved her counselor, and she was a great support to our family. Thankful for the mental health professionals that invest in adoption and foster care (not an easy field but thankful for them). <div><br></div><div>6. T's hair is final long enough to straighten. She has been begging for months. We absolutely love the curly hair God gave her, but we indulged the teenage whom. It turned out very cute!</div><div><br></div><div>7. T went to her first Rays game on Monday night with her dad, Gigi, and Papouli. 14 innings and didn't fall asleep. Developing a love of the game like her dad! <br>
<br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtNSW98SLOfrJdBMDPA9UWA1mzFrEBLOh9s1itSjxy110RogZLUohwfMIXZqxIM-1bt35-X4aTxdXtG3BlK4KqvvMCCbRVZGFO_NU6ADK6L1Mk0a6bYXuN9dROrZQem0oNQTnqfD4UIuk/s640/blogger-image--1230341637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtNSW98SLOfrJdBMDPA9UWA1mzFrEBLOh9s1itSjxy110RogZLUohwfMIXZqxIM-1bt35-X4aTxdXtG3BlK4KqvvMCCbRVZGFO_NU6ADK6L1Mk0a6bYXuN9dROrZQem0oNQTnqfD4UIuk/s640/blogger-image--1230341637.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aiT77GsdOELaw5O7Uk8z-JFwYDQ3YYgY8kZDx3XTL6DRPhs-wu58GhKmvidJuL60JIB-vXVTKQXy6G-vLG_DzFat7FOhrcaHcxBx8H0Yc7HbDh4pGWglKKFBOy7rcicHnvC_CgTnbMif/s640/blogger-image--827245602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aiT77GsdOELaw5O7Uk8z-JFwYDQ3YYgY8kZDx3XTL6DRPhs-wu58GhKmvidJuL60JIB-vXVTKQXy6G-vLG_DzFat7FOhrcaHcxBx8H0Yc7HbDh4pGWglKKFBOy7rcicHnvC_CgTnbMif/s640/blogger-image--827245602.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi850xMUpznt_zNnwFbIQkKefvpWowgu5gUhywJFvkzvK6RrAxKWk6VPSNrWs8rebtgZVKKHUYDXyHmlPdVYlSGiosJweXhd-gVXVOvMUhf77ko8egt-1qy6FIfiRRB45BgZS1Jtel9m4_r/s640/blogger-image--1347567291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi850xMUpznt_zNnwFbIQkKefvpWowgu5gUhywJFvkzvK6RrAxKWk6VPSNrWs8rebtgZVKKHUYDXyHmlPdVYlSGiosJweXhd-gVXVOvMUhf77ko8egt-1qy6FIfiRRB45BgZS1Jtel9m4_r/s640/blogger-image--1347567291.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhlz9pVzTFln1jij3-IkntarLuxo2L3jHK_q4QS4lnKouT7oe0YUU-tgryQ1nSRoKiCbit5USBVpEf32sBsQ16-y8iCNB8NlM6BZ5ud37EMfDtbK4mr0JplOB43Eo2qEornC1xVTA-NAw/s640/blogger-image--825245912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhlz9pVzTFln1jij3-IkntarLuxo2L3jHK_q4QS4lnKouT7oe0YUU-tgryQ1nSRoKiCbit5USBVpEf32sBsQ16-y8iCNB8NlM6BZ5ud37EMfDtbK4mr0JplOB43Eo2qEornC1xVTA-NAw/s640/blogger-image--825245912.jpg"></a></div>The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-66965359843958624952013-05-07T20:50:00.001-04:002013-05-07T20:50:14.381-04:00April!<div>We totally feel like the parents of a preteen. The eye rolls, drama, deep conversations, and energy fills our house. It's totally fun! No complaints from us!</div><div><br></div>The month of April brought about a busy schedule for the family. Tabitha starred in the school play with a lead role! It was a play centered around the life of Daniel. Practicing lines gave us a great opportunity to teach more scripture and life lessons. It's amazing to watch her absorb the Truth and make it her own. <div><br></div><div>She also attended her first athletic banquet and was honored for her participation in cheerleading and basketball this past spring season. Doing her hair, make up, and dressing up was a blast! She loved the pampering. </div><div><br></div><div>Most parents always have a tinge of sadness to watch their little girl grow up. However, coming into her life at 12 years old, we only find joy, excitement, and relief as we watch her blossom and grow. She is a typical preteen that loves life, and her past is only a small portion of who she will become. Every new step of growth brings a little sign of relief to know she has moved past the hurt. It is evident as conversations about her first 12 years flow freely without the awkwardness and pain that used to be associated with those memories. Don't get us wrong.... those ugly memories and hurt still rear it's head from time to time. However, as we write this, T is in the back seat of car singing Matthew West's song, Forgiveness. It's amazing the healing power that forgiveness brings. God has given her a hope and a future and is not a slave to hurt! </div><div><br></div><div><b>Updates:</b></div><div>1. She earned an "excellent" rating on her photography entry in the fine arts competition.</div><div><br></div><div>2. After two failed attempts by the state of Florida to work with New York, we still have not received a birth certificate with her new name. We're on attempt number three. Hopefully, this is the charm.</div><div><br></div><div>3. T is signed up for three different summer camps am excited for our 3 week family vacation. This is her first experience on a real family vacation.</div><div><br></div><div>4. T was able to meet more of her PA family: Aunt Sue, Uncle Walt, Kristen, Bryan, and Walter while they were down on vacation in Clearwater. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcF8rGhAAmM9iBZ4WoZteB47Y_62CNNjmj0dV1vN-fC5acsMSo90XOXJWdBYWWtX0_kUVnf035N77dWX0S8CHEXV7zhVKPpKt3CmTqXEDHPehSiBCMT95kgGCd0CjVTQAdxc_X8L7cw6_o/s640/blogger-image-2126019901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcF8rGhAAmM9iBZ4WoZteB47Y_62CNNjmj0dV1vN-fC5acsMSo90XOXJWdBYWWtX0_kUVnf035N77dWX0S8CHEXV7zhVKPpKt3CmTqXEDHPehSiBCMT95kgGCd0CjVTQAdxc_X8L7cw6_o/s640/blogger-image-2126019901.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO7PDTwbZRbO6PwvsoCI4zwF-oeJZ2acZi8zXRir2fgY1al9uT8H68oj-SemSErWpJ6gNmKLiBFKoMvRsakSgJS2HvIC8234CiDytPE5kJjOoQJyiyhOnBWHXQt4XluR9kPVgoyTC3ZPP/s640/blogger-image--147693347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO7PDTwbZRbO6PwvsoCI4zwF-oeJZ2acZi8zXRir2fgY1al9uT8H68oj-SemSErWpJ6gNmKLiBFKoMvRsakSgJS2HvIC8234CiDytPE5kJjOoQJyiyhOnBWHXQt4XluR9kPVgoyTC3ZPP/s640/blogger-image--147693347.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4cb0sW2RlhAzu1YnVshaqtOEeBBqa53PEw5YFZBESGn1hCKPC8aIkzP5yMEt-IDB6J2F_DsA_vvBtmVI-eUP6GfTgY32Q-zRh5KyYe_eaiHcx9fXufsGqcN5jGIc8rZGImBsdGVfXVGj/s640/blogger-image--149019883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4cb0sW2RlhAzu1YnVshaqtOEeBBqa53PEw5YFZBESGn1hCKPC8aIkzP5yMEt-IDB6J2F_DsA_vvBtmVI-eUP6GfTgY32Q-zRh5KyYe_eaiHcx9fXufsGqcN5jGIc8rZGImBsdGVfXVGj/s640/blogger-image--149019883.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPSJF7DdxAG2DzJtnaMT_KN4WRpa7U5bAkB_BNPWVZUx1xugVL9dzelK8vIoEd1ujCRA4E4Oj9oOaLNG9S1A3uaRt1vpJ443b7l2WjfDrJx3F0Pulnxl0ff5YN_Ki_pqHGsyMI_6lutZu/s640/blogger-image-1331115403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPSJF7DdxAG2DzJtnaMT_KN4WRpa7U5bAkB_BNPWVZUx1xugVL9dzelK8vIoEd1ujCRA4E4Oj9oOaLNG9S1A3uaRt1vpJ443b7l2WjfDrJx3F0Pulnxl0ff5YN_Ki_pqHGsyMI_6lutZu/s640/blogger-image-1331115403.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUajlcQugMgUeK3fJZ_ATUJnSUZqEZcIoBXuN0UE2hgQRKGHhAZKc5qBucDmcvQTpQg7rD6lK3zrG2tNWfuIKPF-q3IcpNqRflNj4BOCX4IH0B6fC0WFOgcZGCjSP6mGpWhbr0qnt7Sg8/s640/blogger-image-858956978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUajlcQugMgUeK3fJZ_ATUJnSUZqEZcIoBXuN0UE2hgQRKGHhAZKc5qBucDmcvQTpQg7rD6lK3zrG2tNWfuIKPF-q3IcpNqRflNj4BOCX4IH0B6fC0WFOgcZGCjSP6mGpWhbr0qnt7Sg8/s640/blogger-image-858956978.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxNGQGp_nfLoJuZSxQIIjpxYjv5pK7w4pOOX2-M0-R9l2pqN8SqX4B5wga6lLlrKWeLqYH6P1pcBWbn5FoXn-YkfqBKMXnAKiwEUGR63TMq7j-d-TUdCjQXNZ4Alt8nwjoxjAhXaCq76V/s640/blogger-image--1848472374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxNGQGp_nfLoJuZSxQIIjpxYjv5pK7w4pOOX2-M0-R9l2pqN8SqX4B5wga6lLlrKWeLqYH6P1pcBWbn5FoXn-YkfqBKMXnAKiwEUGR63TMq7j-d-TUdCjQXNZ4Alt8nwjoxjAhXaCq76V/s640/blogger-image--1848472374.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguV21fx4uYKi9HUwmvYdtuNDg_I2NhRRPngLkkD6lYTeZ6CSX0B7pK9FkQPWjmCVhxD55xjTp2iB4VqKiGZzKPs78N-0nFadhFfjw3eIhLhIU0qblv2NfXNbUFuXNgiSRsco5xIwj9KDz/s640/blogger-image--1840888677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguV21fx4uYKi9HUwmvYdtuNDg_I2NhRRPngLkkD6lYTeZ6CSX0B7pK9FkQPWjmCVhxD55xjTp2iB4VqKiGZzKPs78N-0nFadhFfjw3eIhLhIU0qblv2NfXNbUFuXNgiSRsco5xIwj9KDz/s640/blogger-image--1840888677.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLgiOtBvVNWiPep3lRB2Pes0b58bDxvH0ONfAH3TaBGQVXhbDaV-Smd3AYDQSpm65RoWhj7pXqsePIJovtby0ZaN5uGYcmqPS4CPqlBHqTK501WYTvAEteIC-_gJu8euWDuXL9fbak0Vx/s640/blogger-image-1949913068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLgiOtBvVNWiPep3lRB2Pes0b58bDxvH0ONfAH3TaBGQVXhbDaV-Smd3AYDQSpm65RoWhj7pXqsePIJovtby0ZaN5uGYcmqPS4CPqlBHqTK501WYTvAEteIC-_gJu8euWDuXL9fbak0Vx/s640/blogger-image-1949913068.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-74224173064445823992013-04-02T21:10:00.005-04:002013-04-02T21:12:35.909-04:00Our Life in Bullet Points<u><b>Our Life in Bullet Points for the Last Month</b></u><br />
<br />
* <b>T dives into school</b>: 2 science projects, country project, state project, book report and photography project consume our time. She is now in the midst of standardized testing this week.<br />
<br />
* Discover that T has a little knack for photography <br />
<br />
* Disney trip with Uncle Rob, the boys, and Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop<br />
<br />
* Mal's school wins FOX 13's COOL SCHOOL of the week! <br />
<br />
* <b>T's Spring Break</b>: Phillies game with Gigi, Papouli, Mammaw, and Maddox, Mosi with Papouli, Universal trip with Mom and Cayla, and Batting cages with Uncle Rob & Dad <br />
<br />
* T has her first experience at a youth discipleship retreat!<br />
<br />
* 5 trips to the doctor for T's allergies and chest colds<br />
<br />
* Dentist trip and came home with two cavities and a good lesson on flossing. :)<br />
<br />
* Easter festivities with the family including T's first trip to Kobe Japanese steakhouse<br />
<br />
* T gets pedicures with Auntie K, Auntie Steph, and Mom.<br />
<br />
* She started earning allowance for house chores. Rolling in the dough! <br />
<br />
* Reading and Full House becomes a new love for T.<br />
<br />
* Kev and Mal hit the road with the teens of the EDGE with many adventurous activities.<br />
<br />
* Kevin gets his braces off in a few weeks!!! Hurray! Big accomplishment for a 29 year old! :) <br />
<br />
* Looking forward to our amazing summer of traveling and family time!<br />
<br />
