Happy New Year (2010)

I did not get many Christmas cards sent out this year, so I thought I'd post our Christmas letter on my blog. I pray each of you have a very happy and healthy 2010!

Dear Friends and Family!

I can remember when I was a kid thinking it would be FOREVER before the year 2000! Now it’s 2010! Time seems to go by incredibly fast!

2009 was a good year. It started off with Beth and me (Teresa) going on a mission’s trip to Mexico. We spent one week at an orphanage and mission in Vicente Guerrero, Mexico. It was truly a life-changing experience. We were able to help out at the mission in various ways. Most of it seemed like menial tasks, but were very much needed to keep the mission operating. On two different days we chopped tomatoes in the kitchen. A local farmer had donated lots of Roma tomatoes, and they needed to be diced and put in the freezer to use for meals at the orphanage. Another day we worked at “The Nut House.” They have a large macadamia nut orchard, so they roast, flavor, package and sell macadamia nuts. The profits from the orchard go to the mission. Our second night there, we babysat for some of the orphans while their caretakers took a well deserved break. That was fun and interesting…especially since we speak a different language! It’s amazing what you can say with your hands though! We were able to go on three outreach visits. The first was to a poor neighborhood. We went door to door inviting them to “dinner and a movie” and then we set up in a big open field. We played with the kids and then fed the women and children. We served hotdogs on tortillas with hot sauce, tortilla chips and a cookie. After the movie we showed them a Bible story cartoon, and then a film about Jesus. There were a few that responded to the message. Another night we went to a migrant camp and took gifts to the children and families. They were so appreciative of the little things we did for them. Another day we had Bible club in a neighborhood. A local woman taught the class, and we helped with crowd control and giving out milk and peanut butter to the children after the lesson. For some of those children, the milk and peanut butter was the most nutritious “meal” they had that day. We also had a free afternoon where we went to a local crafters market, went to the beach (our first time in the Pacific Ocean!) and to a nice restaurant. We thank God for allowing us to go and serve Him, and we are praying about going back in 2011 and taking Ben with us.

Neal is doing great! His health is excellent, and he feels better than ever! He’s been working out regularly – running about 2 ½ miles 3 or 4 times a week. He’s even got the kids running with him. We now have a new treadmill, so I guess my excuses are over! Neal’s heart is in fine shape, as far as we know. He has a pacemaker check every three months and so far there are no problems. Neal continues to enjoy his gardening and wood working. He was blessed with a lot of nice wood from his cousin, Ben, so I expect we’ll see some new items being made in the months ahead!

Beth turned 15 in November, and has gotten quite tall this year. She is still keeping busy with home school, church, singing, piano (although she’s not taking lessons this year) and her new passion is guitar. She loves it! She’s a freshman this year…it’s hard to believe she’s in high school! Beth’s involved with her youth group, she sings in the youth choir, and she sings with three of her friends in a small vocal group. She also works in children’s church 2 or 3 times a month. She loves working with young children. Beth also enjoys photography and writing short stories.

Ben turned 12 in November, and he is also getting very tall! I’m sure he’ll be passing me up soon. Ben is still taking piano and loves it. Last winter he played on our church’s boys’ basketball team, and he just started playing on it again this year. He really likes basketball. Ben went to camp for the first time this past summer. He was a little apprehensive about going away for a week, but he ended up loving it! He can’t wait to go again next year! Ben also goes once a month to “Redemption Club”. He collects Redemption cards, which are based on Bible characters. They meet monthly to trade and play with the cards. He still enjoys playing on the Wii – especially his new game “Mario Kart”. I also discovered that I like Mario Kart, and Ben enjoys having me play with him. J

I continue to enjoy home educating the kids, grinding wheat and making fresh bread for my family, working with 2^nd graders in AWANA at our church, and chauffeuring the kids around town! J My mom, Dora, continues to be in good health. The kids and I were able to travel with her a few times this year. In March, my aunt Alberta turned 80, and we drove to Indiana to be there for her surprise birthday party. While there, we were able to visit with my brothers and their wives, and with Robert’s children and grandchildren. It was a fun trip! In August, we went to my family reunion in Kentucky. This year, Neal was able to go with us, and we all enjoyed having him there! In October, we went to Myrtle Beach, SC. The weather was great! Ben and I even found an “almost perfect” sand dollar! I was so excited because you rarely find those in Myrtle Beach anymore. We also went to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, which we all enjoyed! In December, Mom and I went on our annual trip to Williamsburg, VA. We looked at the decorations in Colonial Williamsburg one day, and went shopping at the outlet stores the next. We always enjoy our little excursions!