* FINALLY got all of that crazy adoption paperwork filed in some organized manner! It's amazing how so much paper work can be accumulated in just 12 years of a child's life, but it never scratched the surface of who her soul and who she really is!!! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHaPhqNc20xhsklh6DRuAT8q82lr6ZOZFsrmNLOdS2ur3feV-YEL6qVJcE31w96LUkj9dL7NeA_W0MYTsik1ldtn_YcdDAuDse9Pj4H4WG8CsF4SMF7lYj52ebJvi7JGk4tBytVoDUt0p/s1600/DSCF0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHaPhqNc20xhsklh6DRuAT8q82lr6ZOZFsrmNLOdS2ur3feV-YEL6qVJcE31w96LUkj9dL7NeA_W0MYTsik1ldtn_YcdDAuDse9Pj4H4WG8CsF4SMF7lYj52ebJvi7JGk4tBytVoDUt0p/s1600/DSCF0060.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tabitha's entry in photography contest</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGhNQBVRGVn8vS2rxF9IhHLIAGBCN1t12_t-rVBUWP3b7vnCBgQ5mUst1ARYIQ2oRpzM1rVQclr6PeAnErdVeag5RVYD2DlQfiBqwgoqM7g7SJKu6wWtIOZMoaWzci0ZaNJlXZRhTXdGG/s640/blogger-image-1787334140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGhNQBVRGVn8vS2rxF9IhHLIAGBCN1t12_t-rVBUWP3b7vnCBgQ5mUst1ARYIQ2oRpzM1rVQclr6PeAnErdVeag5RVYD2DlQfiBqwgoqM7g7SJKu6wWtIOZMoaWzci0ZaNJlXZRhTXdGG/s640/blogger-image-1787334140.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PROJECTS GALORE</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPMBiT-fLoHN-eeMkjJ7KDDi_goS7RGOlf7p-jaw_j3937DJOwcslVNx13a41cJx3FROF_BPQBiWxMbNVsU3cRhhFP5mk1Tw7gb-mrGc8Nhpp9W9ELKy9savfMrSxQv5umjEutyqvy2_8/s640/blogger-image-371908378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPMBiT-fLoHN-eeMkjJ7KDDi_goS7RGOlf7p-jaw_j3937DJOwcslVNx13a41cJx3FROF_BPQBiWxMbNVsU3cRhhFP5mk1Tw7gb-mrGc8Nhpp9W9ELKy9savfMrSxQv5umjEutyqvy2_8/s640/blogger-image-371908378.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Disney with the Everitt Boys</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfexT0RHpYRI3Fw_59k78i703asCLMHe2dimP2oPKCjPyeGrU8PFfaDiscvSy7OROflsBWOciTiLhF-LkzaQ7Z2LdYLL_7LrLQbEIUQJfii6KCgvGip5GWlzWsvM6UEpPJ5tDjYOPfyw-/s640/blogger-image-914357499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfexT0RHpYRI3Fw_59k78i703asCLMHe2dimP2oPKCjPyeGrU8PFfaDiscvSy7OROflsBWOciTiLhF-LkzaQ7Z2LdYLL_7LrLQbEIUQJfii6KCgvGip5GWlzWsvM6UEpPJ5tDjYOPfyw-/s640/blogger-image-914357499.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsid5M1L8cjglOas_SHc74tnP0xU8hKH5p4nCSApf0zRtPZrwdWGSfpuhVGz9eqZHLntGvdyUOt6A7WfKi3AMTVvNXJ_H9LHRyAx0A-_OkwbuuIizwGQt6_GfKb5ZAzbQvAf1m03VY9Ng7/s640/blogger-image-1467177783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsid5M1L8cjglOas_SHc74tnP0xU8hKH5p4nCSApf0zRtPZrwdWGSfpuhVGz9eqZHLntGvdyUOt6A7WfKi3AMTVvNXJ_H9LHRyAx0A-_OkwbuuIizwGQt6_GfKb5ZAzbQvAf1m03VY9Ng7/s640/blogger-image-1467177783.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Universal Islands of Adventure Trip!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj94MqfRcFv80HS15dkdP5CTSCdG5XiTvSMoQxqibI_SgmSwhkJzs3wTVRGHsa-D3gCGTsQY6r-npG8LAMXgq0ZnMTLp3HuBnQFdUOD97z6yLAxLNCCxamfeJ8gC_kTEBnyvyV2ELpybe/s640/blogger-image-751669248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkj94MqfRcFv80HS15dkdP5CTSCdG5XiTvSMoQxqibI_SgmSwhkJzs3wTVRGHsa-D3gCGTsQY6r-npG8LAMXgq0ZnMTLp3HuBnQFdUOD97z6yLAxLNCCxamfeJ8gC_kTEBnyvyV2ELpybe/s640/blogger-image-751669248.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmbxfOuidXme52pKnCxYOAnkYcOBRIpDVpuFx_Pe67sfqOU7rvfX5DiZjB15XccaMNbsMOV8cMP7lmBYjNfb4TJKX2Da6LNapKqg-8utXAcYk9MDZfKmnn22-jPGU1dI5-ZSmjTI_cogi/s640/blogger-image-1492728838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmbxfOuidXme52pKnCxYOAnkYcOBRIpDVpuFx_Pe67sfqOU7rvfX5DiZjB15XccaMNbsMOV8cMP7lmBYjNfb4TJKX2Da6LNapKqg-8utXAcYk9MDZfKmnn22-jPGU1dI5-ZSmjTI_cogi/s640/blogger-image-1492728838.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd3kexJ_V2k35CGNRGaAzaK1Qg_Vla7y12xOeBV3NEb-lIVHC9rpml_3PcRbyUA1lVWedwxgw_u_wRbMZDOboHTKJbpd6VLSI9JzS2GEWRvCTH-8lQb5NqAYjJSQYlK21h-gYQPdKi-iL/s640/blogger-image--502288202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd3kexJ_V2k35CGNRGaAzaK1Qg_Vla7y12xOeBV3NEb-lIVHC9rpml_3PcRbyUA1lVWedwxgw_u_wRbMZDOboHTKJbpd6VLSI9JzS2GEWRvCTH-8lQb5NqAYjJSQYlK21h-gYQPdKi-iL/s640/blogger-image--502288202.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way to "Rooted"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI6PahLuAXqup5sA-3Enk8kHxla1SzFEYoWSPpAjKle9p6Qr-7PN1mahp70Wz-hkT6CJtkRLM3F6a6ott7Mb0v0ZnS9x1mMHHFOUrQWB_SDLfxqD9iVxIuirfGJAGByLdkrOxcyEV5QSW/s640/blogger-image-113697699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI6PahLuAXqup5sA-3Enk8kHxla1SzFEYoWSPpAjKle9p6Qr-7PN1mahp70Wz-hkT6CJtkRLM3F6a6ott7Mb0v0ZnS9x1mMHHFOUrQWB_SDLfxqD9iVxIuirfGJAGByLdkrOxcyEV5QSW/s640/blogger-image-113697699.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Girls Night Out with EDGE Girls</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6CMK94SZkyzus983lFdMDlx3NDUSaSOCWIb2T66p1YWLbfPyTwU-ZbYyUuCmDO9Rx7hYqeXD-5Ehkn6IB3D6OBGcvxBrZxJR6DIH3H5xpMENjpeD2dHjvq9-mPZeDB5rOtzzIWM2V8ie/s640/blogger-image-432323060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6CMK94SZkyzus983lFdMDlx3NDUSaSOCWIb2T66p1YWLbfPyTwU-ZbYyUuCmDO9Rx7hYqeXD-5Ehkn6IB3D6OBGcvxBrZxJR6DIH3H5xpMENjpeD2dHjvq9-mPZeDB5rOtzzIWM2V8ie/s640/blogger-image-432323060.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hanging with the EDGE</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDlmdm3sYcerBeaerkX0W0CbABPieFKSN-VGRDB8YL4Di6FzincW6uOmF6nrkHIPKJy0XZp1m1CLhXlTxiWFlmPLWoMuWaXNuqre5bOwR0YHGzL6f7ReFazgZpCWTALVLf5W1ejN-18VH/s640/blogger-image--1877110106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDlmdm3sYcerBeaerkX0W0CbABPieFKSN-VGRDB8YL4Di6FzincW6uOmF6nrkHIPKJy0XZp1m1CLhXlTxiWFlmPLWoMuWaXNuqre5bOwR0YHGzL6f7ReFazgZpCWTALVLf5W1ejN-18VH/s640/blogger-image--1877110106.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
T is reading like a Pro!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXToa2WoUFQFcuSr0DCmof0qbtXpNp8wY8XIvPRXMvQ7N0ToXsKMWvu1CQP7Bz9cnlP-pfZYKRULKpAu3A8_pjjHQC-XxEN7QlMpU9uXkt-JmNBMD_V_nZ-6sX_bitmk7vcVqq2TEAykQ2/s640/blogger-image--1185324203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXToa2WoUFQFcuSr0DCmof0qbtXpNp8wY8XIvPRXMvQ7N0ToXsKMWvu1CQP7Bz9cnlP-pfZYKRULKpAu3A8_pjjHQC-XxEN7QlMpU9uXkt-JmNBMD_V_nZ-6sX_bitmk7vcVqq2TEAykQ2/s640/blogger-image--1185324203.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Loving Full House</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87KjT2jLnWzLCOz0VurlRiTDQjhdNOXDSdL8ruLX-WsBp3uSpbRUbciTvi268bQBhYVzQqP0Cr7TAKDsZosDDOhx8ucqVuuw1dZgH4aRcZiKewkOv09IkzG70ONY_OabQbQZMXCulUjfu/s640/blogger-image--1183663012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87KjT2jLnWzLCOz0VurlRiTDQjhdNOXDSdL8ruLX-WsBp3uSpbRUbciTvi268bQBhYVzQqP0Cr7TAKDsZosDDOhx8ucqVuuw1dZgH4aRcZiKewkOv09IkzG70ONY_OabQbQZMXCulUjfu/s640/blogger-image--1183663012.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Helping Maddox dye eggs</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolgaAfhmWoYeRleNva4k4S71UHJmmOTKjm0CFpzHkApm4GsksjHV_D5-nRVNFBmtE6qDqOS6NCBWYp2_G2-ikEPZ60GP_97gYtmDrnRypIpG7CbWsnerB6qHeTqhN_4ov6IHMqqweZbAR/s640/blogger-image--919797377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolgaAfhmWoYeRleNva4k4S71UHJmmOTKjm0CFpzHkApm4GsksjHV_D5-nRVNFBmtE6qDqOS6NCBWYp2_G2-ikEPZ60GP_97gYtmDrnRypIpG7CbWsnerB6qHeTqhN_4ov6IHMqqweZbAR/s640/blogger-image--919797377.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4ctjOY24-38KE_5XegqnOKt3O6tRm4J1v5BDkxuQeOQiKW2b9JGJHg0_u9gQHceaKet0df8fvdmb8DVjK9y1LJLysjgU6GMKxpYVfb18_B5yCNzed95u0fi9dVoc0xecDdSCvEryEeRN/s640/blogger-image--1334771551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4ctjOY24-38KE_5XegqnOKt3O6tRm4J1v5BDkxuQeOQiKW2b9JGJHg0_u9gQHceaKet0df8fvdmb8DVjK9y1LJLysjgU6GMKxpYVfb18_B5yCNzed95u0fi9dVoc0xecDdSCvEryEeRN/s640/blogger-image--1334771551.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Easter Basket</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbqxohwdQ_j4LQXL7AXSiEZtXs9Prsmcltu-hcIqljV3MwfYorG1YFO5QHxknO_bhGVW9oPGNFNm3gzYWDshsj2t-4DGpPDvNLbDwJbSn7edTXXwGZ293UZ-vyIPbW60ExAd4-HLsx65R/s640/blogger-image--1993524561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbqxohwdQ_j4LQXL7AXSiEZtXs9Prsmcltu-hcIqljV3MwfYorG1YFO5QHxknO_bhGVW9oPGNFNm3gzYWDshsj2t-4DGpPDvNLbDwJbSn7edTXXwGZ293UZ-vyIPbW60ExAd4-HLsx65R/s640/blogger-image--1993524561.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Easter Dress</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQZM1ffBQ4Pu_WezFKGPIKtzy-EcHPW6ZUf7ZhbRIc4wmDvYbk-2VXbfo0JSWPfkSBKEsovqMWQKDnE3J03L3aGcgJ1L4bHkhb3Jlv8O-F6rIX0IwHmd26HAYMR6Y3PqBMCf-1HvEqdSg/s640/blogger-image--2045669194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQZM1ffBQ4Pu_WezFKGPIKtzy-EcHPW6ZUf7ZhbRIc4wmDvYbk-2VXbfo0JSWPfkSBKEsovqMWQKDnE3J03L3aGcgJ1L4bHkhb3Jlv8O-F6rIX0IwHmd26HAYMR6Y3PqBMCf-1HvEqdSg/s640/blogger-image--2045669194.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annual Family Easter Pic</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPxuz6h0WVnuELlGbsZTgcVKcySfccQL8wSsY5Qq7vNXSgBX74Hsn1fBJrb34v-kj8_UVQ3SwjvsWpLqdkkX48FTA_nHyRRDap0QGD0xyY8qP1UrlXtzQAvTFHIDsbhN7x64Q5f3DKoCv/s640/blogger-image-1984705528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPxuz6h0WVnuELlGbsZTgcVKcySfccQL8wSsY5Qq7vNXSgBX74Hsn1fBJrb34v-kj8_UVQ3SwjvsWpLqdkkX48FTA_nHyRRDap0QGD0xyY8qP1UrlXtzQAvTFHIDsbhN7x64Q5f3DKoCv/s640/blogger-image-1984705528.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Organization!!! </div>
The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-45198471223656429042013-02-26T22:09:00.000-05:002013-02-26T22:09:12.002-05:00Twice AdoptedThe Week of February 20, 2013 will forever live in our memories. On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, Tabitha's adoption was finalized. It was a great day to make legal the bonds that had already been made. After shopping for the perfect outfit along with pedicures and manicures, our crew made it the George Edgecomb Courthouse in Tampa at 11:00 am on Wednesday morning. Mom, Dad, Gigi, Papouli, Mammaw, Auntie K, Maddox, and Jojo joined T in Judge Essrig's court room. The finalization was quick but so sweet. As the lawyer asked us the questions of why we wanted to adopt T, Mal choked up with tears and could only shake her head in affirmation. T eagerly affirmed that she wanted to be adopted. Once the judge declared us legally her parents and our child. T jumped from the chair to cheer in joy. It was so simple, but forever changing our lives. The bailiff and judge were even in tears. It was so evident that Tabitha was eager to be a part of our forever family.<br />
<br />
We had lunch at the Red Elephant Cafe with the family and headed back to our normal life as it had been for the past three months. On Thursday evening, Mallory was studying with Tabitha her weekly Bible lesson with her for Friday's Bible test. T looks right at Mal and says "I've decided something... I'm ready ask Jesus into my heart. When can I take care of that?" Kev and Mal sat at the table with T and talked about the decision to trust Christ. She knew it all. She basically told us how to be saved. :) She bowed her head at the kitchen table and asked Jesus to be her Lord and Savior. She immediately called almost every family member along with her Jojo and youth leader to tell them about her decision. When one of the many people on the phone asked if she felt any different, she replied " I just feel happier." :)<br />
<br />
What a wonderful, blessed picture of God's love for us. He rescued, redeemed, and restored Tabitha physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She was twice adopted this week. The safety of her physical new family gave her the strength to take the step of faith to join her TRULY FOREVER FAMILY of eternity.<br />
<br />
It's amazing to us how God perfectly ordered the steps of our lives. We had just studied the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in church. She knew exactly that after she got saved that she wanted to tell others and get baptized. She wanted to do it immediately, so this Sunday evening, Kevin was able to baptize her to show the world a picture of God's cleansing of her heart. With the wonders of modern technology, her Auntie K and Uncle Mitch were able to watch in real time through Face Time. The entire Facebook world saw through video just a few minutes later.<br />
<br />
She's come home this week with stories of how she has shared with her friends about salvation and God's love. Our little soul winner already! Rescued, Redeemed, Restored....<br />
<br />
God's love is so miraculous. Only God could have planned such a perfect family and events.<br />
<br />
Saturday night, we had a "Gotcha" Party at Buca di Beppo's with 25 friends and family. Her Grammie painted a portrait of her that she was able to open at the party along with a ring from her family with her new name. A perfect night to celebrate her two times adopted. :) <br />
<br />
<span class="text Eph-1-4" id="en-NIV-29211"><b>Ephesians 1:4-7 </b></span><br />
<span class="text Eph-1-4" id="en-NIV-29211">For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love</span> <span class="text Eph-1-5" id="en-NIV-29212">he<sup> </sup>predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—</span> <span class="text Eph-1-6" id="en-NIV-29213">to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.</span> <span class="text Eph-1-7" id="en-NIV-29214"><sup></sup>In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y5peSg_2_1q3vx-ex9RZqoyWol9MJcg5BTiPv6bM2TjFaE6m7_kOnUrVsBxlonRd-lGKEwM9djh7Pvo-kKUxvzju6jVDLwgqOQzKMiYkgRnEAlPZe7HSUg_44Epysa2IMj5vhpnEw-F4/s1600/DSCF0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y5peSg_2_1q3vx-ex9RZqoyWol9MJcg5BTiPv6bM2TjFaE6m7_kOnUrVsBxlonRd-lGKEwM9djh7Pvo-kKUxvzju6jVDLwgqOQzKMiYkgRnEAlPZe7HSUg_44Epysa2IMj5vhpnEw-F4/s1600/DSCF0009.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMoIS2YOvIKbkNZyeaMs8vaULCGti4LisCbZL1Da3PnmWBbxHg7XGSuHjQ_JlsK-WMD3negXm4CxdrPEwBPk7DBC7gF5miRmqBRUxzcKtV8ZA-7TQt65sWYfrFYYs_bXSINw2Ef_q_nfB/s1600/DSCF0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMoIS2YOvIKbkNZyeaMs8vaULCGti4LisCbZL1Da3PnmWBbxHg7XGSuHjQ_JlsK-WMD3negXm4CxdrPEwBPk7DBC7gF5miRmqBRUxzcKtV8ZA-7TQt65sWYfrFYYs_bXSINw2Ef_q_nfB/s1600/DSCF0012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGBf1O_hopyU17Hua4ILqQIyy7BUyvbLzEftcF9cksdU0CuN0bo78DrhvzEMrx7idwTaLbx5U_qxlDd1zfJOUmO9AehcUsDWdF-W72mPF_uCaxsFHIxmgp3K_t0J7qEQxU08BmHYmtEkN/s1600/DSCF0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGBf1O_hopyU17Hua4ILqQIyy7BUyvbLzEftcF9cksdU0CuN0bo78DrhvzEMrx7idwTaLbx5U_qxlDd1zfJOUmO9AehcUsDWdF-W72mPF_uCaxsFHIxmgp3K_t0J7qEQxU08BmHYmtEkN/s1600/DSCF0017.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xq0a_kGf4Wucopige2FgyMLvng3w7HJxj17AnEn93O2-gK6E3_yjZSWyegLEKzetQ4nluIu_ZgWRwq3d34rnQ8-fNr_1xlk4Tiu0RO2rhTGkcYCsOOzv_5jfViQRe7q9wcBty__pGEW_/s1600/DSCF0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xq0a_kGf4Wucopige2FgyMLvng3w7HJxj17AnEn93O2-gK6E3_yjZSWyegLEKzetQ4nluIu_ZgWRwq3d34rnQ8-fNr_1xlk4Tiu0RO2rhTGkcYCsOOzv_5jfViQRe7q9wcBty__pGEW_/s1600/DSCF0020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTvg7tzt7jDnwaIs227zRmVO1fmkPVxO-rXL3JB3jsX9IyV0XdyZ4AOZWzaVhMfbl9_Ex6nXPIUfLKSEEYQKqjHwKnMCzr5GjPorwOuVdkzvl9InSacejASpryw2A5LKQxBhw0cn3zxl3/s1600/DSCF0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTvg7tzt7jDnwaIs227zRmVO1fmkPVxO-rXL3JB3jsX9IyV0XdyZ4AOZWzaVhMfbl9_Ex6nXPIUfLKSEEYQKqjHwKnMCzr5GjPorwOuVdkzvl9InSacejASpryw2A5LKQxBhw0cn3zxl3/s1600/DSCF0021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib7-ZKTUDuibkK1SFA9Rl427l7GscjmK1eZmz8rBAWjDSwFIloncieVjqsPMrM26Ug1w-yIqcdNgCY8hQawV57JjjSUwkihUe-WqxaZM5qzhHIwTeWapvDg008PPHDLHa-SnYgaCgqmVa/s1600/DSCF0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib7-ZKTUDuibkK1SFA9Rl427l7GscjmK1eZmz8rBAWjDSwFIloncieVjqsPMrM26Ug1w-yIqcdNgCY8hQawV57JjjSUwkihUe-WqxaZM5qzhHIwTeWapvDg008PPHDLHa-SnYgaCgqmVa/s1600/DSCF0022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc87O4GspLCGCAsvLPa44p0hHOKJmr4KnW6l7EcOMuiuQpcGh8EMmsNpTTWZZJANAwyoWsGesQGxONeeqkbGKpIdxGQc9i0iTt5lJz3T2Ktoqiqur9T84pDyI844WVNm811gJGmD4wjrf_/s1600/DSCN0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc87O4GspLCGCAsvLPa44p0hHOKJmr4KnW6l7EcOMuiuQpcGh8EMmsNpTTWZZJANAwyoWsGesQGxONeeqkbGKpIdxGQc9i0iTt5lJz3T2Ktoqiqur9T84pDyI844WVNm811gJGmD4wjrf_/s1600/DSCN0038.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdU8YJ5NIiUCkV2ncSll0yMOZDeZWsiVGIS6R1UQNiNlco_0cVKPQ-vHhWp1cXVPYUIhZABwcDhz5Yq4ZIhAa7h19H1QAckE11Qp4o7PjWtZ4p8mEVLurtM1QFKMMkZeQG_TLbZ4cBFgw/s1600/DSCN0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdU8YJ5NIiUCkV2ncSll0yMOZDeZWsiVGIS6R1UQNiNlco_0cVKPQ-vHhWp1cXVPYUIhZABwcDhz5Yq4ZIhAa7h19H1QAckE11Qp4o7PjWtZ4p8mEVLurtM1QFKMMkZeQG_TLbZ4cBFgw/s1600/DSCN0043.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdOoC0WP1Ct4N2cReRqRVPlu2atwdQU7tSLRrOrMKsiSunIJL2qgyWB1zFnnylEOXzkJfrN_fPEvC_rm3_OYDOkIKjWQ93-S77NFZnBWKhAy4_dsAs3QEBkjS7fbXwOJDdvualqv63Plj/s1600/DSCN0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdOoC0WP1Ct4N2cReRqRVPlu2atwdQU7tSLRrOrMKsiSunIJL2qgyWB1zFnnylEOXzkJfrN_fPEvC_rm3_OYDOkIKjWQ93-S77NFZnBWKhAy4_dsAs3QEBkjS7fbXwOJDdvualqv63Plj/s1600/DSCN0057.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaJOsbgND9LWCBv6XaCs6VwSqHFZn41xuUwH9DSre5JOfaM8NLtr3sib4A9fZFOizCKbMHEw3YWXsGyoRDizYmwGY6t4mPSADZ1tKdWj-K7FoP2ocOoo880NsWCWMF3sSthk27XSnIBhi/s1600/DSCN0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaJOsbgND9LWCBv6XaCs6VwSqHFZn41xuUwH9DSre5JOfaM8NLtr3sib4A9fZFOizCKbMHEw3YWXsGyoRDizYmwGY6t4mPSADZ1tKdWj-K7FoP2ocOoo880NsWCWMF3sSthk27XSnIBhi/s1600/DSCN0066.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQnm-ytVXLSL-aONM6I-DNUNhE9qDo8Or2Qu6PTRqpOM5SvT6W2B2dJo9SGxX6nvyLUMFJMxlF3jAubVYBCDpThmyDLN1i_kPMTUrwtDtrreDdaGf9fOKwbqJWna7QY8QO0lcoZxKUIUW/s1600/DSCN0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQnm-ytVXLSL-aONM6I-DNUNhE9qDo8Or2Qu6PTRqpOM5SvT6W2B2dJo9SGxX6nvyLUMFJMxlF3jAubVYBCDpThmyDLN1i_kPMTUrwtDtrreDdaGf9fOKwbqJWna7QY8QO0lcoZxKUIUW/s1600/DSCN0068.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHfDNawgSufPWfSn6NL-7-6gRaK0QLQPUEQg0EGRKgZB1YdrSz6ikW0az0OJpuR28P4L0m3tSCshPGRc-arZQ3FATXRveTzvpj3kYqbvArjgJBQaTsQdIPtcTDB59vTvRhy_81eKIPsv-/s1600/DSCN0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHfDNawgSufPWfSn6NL-7-6gRaK0QLQPUEQg0EGRKgZB1YdrSz6ikW0az0OJpuR28P4L0m3tSCshPGRc-arZQ3FATXRveTzvpj3kYqbvArjgJBQaTsQdIPtcTDB59vTvRhy_81eKIPsv-/s1600/DSCN0077.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yC8Zu67D2xSMZt_LBv9MJjvjkGIY3GVN4hoxsBVHwyLMCy_N1pGu7ZJ4mN_YPjaviFX29QI1NCyM-6czzNWExl9xYvm6cv1Dcl7Pir_2Y0W08pEbbnjRVlGWRqtXEM6CnuZscjzacjFE/s1600/DSCN0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yC8Zu67D2xSMZt_LBv9MJjvjkGIY3GVN4hoxsBVHwyLMCy_N1pGu7ZJ4mN_YPjaviFX29QI1NCyM-6czzNWExl9xYvm6cv1Dcl7Pir_2Y0W08pEbbnjRVlGWRqtXEM6CnuZscjzacjFE/s1600/DSCN0087.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs_KCqyh_xMECvn3UANhx5z6_GIJK52eUjnLPSGPT7ZOwZ5-NyW_HioRb8Ue_0_eH9ZjxRSMLCsYsAWmGZsWHXOvV6Bnlc1BeeuoSRwaVMgl6W7czuqfWKvU7HlN-f1V2vd79wC5f6YbA/s1600/DSCN0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs_KCqyh_xMECvn3UANhx5z6_GIJK52eUjnLPSGPT7ZOwZ5-NyW_HioRb8Ue_0_eH9ZjxRSMLCsYsAWmGZsWHXOvV6Bnlc1BeeuoSRwaVMgl6W7czuqfWKvU7HlN-f1V2vd79wC5f6YbA/s1600/DSCN0101.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjB_B39BqcaFpLTg2D5xq6HBKMqNrNq_I8O9CBd4JUlap96f9kvpnpwsRnX3w5CpfAV2X1vs42m2oLcnAsWKYvk5-rZxiVr43hC3LABLBcnT0c9j5_O9ubc4szuqdE3nhzwZ6HMSKXBSDN/s1600/DSCN0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjB_B39BqcaFpLTg2D5xq6HBKMqNrNq_I8O9CBd4JUlap96f9kvpnpwsRnX3w5CpfAV2X1vs42m2oLcnAsWKYvk5-rZxiVr43hC3LABLBcnT0c9j5_O9ubc4szuqdE3nhzwZ6HMSKXBSDN/s1600/DSCN0104.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="text Eph-1-7" id="en-NIV-29214"> </span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6VT62ed5Cyzex7lNaseK84Q_sHi3NG1vdK5NafMTrF2HhaO6-1MWDJkSrH2ll_kaTPPXHaJAxacmsjMRv46Ndv8NpoI-vU5HPbrxuXYaAaRU4UMiA5ERMvqWhc8HV3TLsh3tku72NBZt/s640/blogger-image-1341790583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6VT62ed5Cyzex7lNaseK84Q_sHi3NG1vdK5NafMTrF2HhaO6-1MWDJkSrH2ll_kaTPPXHaJAxacmsjMRv46Ndv8NpoI-vU5HPbrxuXYaAaRU4UMiA5ERMvqWhc8HV3TLsh3tku72NBZt/s640/blogger-image-1341790583.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HbKEtNZV68jfN4FkBr6yIIKd0GGCkpNXHZiSpcEOTU7pX9RCoEAfmtWKC2mkhR_uFcdTpXJytZnzM-xqbxGNQSH8u_pm3ioySUTWDGlFk7z9pmbQVl8OnpQPcO4XnqE96QM1RQHnv6hR/s640/blogger-image--1285270989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HbKEtNZV68jfN4FkBr6yIIKd0GGCkpNXHZiSpcEOTU7pX9RCoEAfmtWKC2mkhR_uFcdTpXJytZnzM-xqbxGNQSH8u_pm3ioySUTWDGlFk7z9pmbQVl8OnpQPcO4XnqE96QM1RQHnv6hR/s640/blogger-image--1285270989.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhCY2-pJNbYiCni7YmG06E1Ly5fyRBd5kSUZVzxWhcmASQyR5S9UP8YoMJHuEvW03HfcKoXFPEU6ULbV6WPnIZp9H7eXLeRIvvExnqPkynk4o5PwdmgGsc7aUrsF-eOxLtEdKbIeOMwLP/s640/blogger-image-1324967694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhCY2-pJNbYiCni7YmG06E1Ly5fyRBd5kSUZVzxWhcmASQyR5S9UP8YoMJHuEvW03HfcKoXFPEU6ULbV6WPnIZp9H7eXLeRIvvExnqPkynk4o5PwdmgGsc7aUrsF-eOxLtEdKbIeOMwLP/s640/blogger-image-1324967694.jpg" /></a></div>
The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-9221299299929890372013-02-17T23:55:00.001-05:002013-02-18T00:09:49.676-05:00Count Down to FinalizationIt's been a busy 60 days in the Everitt home since Christmas time. It was made complete with a weekend meeting of her Everitt Grandparents. She even got to show off her swimming skills to her Mom-mom. After the holidays, we're adjusting into our family groove. Basketball games, cheerleading practices, dance classes, homework, projects, middle school drama, family dinner, life lessons, reading before bed, and night time prayers have all become a part of our daily routine.<br />
<br />
Mal went out out of town to chaperone the 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. for a week. Kevin and T had the week to themselves. It wasn't without some tears of missing mom, but it was a good opportunity to learn that Mom and Dad keep their word and always return home. Kev took good care of her. She didn't starve, go without clothes, or be at a loss of fun. Mallory came home to a clean house, too. Gold stars for Dad all the way around. :)<br />
<br />
Tuesday marks the 90th day that T's been in our home. We have a finalization court date set for Wednesday, February 20. Please pray that everything goes according to plan and the paper work is sent through to keep the finalization on track. Tabitha thrilled to make every thing "final." In her words, I want to be an "Montgomery-Alexander-Kuhn-Everitt" :) We're keeping it short to Tabitha Rae Everitt.<br />
<br />
<b>Finalization court date is February 20th at 11 am</b> in Judge Essrig's court room and<b> T's Finalization/"Gotcha" dinner is at Buca di Beppo in Brandon at 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 23rd</b>. Our friends and family are all welcome to attend and celebrate with us. Please RSVP through the Evite link here: <a href="http://new.evite.com/#view_invite:eid=0045AAQZXGK5ZYE7EEPCN6QFHKXVZU&gid=0045AAQZXGK5ZYE7EEPCN6QFJHR6XQ" target="_blank">Tabitha's "Gotcha" Dinner</a>.<br />
<br />
We will post pictures of the finalization later on, but in the meantime, enjoy some pictures of the past 60 days!!! <br />
<br />
<i>Father to the fatherless, defender of widows- <br /> this is God, whose dwelling is holy. <br /> God places the lonely in families; <br /> he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. <br /> But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.</i><br />