If you’ve made it through this entire letter, I’m impressed! J We love you all and “thank our God upon every remembrance of you!” (Philippians 1:3)

Happy New Year from the Beasleys!!!

“You will seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Random Things for the "Older" Folks

I found this on Amy’s blog! Since I just had my 43rd birthday on Tuesday, this seems to fit. :o)

Tired of all of those surveys made up by high school kids? Have you ever kissed someone? Missed someone? Told someone you loved them? Drank alcohol? Here you have 39 questions for the people who are a little older…

1. What bill do you hate paying the most? Credit Card - we usually pay it off each month, so it's a doozy!

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner? We went out for our anniversary in February to a new restaurant downtown...can't remember the name of it, but it was nice and it was romantic since it was just the two of us.

3. What do you really want to be doing right now? Taking a nap!

4. How many colleges did you attend?
Two. Southern Ohio College and Liberty University

5. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now? Because it was clean and short sleeves

6. What are your thoughts on gas prices? They went up *again* last night!

7. First thought when the alarm went off this morning? "uggghhh"

8. Last thought before going to sleep last night? Praying for my kids

9. Do you miss being a child? Sometimes...only because I'd like to sit on my Daddy's lap one more time and because I'd like to change some things I did.

10. What errand/chore do you despise? Going to Wal-Mart

11. Get up early or sleep in? I like to sleep in until about 8:00, but try to get up earlier to get my quiet time done.

12. Have you found real love yet? Absolutely!

13. Favorite lunch meat? I don't think I have one. I like turkey breast and bologna on occasion

14. What do you get every time you go into Target? It varies...last time was water balloons. :o)

15. Beach or lake? Beach

16. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual? Absolutely not!

17. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives? Neither

18. What famous person would you like to have dinner with? Glen Beck -- only because Neal would love it!

19. Have you ever crashed your vehicle? Yes

20. Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose? No

21. Ring tone? Ring, Ring ;o)

22. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth? camp site

23. Somewhere in California you’ve never been and would like to go? I've only been to San Diego, so I would like to see the rest of the state. :o)

24. Do you go to church? Yes

25. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
Neither :o) I wouldn't mind starting a new career down the road. I'm not opposed to starting new friendships, but I don't feel like I spend enough time with the friends that I have now.

26. How old are you? As I said above...I turned 43 this past Tuesday (May 19th)

27. Are you where you want to be in life? Yes, but I'm not where I'd like to be with "me"

29. Growing up, what were your favorite cartoons? Scooby Doo and the Jetsons

30. What about you do you think has changed the most? My boldness..I'm not as shy as I used to be.

31. Looking back at high school, were they the best years of your life? Not even close! Life just keeps getting better and better.

32. Are there times you still feel like a kid? There are a few people in my life that I tend to feel "immature" around. I hate that feeling though.

33. Did you ever own a troll doll? No

34. Did you have a pager? No

35. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager? Friend’s houses

36. Were you the type of kid you would want your children to hang out with? For the most part

37. Who do you think impacted your life the most? Everyone I'm friends with have impacted my life to a certain extent, but I would say my Mom and my husband

38. Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you? Two of my friends moms -- Daisy and Johnny

39. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”? You know it! It's my turn now! :o)

Recipes

I've posted a couple of recipes on my food blog.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

and

Crockpot Yogurt.

I made my second batch of yogurt last night, and I used Lactaid instead of regular whole milk. For those of you who may not be familiar with it, Lactaid is a "lactose free" milk for people who are lactose intolerant. The first time I made the yogurt, I made it with regular whole milk, and let's just say it didn't agree with my system! The Lactaid worked great, and so far -- so good! :o)

The Rotisserie Chicken Salad is really good. A mixture of different flavors that come together very nicely!

Let me know if you try either of these!

Easter Pics

Teresa and Neal -- Easter morning 2009

We weren't crazy about this picture, but I wanted to show the kids outfits. Aren't they cute?!!!

Sweet picture of Beth and Ben!

Ben looking stylish (he didn't know this picture was being taken)

The kids asked Neal to wear a tie for Easter. Here's his answer to that question!