<i>Psalm 68:5-6 </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwRnNcUSuhJIpsbK5Q-cdJ06lk0-VvkXDxuQfhSgjBj4bIFcZQTRChOXSlkNxzFa4e0i_MbL9Y7Pv5v51aFiSf6ifIyEZNuNKdkhTHQnB2IOivWpl4ZePpha_ZTaLfnGbgJDDKYLrxTm2/s1600/IMG_1218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwRnNcUSuhJIpsbK5Q-cdJ06lk0-VvkXDxuQfhSgjBj4bIFcZQTRChOXSlkNxzFa4e0i_MbL9Y7Pv5v51aFiSf6ifIyEZNuNKdkhTHQnB2IOivWpl4ZePpha_ZTaLfnGbgJDDKYLrxTm2/s1600/IMG_1218.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vqs6y7YWLG8_kn2HuDrqPpCIXyYQ6TG4FnJvWhl_dnvrKutzvUZnTser25kkg0BYW1j5_kdOaGxX58UhRtiU-53jHsKcpgDuK5RrkpoV7llSn4aRiArLcjAep5FQbQsvKtz1eQeBV8Q2/s1600/IMG_1242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vqs6y7YWLG8_kn2HuDrqPpCIXyYQ6TG4FnJvWhl_dnvrKutzvUZnTser25kkg0BYW1j5_kdOaGxX58UhRtiU-53jHsKcpgDuK5RrkpoV7llSn4aRiArLcjAep5FQbQsvKtz1eQeBV8Q2/s1600/IMG_1242.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzfYH0P5xE5-T5rTEAYYhN6Opy_G2XP0noTl1yZxm8jUV3v1FGg0Fywebz6jJLxzoKfrUEMGQK4FgLWE6CR7QzLLTLgZ3_OlXhNFKZrhSPLTBg9xAbziwZeUR1T_EdDdkuG_uP2VKjOnJ/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzfYH0P5xE5-T5rTEAYYhN6Opy_G2XP0noTl1yZxm8jUV3v1FGg0Fywebz6jJLxzoKfrUEMGQK4FgLWE6CR7QzLLTLgZ3_OlXhNFKZrhSPLTBg9xAbziwZeUR1T_EdDdkuG_uP2VKjOnJ/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbA5dTIepZKynFxisl_JWgK-yMIBq30hyYRG5KaYAPvC4Nm3YbhQl2tiDUolPHqaan23I9-RBV6-uJDcbT9m7Gt25oN3ZoM0BYhxnrBqa8WtnNcovhGhtcy2Q-w5JI81gCr7xxWmuYVWFN/s1600/IMG_3202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbA5dTIepZKynFxisl_JWgK-yMIBq30hyYRG5KaYAPvC4Nm3YbhQl2tiDUolPHqaan23I9-RBV6-uJDcbT9m7Gt25oN3ZoM0BYhxnrBqa8WtnNcovhGhtcy2Q-w5JI81gCr7xxWmuYVWFN/s1600/IMG_3202.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK9bIr1LdgfTbD7zN-gm1W_c1RY3_OSnGt84T2LZOJgrJlBFO9yEfta_kMAglHBpfTA2OnnxKPjTwuDH1upBqkBsCcJPI-tB-ValM8iMBaPVhwleL9sU2vU8DDGUIkYhJmjDfgHHat6KY/s1600/IMG_1355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK9bIr1LdgfTbD7zN-gm1W_c1RY3_OSnGt84T2LZOJgrJlBFO9yEfta_kMAglHBpfTA2OnnxKPjTwuDH1upBqkBsCcJPI-tB-ValM8iMBaPVhwleL9sU2vU8DDGUIkYhJmjDfgHHat6KY/s1600/IMG_1355.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4W_9yAC2xTEmpUf0CKF1mLJhIw_Q3hJ3ILtr17tfB_u02me8D0Rkxgq9JsEFY00MKwiF6qe6A_AWA83XEuwpDd6py9o2Rh_ovS2Hwq-C5oEaAVWpkS3rezzqjYDoqK3bhb5fkLo-c0gTf/s1600/IMG_3228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4W_9yAC2xTEmpUf0CKF1mLJhIw_Q3hJ3ILtr17tfB_u02me8D0Rkxgq9JsEFY00MKwiF6qe6A_AWA83XEuwpDd6py9o2Rh_ovS2Hwq-C5oEaAVWpkS3rezzqjYDoqK3bhb5fkLo-c0gTf/s1600/IMG_3228.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xj5b0UYp-_22lyQVwIWY4uA_UksLyLfMqp3QFmABPHmNWhXdv5HjPPTTpJLzE3TJvQfpXDDM1z_yjgHSkBYefb48jYGLrf4JTmk9-KJrX_HH4i3MpfFmhyB348eisZJZOJmAPiIKnHQz/s1600/IMG_3251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xj5b0UYp-_22lyQVwIWY4uA_UksLyLfMqp3QFmABPHmNWhXdv5HjPPTTpJLzE3TJvQfpXDDM1z_yjgHSkBYefb48jYGLrf4JTmk9-KJrX_HH4i3MpfFmhyB348eisZJZOJmAPiIKnHQz/s1600/IMG_3251.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzBS8nqCw5Ixt7IQwmNEPSWWYOLiOdEzBgIa4a61XnNc5KBmYjZV7zhHL0YjjER3UdCP1UEwvfC8gAcnLNk16LqMjXG0sMFxmFIwHS3DQFDK5JrLYvU6eMvEYa9aXn0jSxreUqRTs2m4C/s1600/IMG_3235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzBS8nqCw5Ixt7IQwmNEPSWWYOLiOdEzBgIa4a61XnNc5KBmYjZV7zhHL0YjjER3UdCP1UEwvfC8gAcnLNk16LqMjXG0sMFxmFIwHS3DQFDK5JrLYvU6eMvEYa9aXn0jSxreUqRTs2m4C/s1600/IMG_3235.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6EqplcFncz4970-N1APCz1F7W9jozMbtNPxFolLPlC-H8JbETCkJjEHJTMYSY2U9Uqb3CCxeXrbTPaC4M4O1m_qgBb0XIfiMJbf6LuxQb3x83Mj_Vg8iPa8od0whEd0hDl_MGrg7DHt2/s1600/a26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6EqplcFncz4970-N1APCz1F7W9jozMbtNPxFolLPlC-H8JbETCkJjEHJTMYSY2U9Uqb3CCxeXrbTPaC4M4O1m_qgBb0XIfiMJbf6LuxQb3x83Mj_Vg8iPa8od0whEd0hDl_MGrg7DHt2/s1600/a26.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yUHB4uoiOs1XoOoja-LuIIX7tRPStmfvz3CmlwsoJQQ915sZYeoa9PmeSh7GetuZPVXnOYku8D26sS_pmN5oCNBb-UGJ3z6MuyXezDIlHWD78hcolFFpuocSFDPm7ygw_J6yTBZVEuPx/s1600/a30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yUHB4uoiOs1XoOoja-LuIIX7tRPStmfvz3CmlwsoJQQ915sZYeoa9PmeSh7GetuZPVXnOYku8D26sS_pmN5oCNBb-UGJ3z6MuyXezDIlHWD78hcolFFpuocSFDPm7ygw_J6yTBZVEuPx/s1600/a30.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsSzImtxUm2DbC1eSD2P4N2O2dshc5kA_11lGHaxpeOmPs_BCoVctOz9fc9eCvhnw0mqBcGERlTeXlkDeeU3diuObTr3V2zY3_WPi7psW-UltRPKooLCVG0-2kQkkp0JgwEhbi-_OLK5i/s1600/a45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsSzImtxUm2DbC1eSD2P4N2O2dshc5kA_11lGHaxpeOmPs_BCoVctOz9fc9eCvhnw0mqBcGERlTeXlkDeeU3diuObTr3V2zY3_WPi7psW-UltRPKooLCVG0-2kQkkp0JgwEhbi-_OLK5i/s1600/a45.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-26214580496013005732012-12-26T19:27:00.001-05:002012-12-26T19:27:25.900-05:00Merry ChristmasChristmas was a big success for the Everitts. This was Tabitha's first experience with all of our Christmas traditions. We kicked off the weekend with Mammaw's Christmas party on Friday before Christmas. Then on Christmas Eve, our family spent the evening in Clearwater at the Christmas Eve church service at Skycrest with Kamden, Mitch, and Maddox and had dinner with them afterward. Tabitha's energy was through the roof. She could hardly contain the excitement in her. She was up, down, right, left, and every direction a 12 year old could possibly go. <br />
<br />
She was able to open one present on Christmas Eve before Santa came. It was her Christmas pajamas. Before bed, the only request she had was to read the "Night Before Christmas." We told her that she could not come out of her room in the morning until we came to get her. We didn't want to miss out on her expression in the morning. We got up around 7 am and she was not awake. We waited until about 8:15 am and then woke her up. She had a hard time falling asleep the night before due to the anticipation, but when she did finally sleep, she slept hard. <br />
<br />
Santa didn't disappoint. She got just about everything she asked for. It took her a while to recognize her "big" gift. But when she did see the iPod Touch, it was hugs all around to make sure everyone knew her joy. It has been her constant companion (within mom and dad's guidelines) for the past 24 hours. <br />
<br />
The day continued on with presents a Gigi and Papouli's, Mammaw's, and then back at our house with presents from the PA Everitts. She was tuckered out by the end of the day and slept in this morning until almost 9 am. This a first for her... she is an early riser. <br />
<br />
Today, we've spent the day opening and playing with presents. We've completed our post-Christmas purge. She was able to clean out her closet and drawers to make room for her new clothes, shoes, and toys. This was a first for her as she has never had so many things that she didn't have room to store it all. It was a great opportunity to teach her about giving to those who are less fortunate. Many of her clothes and toys are going back to help those who do not have the blessings that she now does. It was amazing to see her face, because she used to be the girl that got the hand-me downs from the abundantly blessed children. Now the roles are reversed in her favor.<br />
<br />
As we put her to bed last night, we talked about the responsibility God has given us to raise her. It's awesome to realize that we only have 6 years to instill 18 years of life lessons. We only have a third of her childhood left. We talked about this with her and she said to us.... you can teach me three lessons each night before I go to bed and that way by the time I turn 18 I'll be all caught up. :) Oh, if it were only that simple, sweet girl. <br />
<br />
As this update is being typed, we're in the process of filling in the missing gaps of her childhood. She is working with Gigi in her Easy Bake oven. While this is a gift that a 6 or 7 year old may request for Christmas, this is what Tabitha requested as a 12 year old girl. We happily fulfilled the request and are now making the memories that she missed out on. When she was 6 or 7, she was probably just trying to survive and make it to the next day. It's our prayer that she can have the next 6 years filled with little worry or care and be able to be the child she needs to be.<br />
<br />
We still have lots of work as a family to do, but God is good. His blessings are new every morning. <br />
<br />
Counting down the days until finalization! Hoping to get a court date after the new year to determine our finalization date. <br />
<br />
Keep praying, Prayer Warriors! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWf-BHGwU4zXO0wSJM5qNVKhVqWfUTaWOTWY3O2bS2TLR2a3zhWD-sfkU1i7yjEJE3Aj60D_BFNO4lfnil0BRytcY0gcEOb1eT6jUxhFtnJLAS_SbkZ3_PG7qc1RIXCjha4uSTz7NuJI5V/s640/blogger-image--280556616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWf-BHGwU4zXO0wSJM5qNVKhVqWfUTaWOTWY3O2bS2TLR2a3zhWD-sfkU1i7yjEJE3Aj60D_BFNO4lfnil0BRytcY0gcEOb1eT6jUxhFtnJLAS_SbkZ3_PG7qc1RIXCjha4uSTz7NuJI5V/s640/blogger-image--280556616.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjCFh4s08JYR8_WOGFsy1Otb-9N7oepdp_29op7JIqMCCo49HFK2w-IBkAePn-wIf3OckLjE6JWzHg52UFGplAdrG9phQpf1Kvm456ifjvb5I966mfjYuywq62DvGqiNJXEq4BhAIixHj/s640/blogger-image-367985074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjCFh4s08JYR8_WOGFsy1Otb-9N7oepdp_29op7JIqMCCo49HFK2w-IBkAePn-wIf3OckLjE6JWzHg52UFGplAdrG9phQpf1Kvm456ifjvb5I966mfjYuywq62DvGqiNJXEq4BhAIixHj/s640/blogger-image-367985074.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwFKhklPQjvQPNrBPogC78JO9NocUb87rx5zFrdgPKPRT18OkKpx_py0oBECuO3F5os9pPCGUu6qAdzymEKMKXtNj3A1kOo_1K75gtjjpXsQ79nXlTVeoN5BcPIzBe0iqYdaMFVU7hzLl/s640/blogger-image-1310097331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwFKhklPQjvQPNrBPogC78JO9NocUb87rx5zFrdgPKPRT18OkKpx_py0oBECuO3F5os9pPCGUu6qAdzymEKMKXtNj3A1kOo_1K75gtjjpXsQ79nXlTVeoN5BcPIzBe0iqYdaMFVU7hzLl/s640/blogger-image-1310097331.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmlIUO9ymRlcprygqhzH6RsXwPkJ9cBl3gXo6nUyT5Ufi5OQwcEoR62bkR2BVX2mCuBLmaCD0tbAJiGowyybt984IlEQndehQhCy_jIFr7A-SgWWkpzydSCqBUeimP6M4bhgDQ03dpDWC/s640/blogger-image--956033025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmlIUO9ymRlcprygqhzH6RsXwPkJ9cBl3gXo6nUyT5Ufi5OQwcEoR62bkR2BVX2mCuBLmaCD0tbAJiGowyybt984IlEQndehQhCy_jIFr7A-SgWWkpzydSCqBUeimP6M4bhgDQ03dpDWC/s640/blogger-image--956033025.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRneUO0Zm7F5CfKpndRo0mdeHDuzvZ2YksuK8Z1Q_ph-nqrcVPLtSOAfIk6kT6OQhyaz39PeYjNsEqKTdXnL3auyC8lsTnOaU7FdvJFhEOtZefpAMNyWqfpMJQXF3rKD0XbfcrHwOaciwt/s640/blogger-image--920749420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRneUO0Zm7F5CfKpndRo0mdeHDuzvZ2YksuK8Z1Q_ph-nqrcVPLtSOAfIk6kT6OQhyaz39PeYjNsEqKTdXnL3auyC8lsTnOaU7FdvJFhEOtZefpAMNyWqfpMJQXF3rKD0XbfcrHwOaciwt/s640/blogger-image--920749420.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumn2oKepGNUWj-OiE4iNzQ84Ltum8b9mAx4FTtWcPjCTfkj6-CJZeUKtkG7zcRJe_19GbgtUkcVCQ2x7XQVmvxuUwWM9-tZxyAi29EBgPvVOgSQiFPHt2PK3deNevhFCuywl-FJi8ccy8/s640/blogger-image-1082752459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumn2oKepGNUWj-OiE4iNzQ84Ltum8b9mAx4FTtWcPjCTfkj6-CJZeUKtkG7zcRJe_19GbgtUkcVCQ2x7XQVmvxuUwWM9-tZxyAi29EBgPvVOgSQiFPHt2PK3deNevhFCuywl-FJi8ccy8/s640/blogger-image-1082752459.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vOlC6-piIjJlsvhyphenhyphenv4GGl_qI1GdCEkpqgNJg7ZDr4_PDR39oI_JNXiWEvN5PsNnHrh6ORlmIJpVXQsC-7m70__pUHldHnHGv25qsRQ42mEcdVu0don4S_6pQ36FRkJnxQVL5sx9jFUtc/s640/blogger-image-688603289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vOlC6-piIjJlsvhyphenhyphenv4GGl_qI1GdCEkpqgNJg7ZDr4_PDR39oI_JNXiWEvN5PsNnHrh6ORlmIJpVXQsC-7m70__pUHldHnHGv25qsRQ42mEcdVu0don4S_6pQ36FRkJnxQVL5sx9jFUtc/s640/blogger-image-688603289.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBB-7B9_QdE4ofH9Vo8TmpIFGi9qWp7qW3VQbD0EGXsvAz6e8FKRMkGS4lMY50H6uZqjc8r5ZWTF4o1_Qtce0t01h62PAiET2y2pBElIs56VHpbBQ0nRNz6mFQXXmEqoNj6RogrBZO40t/s640/blogger-image-1557884029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBB-7B9_QdE4ofH9Vo8TmpIFGi9qWp7qW3VQbD0EGXsvAz6e8FKRMkGS4lMY50H6uZqjc8r5ZWTF4o1_Qtce0t01h62PAiET2y2pBElIs56VHpbBQ0nRNz6mFQXXmEqoNj6RogrBZO40t/s640/blogger-image-1557884029.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZXr9XhtTlMLUb7DzecI7qTX0cnXpi6yhyphenhypheneKb8EgMBvF0hQgyIJ-dTDW_lEm-HZIWcj0wN_-RyPEwSFuP02G46cBcjZOmRSAmUclhxg1pNuStE7a9_altu-CDyzZqBL31qU3xZ1-S1SBn/s640/blogger-image--140049544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZXr9XhtTlMLUb7DzecI7qTX0cnXpi6yhyphenhypheneKb8EgMBvF0hQgyIJ-dTDW_lEm-HZIWcj0wN_-RyPEwSFuP02G46cBcjZOmRSAmUclhxg1pNuStE7a9_altu-CDyzZqBL31qU3xZ1-S1SBn/s640/blogger-image--140049544.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw-107_OsrV5fwfTmzurJBj5nXEJ1Ck_raltfgdlkUZ1RfrrX3UhQDYccFUqBtevuB3meRxiLiI9nEfvZc4_qBVMwH8YVQCUn19ztCuHKP1SILEQIMise2SMDl9OkH5u1KVNQlxTaIeXb/s640/blogger-image-389837931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw-107_OsrV5fwfTmzurJBj5nXEJ1Ck_raltfgdlkUZ1RfrrX3UhQDYccFUqBtevuB3meRxiLiI9nEfvZc4_qBVMwH8YVQCUn19ztCuHKP1SILEQIMise2SMDl9OkH5u1KVNQlxTaIeXb/s640/blogger-image-389837931.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedjOPX_Jydfa11AxRDFz1tknnup0zatefm2MY_sOkD6Q3LcZVYA_lSq88EfcV2CZ3kAZAyLyRNOKa84_3PcuxpykmfHLoZJql1PnFOwXtXbAVx49hIJxJNHWIIiIViO3U7vcOD4LYroL5/s640/blogger-image--544643264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedjOPX_Jydfa11AxRDFz1tknnup0zatefm2MY_sOkD6Q3LcZVYA_lSq88EfcV2CZ3kAZAyLyRNOKa84_3PcuxpykmfHLoZJql1PnFOwXtXbAVx49hIJxJNHWIIiIViO3U7vcOD4LYroL5/s640/blogger-image--544643264.jpg" /></a></div>The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-63082753843688879032012-12-11T15:05:00.001-05:002012-12-12T15:00:27.890-05:003 weeks as a family!Tomorrow will be our three week family anniversary! Needless to say, it's been the biggest three weeks of transition in our life. Tabitha is a champ. She has taken everything in stride. Her life has been full of transitions, so this is nothing new to her. <br />
<br />
She started school at Ruskin Christian the Monday after Thanksgiving. She loves it there. She has made fast friends with everyone including her cousin, Micaiah. She is a bundle of energy and hops, skips, jumps, and runs everywhere she goes. She is also cheering on the JV Cher squad as well as practicing with the girls' basketball team. Her smile lights up when she gets to go to Wednesday night church with CORE (the middle school youth group). She is just a genuinely happy kid. After knowing what she has gone through, we are amazed at how happy and positive she is.<br />
<br />
Of course, there are little things that we're working on, but little T is eager to please. We're sure it's just the honeymoon phase, and she'll jump into normal middle school mode soon enough. For now, we enjoy this sweet family time.<br />
<br />
Every night, we read and pray together before bed. It's a great time for us to talk and bond. A part of our reading the other night was about how God uses hard times in our life for His glory. Tabitha said that she had hard times in her life, but she knew God had a purpose for it and now she has this wonderful family. (Insert melting heart). The best is hearing her in the shower besides it sounding like world war 3 just exploded in there... We get to hear endless singing and cheering in there. Some songs she evens make up like last week's was "daddy is awesome and mommy is pretty cool too!"<br />
<br />
This past weekend we took her to Disney for her first trip. It was like she was five years old and full of excitement. As we went throughout the weekend, she kept saying "this is the best family experience ever!" Great memories were made, and it was super special for the entire family<br />
<br />
We're very grateful for our friends and family who have stepped in and helped love on T in various ways from hanging out with her, doing homework, hugging, coaching, and caring. It means so much so her and she is overwhelmed with her new life. We don't know what the future holds for this special girl, but God has big plans.<br />
<br />
Pray for us tomorrow. We have a court hearing to review her case and hopefully get some tentative plans set for adoption finalization in the spring. <br />
<br />
Ps. Christmas cards are being sent out this week! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUcYNkTdfI4EaPwzts9qT33mqhiqPd5SGj_BtRHkzMlncloX_NjggsvYEaujwnbfIJ92_HtVv7e00MMAYkdXigp0kav7DnDUzIo-FIhJkRuJ6bLK0ELLhv_DWiChVNCS9pp44o3xN3dwB/s640/blogger-image-1472370095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUcYNkTdfI4EaPwzts9qT33mqhiqPd5SGj_BtRHkzMlncloX_NjggsvYEaujwnbfIJ92_HtVv7e00MMAYkdXigp0kav7DnDUzIo-FIhJkRuJ6bLK0ELLhv_DWiChVNCS9pp44o3xN3dwB/s320/blogger-image-1472370095.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7o45B4Ia6Gkv-nJ9pvzifeFMzR4RVERg5pcH2JsTtK48LFzXQD6fH2HJK4beyuWsAFe9n5bMHZ0Cx0kU727VMHuc-qroQVuRknaqrdkup4q2y2NUebvMb6p2DZZg_2Cpg4bCvFWijQ_HW/s640/blogger-image-1372295425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7o45B4Ia6Gkv-nJ9pvzifeFMzR4RVERg5pcH2JsTtK48LFzXQD6fH2HJK4beyuWsAFe9n5bMHZ0Cx0kU727VMHuc-qroQVuRknaqrdkup4q2y2NUebvMb6p2DZZg_2Cpg4bCvFWijQ_HW/s320/blogger-image-1372295425.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrMQhrQhfVA8-5uNdG3qmEFOrPJOtlD4mcht4FoLgXv78DqEBovJXbrS8097xGabup7eQ9ThpZF2zaq2y1EeW78JPfWqVnMrN9yvCC3yfbSGDGXO1-tkRBscr__5xXJS89gNvlkUIE14v/s640/blogger-image--815664008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrMQhrQhfVA8-5uNdG3qmEFOrPJOtlD4mcht4FoLgXv78DqEBovJXbrS8097xGabup7eQ9ThpZF2zaq2y1EeW78JPfWqVnMrN9yvCC3yfbSGDGXO1-tkRBscr__5xXJS89gNvlkUIE14v/s320/blogger-image--815664008.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt80k5c0Qkj7mttdPee8cLGcm62y1UpHnPrVKZcGo4Pk8B5kcy0iJCi4RyZn1htx_jIEhwL57GNgb8VlykQ0CvLkV63-n7jEhg3Com6vrHnPi4VcMApn4XF0Lfq9VhF-H4yHRGXdCMRzl-/s640/blogger-image-1658231904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt80k5c0Qkj7mttdPee8cLGcm62y1UpHnPrVKZcGo4Pk8B5kcy0iJCi4RyZn1htx_jIEhwL57GNgb8VlykQ0CvLkV63-n7jEhg3Com6vrHnPi4VcMApn4XF0Lfq9VhF-H4yHRGXdCMRzl-/s320/blogger-image-1658231904.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70cGN-pyzawsD8z-rdkFNRxqvaowiTMeGo3ebsDasDYH9n9NmNEP20YdgAi0sSOb07oDmzEHBjwQv_yqzaoboy9qlf3wJlZq8DOJ3CfpPOdr0j4sedU8VTmYk7nDHCZBN40iBRCJavqP1/s640/blogger-image--1548334662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70cGN-pyzawsD8z-rdkFNRxqvaowiTMeGo3ebsDasDYH9n9NmNEP20YdgAi0sSOb07oDmzEHBjwQv_yqzaoboy9qlf3wJlZq8DOJ3CfpPOdr0j4sedU8VTmYk7nDHCZBN40iBRCJavqP1/s320/blogger-image--1548334662.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1SELzQ3WOMug5nVDsg_IMJLn3pmoVYt8YDJc-SIjYG1Vt362Z548grS7gg-8KqxvOQYRl-PhxJjZcGmTWWhMALypHwOleFd6Vm5GU4ymjXe0lu5aOlTLoHxeUqERUG8FodxQj5od0F1-/s640/blogger-image--1699518893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1SELzQ3WOMug5nVDsg_IMJLn3pmoVYt8YDJc-SIjYG1Vt362Z548grS7gg-8KqxvOQYRl-PhxJjZcGmTWWhMALypHwOleFd6Vm5GU4ymjXe0lu5aOlTLoHxeUqERUG8FodxQj5od0F1-/s320/blogger-image--1699518893.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYG-itAdKpa7tVHfsQYNr-ijh7A_wzH8ZS2yJD9P1rnWsqeL1LLqhC4E3Z8E0FFayxtwIxCSV_s0kof8h0xjZDnOowrO77ab8Op6DzLsc6-GJt1AtLzanw9FVAap8uSIngLzTfU-q7Wg6/s640/blogger-image--1205730006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYG-itAdKpa7tVHfsQYNr-ijh7A_wzH8ZS2yJD9P1rnWsqeL1LLqhC4E3Z8E0FFayxtwIxCSV_s0kof8h0xjZDnOowrO77ab8Op6DzLsc6-GJt1AtLzanw9FVAap8uSIngLzTfU-q7Wg6/s320/blogger-image--1205730006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHu0-TwLsucdvlafYFWEmMmweScW-HVMGcqq1MHJx9QoBgzPSrUCwyOWwOvPmaWghNboumRHFEah3imylO-v01pOjGLl356yhwIeIb1JWBY2sNAj-EwlJNkFfWf9w_Y3vBqUh0MSMLi2uq/s640/blogger-image-1418636299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHu0-TwLsucdvlafYFWEmMmweScW-HVMGcqq1MHJx9QoBgzPSrUCwyOWwOvPmaWghNboumRHFEah3imylO-v01pOjGLl356yhwIeIb1JWBY2sNAj-EwlJNkFfWf9w_Y3vBqUh0MSMLi2uq/s320/blogger-image-1418636299.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMFOG-hOUqLG7d3swxKwcs72Rb4vHgctfbUhY3YnbFx0TY4LB3dEza9V4cV7BMwR6gY0pOgJcG0VyWMkIGHYXstwXmk6cSPr8sr5NW0rQfZlSR2BGPFd0BNo-wVJt7J4x98zR-BwJGKM3/s640/blogger-image--59880207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMFOG-hOUqLG7d3swxKwcs72Rb4vHgctfbUhY3YnbFx0TY4LB3dEza9V4cV7BMwR6gY0pOgJcG0VyWMkIGHYXstwXmk6cSPr8sr5NW0rQfZlSR2BGPFd0BNo-wVJt7J4x98zR-BwJGKM3/s320/blogger-image--59880207.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-69322821448183075862012-11-21T12:33:00.001-05:002012-11-21T12:33:19.704-05:00Move In Day!We've got her! Picked her up from foster home. She darted out the door with big hugs for us. She had packed all of her stuff, and it was sitting at the door ready to be loaded. Only took 5 minutes to load. We then headed off to foster care headquarters to sign our custody papers. Lunch at Jimmy Johns and now home to unpack and make our Thanksgiving mashed potatoes. <br />
<br />
Tabitha Rae Everitt is ours! Now, we have 90 days to wait until its all legal with court date for finalization and a new birth certificate exclaiming her new name and our names listed as mom and dad. <br />
<br />
Today is the start of our new life as parents. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd__2_rYktTgz2_h2bN7cFEx-S9ia55vn8eWD4ZbUWF9JsiRhOt3T9CQB7HqTRHwfQ4VSjWFJVXb1QYLTCA0DoXMZN78yBlygmM5xvJJSiIAWfVP7Nt2ffvE9l7NOx1w37AQ_Pe-slWxA/s640/blogger-image--1489607759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd__2_rYktTgz2_h2bN7cFEx-S9ia55vn8eWD4ZbUWF9JsiRhOt3T9CQB7HqTRHwfQ4VSjWFJVXb1QYLTCA0DoXMZN78yBlygmM5xvJJSiIAWfVP7Nt2ffvE9l7NOx1w37AQ_Pe-slWxA/s640/blogger-image--1489607759.jpg" /></a></div>The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-90952617107743850482012-11-14T08:31:00.001-05:002012-11-14T08:43:25.046-05:00A Series of "Firsts"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAD6XSZL6XH4C85JBhSZe2f6IxuW6QXsPytTHzW4c9d9ocyJNwOCjYJFOsm3OWkO03qqWayIWTwTMCpvpcjqLP_otqNJQkHy7m4qO6ZXFChfMaVsKXyfEAkgqcMxk8Ou8f33KbKNt7Nze/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAD6XSZL6XH4C85JBhSZe2f6IxuW6QXsPytTHzW4c9d9ocyJNwOCjYJFOsm3OWkO03qqWayIWTwTMCpvpcjqLP_otqNJQkHy7m4qO6ZXFChfMaVsKXyfEAkgqcMxk8Ou8f33KbKNt7Nze/s1600/photo.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
The last 10 days have been filled with endless preparations for T's move in day. The official move in day is November 21st! Last Thursday, Mal picked T up from school ( and headed down to Ruskin for her physical. Apparently, it is a requirement of Hillsborough county for her to have a physical before moving into our home. After a few medicaid bumps in the doctor's office, we are proud to report that T has a clean bill of health with perfect vision and hearing. We also updated her immunizations..... a big undertaking for a girl who has a fear of needles. She took them like a champ.<br />
<br />
She also came out to the car when Mallory picked her with a glowing smile and a report card worthy of honor roll. She was proud of herself, and we were too. On the way to the doctor's office, she called her Gigi, Mammaw, and Auntie K to tell them her good news. Once the physical was complete, immunizations updated and report card in hand, Mal and T dropped off her completed enrollment application for Ruskin Christian School. T. was able to see the paper work get finalized and observe the school campus with after school activities. She watched Kevin's JV basketball practice and showed her Papouli her report card. I wish I could have recorded her as she ran up to him yelling, "Papouli, look at my report card!" What a blessing to have so many family members "ooooh" and "awwww" over her. She ran and gave her cousin, Micaiah, a hug and watched her practice basketball for a bit. <br />
<br />
She's already planning to be on the 5th/6th grade cheerleading squad when she starts school the Monday following Thanksgiving. The athletic department gave her a Ruskin Christian Cheer hoodie. She proudly sported it around the campus and skipped happily along. Everyone, we introduced to her, she would show the hoodie and say, "See! It's official! I'm a student." So many of our church and school friends from RCS were gracious and kind to her and told her how happy they were to meet her. She was truly encircled by love that day. So thankful for a church and school family that loves the kids as their own. <br />
<br />
Some of you may wonder why she isn't attending school with Mallory at Seffner Christian. Well, there are a few reasons, and it all basically boils down to God's plan for T's life. <br />
<br />
1. SCA's middle school program is completely full with no available spots. (Mal would love to have her at SCA, but God has her at RCS for a reason).<br />
<br />
2. It's important for T to meet friends that live close by to her. Many of the SCA students live in Seffner, Plant City, Dover, Lakeland, and Brandon which make it difficult for play dates and sleep overs. <br />
<br />
3. To have Mallory as a mom and principal during this transition may pose a little much for T. She wouldn't be able to get away with anything. LOL!<br />
<br />
All in all, after last Thursday's visit to RCS, we know God meant for T. to be there. She is so excited to have Mrs. Montgomery and Mrs. Tuch as her teachers. She's ready to make honor roll next quarter at her new school!<br />
<br />
<strong>Here's our timeline for the next step's in the process:</strong><br />
<br />
* Nov 16-18 (Fri-Sun): Another overnight visit with T<br />
* Nov 17 (Sat): Church Welcoming Shower/ Daddy-Daughter Date Night.<br />
- Mal will attend the shower while Kevin takes T on a date. Welcoming showers can be a little overwhelming for a child and can create some confusion. <br />
* Nov 18 (Sun): T will attend Baby Maddox's dedication at Skycrest Baptist in Clearwater. <br />
* Nov. 21 (Wed): Move in day! T is convinced we will need two cars to move her stuff. :)<br />
* Nov. 22 (Thurs): First Thanksgiving with the family!<br />
* Nov 23 (Fri): First family pictures<br />
* Nov 24 (Sat): school supply shopping<br />
* Nov 25 (Sun): T's first official Sunday at FBC of Ruskin<br />
* Nov 26 (Mon): First day of school at RCS<br />
* Late February: we're praying our court date for finalization!<br />
<br />
Again, we are so thankful for the love and blessings that our friends an family shown us. We would like to say a special thank you to the friends and co-workers at SCA who showered us with many gift cards yesterday. <br />
<br />
Yes, we will be posting a picture of T. and reveal her name (online) once she moves in. She is legally free for adoption and we will then have custody of her and can post for friends and family to see both near and far. :)<br />
Psalm 68:4-6<br />
Sing praises to God and to his name!<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-68-4">Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-68-4">His name is the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>—</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-68-4">rejoice in his presence!</span></span> <br />
<div class="poetry top-1">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-68-5" id="en-NLT-14882">Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-68-5">this is God, whose dwelling is holy.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-68-6" id="en-NLT-14883">God places the lonely in families;</span></div>
</div>
<br />The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-4174856808912629302012-11-04T14:08:00.001-05:002012-11-04T14:08:15.940-05:00Birthday and Slumber Parties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxn4eoy7wDEnk7tE5xphwMCWVLMHQ6Ujsxtt4_K2RzZBcqSGRbAlzrJMl95vCpPzNWoRo8n9CwqgJB8IuX4FOgK5ZgV2Tl6_Z_2CHlwtAdzlBxibRmHapqVn0FXYPiXKASwVBctTUa_N-X/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxn4eoy7wDEnk7tE5xphwMCWVLMHQ6Ujsxtt4_K2RzZBcqSGRbAlzrJMl95vCpPzNWoRo8n9CwqgJB8IuX4FOgK5ZgV2Tl6_Z_2CHlwtAdzlBxibRmHapqVn0FXYPiXKASwVBctTUa_N-X/s1600/-1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Since our last posts, we've enjoyed more visits with T. We celebrated her birthday last Saturday. She picked Genghis Mongolian Grill for her birthday lunch, and then, we met at Panera to see Mammaw, Gigi, Papouli, Kamden, Mitch, and Maddox for cake and presents. It was fun to see her open the gifts and talk with family. As we left and packed the car to head back to her foster home, I asked, "do you want to take some gifts back with you and send some to our home to put in your room?" She answered, "take them all back to my room, so they are waiting for me when I get there." Ultimately, everything went back to our house except the neon and zebra print nail kit that Mom- mom and Pop-pop sent from PA. :)<br />
<br />
The following Monday we picked her up for a short visit after school. We went for pedicures. It was her first. She jumped for joy when she heard our plans. As we soaked in the pedicure tubs, her nail tech asked her if she was my sister. T. was confused on how to answer, so she look toward me (Mallory). I smiled and told the nail tech, "she's my daughter." A sense of relief seemed to flash across her face. Later that evening in car I asked if it was ok that I said she was my daughter. She said, "Yes!" That evening she wrote her in journal to us that we would later read. She signed her name "T. Everitt". She needed the reassurance that we were owning her as "ours" and in return she owned the "Everitt" last name.<br />
<br />
Friday night was her first overnight visit with us. We met the family for pizza, and T. was able to meet her cousins, Aunt Leah, and Uncle Mike for the first time. She became instant best friends with Micaiah. They love the same things and are so close in age. Micaiah has a huge fan in T. She is excited to start school at Ruskin Christian with her cousin and to have her Aunt Leah as one of her teachers. On Saturday, we took her to our church to walk around and see the building. Then, we walked her around the Christian school, so she could see the classrooms, gym, and cafeteria without the hustle bustle of people on a normal day. She's already talking about joining the cheerleading squad for basketball season, playing RAYS basketball, Karate classes, and flute lessons. I think we'll be one busy family in the new year.<br />
<br />
During one of our car rides throughout our visits, T. was asking questions about her adoption and how that will happen. She brought up her biological family and what type of contact she would have with them in the future. We explained to her that when she would still keep contact her aunt by phone like she has had in her foster home and when her aunt was around town that she may be able to have a visit with her. She mentioned for the first time her biological dad and commented that she knew he was getting out of prison soon, and he was supposed to come back and find her. She didn't want him to take her because she didn't want "what happened last time to happen again." There was a sense of fear in her voice. Mallory turned around and looked at her in the back seat and said, "Your father can not come back and take you away. The judge has taken away any rights he has to you as a father. The judge did this because he was not taking care of you like a daddy should." T. answered, "Like, Mr. Kevin will take care of me." (Insert melting heart here). She knows how loved and protected she is already. She then proceeded to share that she is not ready to see or talk to her biological mom or dad. We reminded her that she is always free to talk to us about her parents and that some day she may be ready to talk to them or write them a letter. We will always be there to protect and guide her. We would not put her in a position where she would be unsafe.<br />
<br />
God is her loving Father that will never leave her or forsake her. What a perfect place to be....in her Father's loving arms.<br />
<br />
November is national adoption awareness month, and Today is Orphan Sunday (http://orphansunday.org/about/). Churches all over America are creating awareness about the 150 million orphans world wide. Please consider how you can be a part of caring for God's children. God does not forsake the orphans. November 17th is National Adoption Day, and we will celebrating with picnic with other families who have or are in the process of adopting. http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/<br />
<br />
<br />
The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-89151501919537595592012-10-22T21:53:00.003-04:002012-10-22T22:00:06.172-04:00Heart to Hearts in the CarShort visit with T today. We decided to do some "regular stuff" instead of a grand outing....normal family stuff. I (Mallory) picked up T from her foster home and we met Kevin in Brandon to run errands and make some returns. The rides in the car gave us wonderful opportunities to have "girl" talk.<br />
<br />
I asked how her day was at school. She replied, "Awesome. Wanna know why?" "Sure," I quickly chimed. "It was an awesome day because I was counting down the hours until I got to see you guys!" Talk about your heart melting. After making returns and running through McDonald's for some sweet tea, we had to head back to her foster home for homework time. Kevin and I had Christmas play practice at church. T asked, "what is your play about?" I told her it's a story that takes place the night Jesus was born. Do you know the story around the birth of Jesus?" She shook her head to reply no. "Would you like me to tell you?" She bounced back, "yes!"<br />
<br />
I proceeded to tell her in the simplest way possible about how Jesus was born. She was so quick to catch on to subtle details like how long it took the wise men to follow the star to meet Jesus. As I told the story, I slowly transitioned into Jesus' perfect life and how He was arrested and put to death for sharing God's love and how to have forgiveness of sins. I also shared the good news that Jesus was not hindered by death, but He rose from the dead and gave His followers hope for a future and a home in heaven.<br />
<br />
T sweetly interjected, "I need to tell you something. " "What is that, dear." "I have not been baptized," she admitted. What an awesome question for me to share that baptism is not what gets us into heaven, but it was by Jesus' sacrifice that makes us worthy of heaven. It is nothing we could do on our own, but God did it for us. I explained that baptism was just an outward picture of what Jesus did on the inside of our heart when we enter into a personal relationship with Him as our Savior. T continued to ask questions of how and why Kevin and I live our lives to please and honor God. It was a great talk! <br />
<br />
As we pulled into the neighborhood, I closed our conversation with "you can think and pray about all that we've talked about. God hears your prayers any time whether you talk out loud or speak within the quietness of your heart. " She said, "God knows everything and He knows everything I need. " Yes, He does. It's amazing that He brought us all together to be a family, and this was His plan even before we were even born!<br />
<br />
It was a perfect car ride to share with her how much God loves her and that He cares about Sweet T. This is something we've prayed for. We wanted T to open the door to her religious questions. We don't want to push our beliefs on her but allow God to open her heart and draw her to Himself. These are decisions she should make for herself and not just to please us. We're just blessed to be able to have these discussions with her and be a testimony of God's love to her.<br />
<br />
T will be one of the few in the world to have a more clear understanding of what it means to be adopted into God's family, because she has been adopted into our family. Earthly adoption is a beautiful picture of God's adoption of us into His family. <br />
<br />
Ephesians 1:5-6<br />
<i><span class="text Eph-1-5" id="en-NLT-29172">God
decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to
himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave
him great pleasure.</span> <span class="text Eph-1-6" id="en-NLT-29173"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.</span></i>The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-50635260361402085052012-10-20T16:13:00.001-04:002012-10-20T16:13:31.473-04:00It's the little things...Friday was the first of many family fun Fridays. We had our first unsupervised visit with T. We spent the day at the movies (Hotel Transylvania), lunch, and pre-birthday shopping at the mall. We finished off the afternoon with milkshakes at Shake Out with Kamden, Mitch, and Maddox. <br />
<br />
As we pulled in the drive way to pick her up,the front door flung open and out come smiling our little T. She was carrying her journal ready to exchange from our last meeting. Our day was filled with smiles, laughs, and many questions. Here's what we learned about our girl:<br />
<br />
1. Dreams of going to France, traveling to the top of the Eiffel Tower, riding in a gondola, and eating real Italian food.<br />
<br />
2. Wants to go to Universal Studios for her birthday. Has never been to Disney but dreams of going.<br />
<br />
3. Loves Hello Kitty, Neon colors, Mustaches, and her her favorite Disney princess is Belle (because she has curly hair like her).<br />
<br />
4. Wants to grow her hair long again so she can toss it around in the wind.<br />
<br />
T had many questions for us and what is going to happen in the future. We answered her truthfully and honestly letting her know that there is a plan but plans can change. However, she is going to be a part of our family no matter what. She is excited to move in and get settled into the family. As we walked out of the mall, she stepped up to the back of Kevin's car and noticed the Phillies Fan family decals on the back of the car. She quickly said, "we're going to need to add a little girl to this family." It amazed us how observant she was, but it was a beautiful demonstration of how the little things matter. Thankfully, we had extra decals in Kevin's glove box. She picked out her little girl decal, and it is now gracing the back of Kev's Kia Soul.<br />
<br />
We pick her up tonight for dinner with a few family members. What a beautiful journey we are on. Counting down the days to November 21!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUggT19sQtP25Bu78FoYnizHhDdsAg7EU6-xMC3RO46ql5432lDTzCQ-63ronTXXR4vhdGzYeMEbH9zke86fUFLQ3R4BbU4dpZeMQFmp7D1najdTdXsvihXK0CvjzvBgx7nLZVeYQ3oud/s640/blogger-image-1532840631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUggT19sQtP25Bu78FoYnizHhDdsAg7EU6-xMC3RO46ql5432lDTzCQ-63ronTXXR4vhdGzYeMEbH9zke86fUFLQ3R4BbU4dpZeMQFmp7D1najdTdXsvihXK0CvjzvBgx7nLZVeYQ3oud/s640/blogger-image-1532840631.jpg" /></a></div>The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-55911991705595195912012-10-18T12:39:00.002-04:002012-10-18T12:39:14.885-04:00Warp Speed to a Family!Well, when things get moving....they really get moving! Last week we received a calendar of visitation days to be with T. It looks like move in day will be November 21st! Wow!!! We're super excited. We had prepared ourselves for things to take longer than what we hoped, but God is orchestrating things to play out exactly how He wants them. <br />
<br />
We get to spend our first unsupervised visit with T. this Friday. We get her ALL DAY (10 am - 5 pm). We have no school that day, so it makes a perfect family day. We're going to the movies and then a little pre-birthday shopping. She turns 12 next Wednesday, so we've got to get an idea of what's on her birthday list. :) <strong>In the late afternoon, T. gets to meet the first round of family- Cousin Maddox. </strong>We're introducing her to a few family members at a time, so she does not feel overwhelmed with all the new faces and people. <br />
<br />
We also get to spend Saturday evening with her and another afternoon visit on Monday. Three times in four days! First overnight is the first weekend in November. Then, the day before Thanksgiving she comes to us to stay FOREVER! It makes us think of a Hallmark movie, "All I want for Christmas is a Family." Except God is just showing up in bigger and better ways, and we get her on Thanksgiving!!<br />
<br />
There are many things were have to get in order in the next few weeks:<br />
1. Her Room!!<br />
2. Schooling arrangements (unfortunately this will be her third school just this school year and sixth school in three years) But hopefully, this will be one of the last school transitions she will ever have to make!<br />
<br />
3. Setting up visits to meet new family members.<br />
<br />
4. Thanksgiving and Christmas Plans- Excited to introduce her to our family traditions and start new family traditions as well. <br />
5. Finding some place in Ruskin/Apollo Beach for Karate and Flute lessons. <br />
<br />
6. An awesome birthday party for a sweet 12 year old.<br />
<br />
We're sure there are many other things to prepare, but God has worked it all out so far... no reason why it isn't going to work in the future. <br />
<br />
Thanks for the prayers and support! Our family dreams are coming true. The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-55994285902271621532012-10-10T23:02:00.001-04:002012-10-10T23:22:22.372-04:00Sophie meets T. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchBxVuesoctmO9SIKjACxQ_mOte0ZVM_jcyFIyhAT0eF5PseW062hdFEsuzgQTpwF7ZYEj1z4sC5T7tsyc19NvFZ_wSfsDRq9YS0hBmOiXVV2mbOVc0Ugc48v3yYLtLTK_-L-AuVaK1Td/s1600/-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchBxVuesoctmO9SIKjACxQ_mOte0ZVM_jcyFIyhAT0eF5PseW062hdFEsuzgQTpwF7ZYEj1z4sC5T7tsyc19NvFZ_wSfsDRq9YS0hBmOiXVV2mbOVc0Ugc48v3yYLtLTK_-L-AuVaK1Td/s320/-3.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Monday was our second visit with sweet T. She got meet to Sophie-dog. We met at the Mango Dog Park and clouds were lingering around the area. We were praying for rain to not spoil our special date. T. and the case worker were a little late getting there. As they pulled, we saw T. waving and smiling big in the window. About two seconds after the car was in park, T. had sprinted out of the car, was through the two gates, and in the dog park. This all occurred before the case worker could get out of the car. T. and Sophie were fast friends. They ran and played and played and ran. Sophie was tuckered out and T. continued throw the ball. It was everything Sophie could do to keep up with T. The rain came but only a few sprinkles for about 15 minutes. It was a perfect time for us to sit at a picnic table under the park shelter to eat our snacks, chat, and have Sophie share her tricks. T. was fascinated that Sophie would "pound it."<br />
<br />
As Kevin and T. ran more in the park with Sophie, the case worker shared with Mallory that T. was already asking when she could move in. :) Makes our heart smile!! Mallory and the case worker were able to talk about future visit logistics and possible move in time lines. Yay! Things are progressing. At the end of the visit, T. asked for our journal. She had forgotten hers, but still wrote questions for us on a sheet of notebook paper. She had 5 questions for us. We gave her our journal that had three different entries from us from the past three days. When we were ready to part ways, we reached out for a hug and she willing embraced us with big hugs. With a promise of setting up a future visit through email with her case worker, we said good bye for another week. :(<br />
<br />
Over the past few days, we've been approved for unsupervised visitation and have sent in a calendar of our availability for the next 2 1/2 months. We are trying to prepare for a Thanksgiving or Christmas move in date. We have a few things we need to consider since some schooling situations have come up. T. is also in a Thanksgiving play at her foster family's church which has practice dates we need to work around. <br />
<br />
We're working on getting her room ready. Gigi is painting her bed- her favorite color, blue. The bedding is picked out. The room is already the perfect shade of yellow to coordinate with her blue bed and fun bedding! We're on the look out for a great dresser and funky, shabby chic decor to make the perfect "tween" girl room.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Ps. some have asked why we're calling her "T." Right now, she is not in our custody, and since she is a minor, it would not be proper to share her name publicly like on a blog. We'll wait until she is officially in our custody to share her name on a public forum such as this. The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-41446212255147516602012-10-06T13:25:00.001-04:002012-10-06T13:25:31.030-04:00First Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEQLDH92hFzwIsMsBhJy0L7rE3YxstTOsp5fJYEFS6oDFyahj5IdymauCnL7TN7Ubk7tE31mDPUru3rDG_iFwPp4E2Lg_W7_gZpRK418KTQV-rwZ9b6HeqOMZ3Dlgjfl9BByu9W4fwF-p/s1600/9ff97787c3887b5f217e7ddb0c38850f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEQLDH92hFzwIsMsBhJy0L7rE3YxstTOsp5fJYEFS6oDFyahj5IdymauCnL7TN7Ubk7tE31mDPUru3rDG_iFwPp4E2Lg_W7_gZpRK418KTQV-rwZ9b6HeqOMZ3Dlgjfl9BByu9W4fwF-p/s1600/9ff97787c3887b5f217e7ddb0c38850f.jpg" /></a></div>
Most parents go to the hospital to meet their daughter. Not us, we went to the Pottery Patch and painted plates with her! October 4, 2012 is a day that will live in infamy for our family. It was the day we met our daughter. The days leading up to the visit were anxious for us, but the nerves weren't as intense as we thought. There was an interesting sense of peace that surrounded it all. But the butterflies grew more intense as the hours ticked closer to 4:30 pm on Thursday afternoon.<br />
<br />
We decided to meet at 4:00 at the Pottery Patch in Valrico 30 minutes before the scheduled visit. We took a few minutes to pray together and ask God to bless this special meeting. Mallory had gone to Wal-Mart before to pick up two journals. The stationary aisle at Wal-Mart was filled with journals, and it was a bit overwhelming trying to pick something that she would like. A quick prayer went out, "Lord, help me to pick her favorite color. " Mallory grabbed two similar looking blue journals, a packets of brightly colored pens, and cute pencil bag.<br />
<br />
Journaling was idea we thought would help us open up a dialogue with her if she didn't feel comfortable initially communicating her feelings verbally. She would have a journal and we would have a journal. In between every visit, all three of us would write notes, thoughts, feelings, and questions in the journal for each other to read. At each visit, we will swap journals, read each other's notes, and write back. <br />
<br />
The Pottery Patch was almost empty when we walked in. We picked out some small, square dessert places and stencils with our initials. We thought we could each decorate a plate with the first letter of our first name on the plate. We got a our table set up and began to wait. Thankfully, we didn't have to wait long. They came walking up T. and her case worker. We walked out the door to greet them. T. had a bright smile and was very friendly. "Nice to meet you" we all said to each other as we walked back into the store. Mallory explained that we had picked out some plates to decorate with our first initials. We quickly headed to the back to pick out our colors of paint. "What's your favorite color?" we asked. "Blue. My favorite color is blue," as she quickly pulled a bright blue off the shelf. Yes!!!! God answered Mallory's prayer. Blue journals were going to be perfect. <br />
<br />
We spent the first 30 minutes of the visit painting and chatting. She was not shy as she started painting. T. just wanted to experiment and make her own plate. We talked about school, favorite foods, friends, and what we all like to do for fun. Her case worker had primed us that she may have questions for us during the visit. We graciously tried to open the door to her questions at least three different times. Each time, she said, "no, I don't have anything to ask." The overwhelming nature of the visit may have made her a little shy to ask what was floating around in her mind. We asked her what she thought about our family book, and her only comment was, "you have a big family!"<br />
<br />
We told her that we had a gift for her. Her eyes lit up! "You do?" she asked. "Yes," Mallory said. "It's just something little." She seemed happy as she opened the blue journal and pens. We explained that we both have a journal that we can use to write back and forth to each other to ask questions and write notes. We had already wrote our firs note to T. in her journal to get it started. She started to open it up to read, but then, stopped and decided to wait until later. <br />
<br />
As we finished up our painting session, we made a plan to ride down the road to Chick-Fil-A and have a pre-dinner milkshake! Big smile came over her face. She ordered a large cookies and cream milkshake and devoured every bit of it. We talked about what we'd like to do for our next visit. We settled on the park, so we could bring Sophie for her to meet. That seemed to make her day. She had questions about Sophie. Does she sleep with you? Do she shed? How big is she? She seemed pleased with all of our answers. Mallory had over pick out her favorite after school snack: blue gatorade and purple and green grapes. The date was set for Monday at 3:45 pm. Sophie is excited to meet her new sister.<br />
<br />
As we walked out the door, it was pouring rain. As we walked to the door, you could see the wheels turning in her head as to how she will say good bye. She held the first door for us that led into the entry way and then she darted out the second door into the rain and began running to her case worker's car. She quickly turned around and waved, "bye, I'll see you later," with a big smile.<br />
<br />
That was it. Our visit wasn't too long, but just long enough to fall in love with her. The next weeks and months we will begin the process of T. becoming used to us and feeling comfortable with who we are. Just imagine the thoughts going through her mind. As an 11 year old, you are meeting your forever family for the very first time. That's unreal to think.<br />
<br />
We thank everyone for their prayers and continue to covet them as we continue down this road to family life. The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-65595832056813374272012-09-21T11:47:00.001-04:002012-09-21T14:11:23.572-04:00It's a......<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">GIRL!!!!</span></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvK97XlijxpEGOcsx6_RqsHjp5i_hkmUsx5DrkKODJanHpxD-2JrITfb6-aY3JixLR-entvTJ2B4SH7Kkt0vIxBRQY30MnjeYEFT5LAQAt0AtcCENagA4uBX6jlTykeEp0ls7KChdILC6O/s1600/imagesCAA2GEWY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvK97XlijxpEGOcsx6_RqsHjp5i_hkmUsx5DrkKODJanHpxD-2JrITfb6-aY3JixLR-entvTJ2B4SH7Kkt0vIxBRQY30MnjeYEFT5LAQAt0AtcCENagA4uBX6jlTykeEp0ls7KChdILC6O/s1600/imagesCAA2GEWY.jpg" /></a></div>
It's been a process, but we've come to first of many steps in our new life as parents. On September 11th, we were matched with a beautiful 11 year old girl (soon to be 12). On September 20th, we attended the disclosure meeting, met with her case worker, and learned her full story. It's a JOURNEY (in miles and experiences) this young one has been on, and we are amazed at her resilence to make it through the struggles she faced. We stayed up late last night reviewing her paper work and getting to know her on paper.<br />
<br />
Within the next few weeks, she will be introduced to us through our Family Book (scrap book of our family), and then, our first visit will be arranged. We're anxious to meet her and begin the process of becoming a family. <br />
<br />
We've certainly seen God's hand in all of this. We now know the reason for our waiting for background checks. She was out of state and not ready for adoption until the beginning of August. God was slowing our process, so we would be ready for her just in time. We just stand in awe of how God has gone before us in the process and made His way perfect. We are honored that He chose us to be this girl's parents even before the world was ever made, He had her in mind for us. It brings tears to our eyes to even think of it. <br />
<br />
We have a picture of her,but we'll wait to post pictures and more of her story until we've started visitation with her. We look forward to introducing her to our love and God's love for her. <br />
<br />
<em>"How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son."</em> Ephesians 1:3-6The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870387255435483898.post-32812069920605612572012-09-02T13:37:00.000-04:002012-09-02T13:37:10.600-04:00Where we are Now!It's been a challenging few weeks for us. After our last post, we received a call from Jacksonville. We had been selected for a 7 year old boy. It was out of the blue. We were shocked. Within a few days, we had various email exchanges and a large conference call with his caseworkers and therapists. We were hopeful this would be it! It was an emotional week for us. Through much prayer, tears, and wise counsel, God showed us that this boy was not meant for our family. <br />
It was a difficult realization to come to because we so desire to be a family<br />
for hurting children. We know God has special families for each special child. <br />
<br />
In the meantime, a hurricane blew by us and we're still waiting....<br />
<br />
We're now in the waiting process to see if we will be matched with an 11 year old child here in Hillsborough county. The waiting in between the phone calls and emails are the most difficult. It makes it hard to plan for things like holidays or vacations because we just don't know if we'll have 1, 2, 3, or no more to add to our plans. This whole process has sure took Mallory's planning gene for a ride! We're truly living the words of the sweet song, One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus! It is our hope and prayer that we'll have big news to share in our next update, but if not, we'll just keep living one day at a time.<br />
<br />
Love and thanks to all of our prayer warriors out there. Thank you for the sweet notes of encouragement, chats, and hugs. Words can not express our gratefulness for your support. We love all of you!!!<br />
<br />
<b>Kevin & Mallory</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5TJxIg-XYZeh4evdcGBlyRXIBGbVMufDZoVnU0sq9RF1KZqpg8pBPRxJ-4zFT9Rm1fLq2K3L8Mi8JTZOXGeCZbrQ2nb-yj2yV7WKUFR6qVRscj-wnBCJgAQSENgRdC_D0nm225qSTiBY/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5TJxIg-XYZeh4evdcGBlyRXIBGbVMufDZoVnU0sq9RF1KZqpg8pBPRxJ-4zFT9Rm1fLq2K3L8Mi8JTZOXGeCZbrQ2nb-yj2yV7WKUFR6qVRscj-wnBCJgAQSENgRdC_D0nm225qSTiBY/s200/-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span id="RadDesigner1"><span class="SubText"><b>From Focus on the Family </b></span></span><br />
<span id="RadDesigner1"><span class="SubText">Not every family is called
to adopt. But helping support adoptive families is nearly as important
as welcoming a child into your home. Unfortunately, many families
don't receive the support from friends and family they desperately
need. The good news is that help is as easy as cooking, cleaning,
childcare and prayer.<br />
<br />
At Focus on the Family, we recognize that adoptive families need the
support of those around them. That's why we created "Wrapping around
Adoptive Families," a simple resource that provides practical tips for
helping families. It's built on the idea of W.R.A.P.:<br />
W - Wrestle in prayer<br />
R - Respite care<br />
A - Acts of service<br />
P - Promises of God<br />
<br />
If you or your church is interested in supporting the adoptive
families in your community, consider downloading or ordering copies of
this resource. We've also provided bulletin inserts and posters to
promote within your community. All it takes is connecting the gifts and
talents around you with families in need. So what are you waiting
for? Start Wrapping now!</span></span><br />
<span id="RadDesigner1"><span class="SubText"> </span></span><br />
<span id="RadDesigner1"><span class="SubText"><a href="http://www.icareaboutorphans.org/Doc/WRAPBookletWEB.pdf" target="_blank">Download the Wrap Booklet Here</a></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Everittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05196896986721292195noreply@blogger.com0