On March 13, 2008, the phone rang. A call that would change our lives! It was Neal's cardiologist, and he was only supposed to call "if there is a problem." He told me he'd lost Neal's cell phone number and needed to call him. Amazingly I recalled the number since my mind was flying in a million different directions. I gave Neal about 15 minutes before I called him. In the meantime, I: 1) Prayed; 2) Shot an email off to my friend Perri to start praying; and 3) Went down to my Mom's to make the phone call to Neal. (I knew I would need her support and I didn't want the kids to overhear my conversation.)

Neal answered the phone and tried to ignore my questioning. I said "Listen, the doctor called here first so I know something's up, and I have to take the kids to piano and I will not be able to function if I'm worrying the entire time." He gave up. He told me that he was going to finish up at work and come home and tell me in person, but since I called he told me what the doctor said. Neal had an aneurysm in his aorta. His aorta was double the size it was supposed to be. The doctor said it was only a matter of time before it could rupture and then he would most likely die. He also said that while they were in there, they should go ahead and replace his bicuspid aortic valve (a defect he'd had since birth). When Neal told me all of this, I felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach. I literally doubled over and could barely catch my breath. I knew something was up, but I didn't think about it being that serious! Thankfully I was at my Mom's and she was there to support me.

The next three hours or so seemed like an eternity. About 5 minutes after I got off the phone with Neal, the surgeon's office called to set up a consultation (good thing Neal told me what was going on!). Then I went upstairs and called Perri to tell her the news. I could barely get the words out, it just didn't seem real. Then I had to take the kids to piano and act "normal." My answer to acting "normal" was to turn the stereo up high in the car (which they love) and play Toby Mac. Of course that's more normal for Daddy...not Mommy. Beth said she knew something was up.

We went to piano and not long after we returned Neal came home. We sat the kids down in the living room and told them what was going on. We cried, laughed (because we always laugh with Neal!) and prayed together. That evening we went and told Neal's parents. I'm sure that was difficult to hear about your son, but they handled it so well. I made a few phone calls that night and got the word out so that people could be praying.

After seeing the surgeon a week later, surgery was scheduled for April 9th. One year ago today!

We were so blessed during those weeks before the surgery. The outpouring of love and concern was incredible! One of the most special times was the following Sunday after we found out about the surgery. Our Adult Bible Fellowship class (ABF) spent the entire class time listening to Neal's story and then praying one by one for Neal and our entire family. It was extremely moving and comforting.

One year ago today....right now....11:14 am...Neal was in surgery. They came out at 8:10 am and told us they had started. They came out at 10:10 and told us he was on the heart/lung machine. We had family and friends around us all day...supporting us and praying with us. Those who couldn't come were praying at home and calling and emailing me throughout the day. I've never felt so cared for in my entire life! (Thank you friends!)

Neal's surgery lasted about 8 hours, and he came through with flying colors. The first few days after surgery were a bit scary...the bottom chamber of his heart didn't start back up and they put an external pacemaker on him. After 3 days had gone by and it still didn't start on its' own, the doctor thought it wasn't going to happen. I started calling and emailing people to pray for his heart to start beating on its' own. The next morning when Dr. M checked his heart I was standing there watching his face...and praying. I knew the moment when *he* knew Neal's heart was beating. His mouth dropped open and he said "well I'll be .... It's working!" And a big smile spread across his face and I just started crying.

Neal did end up having to get a pacemaker two days after he was discharged from the hospital, but it's to keep his heart in rhythm...not to keep it beating. It's kind of like a nice insurance policy! :o)

Today Neal is healthy! He feels better than he ever has. He has more energy. He can work out longer and harder...walk longer on the treadmill, lift more weights, etc.

I'm just so thankful that God allowed us to find out about his condition before it was too late. But I'm also thankful that no matter what had happened Neal was ready. He was ready to meet God if he had not made it. We're very glad (obviously) that he did make it, but he truly was ready either way.

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name!" Psalm 100:4

Hip Hop Flight Attendant

Love it!

Hip Hop Flight Attendant @ Yahoo! Video

Sunday Night

Remember Mike Huckabee? He ran for President last year...and, sadly, didn't win... Last night he was in town at a local church, and we had the opportunity to hear him preach! What a blessing. We also had the opportunity to hear him play bass guitar with some of the church's band members. Here's a picture I got off a friend's facebook:

That's Governor Huckabee playing the red guitar at the front.
He preached about the parable of the prodigal son, and did a great job.

We were surprised to have another well-known speaker last night. Actor Stephen Baldwin (Alec Baldwin's youngest brother) was there. He's been a Christian for 7 years now (he got saved one year after his wife, and about a month at 9/11/01). He has such an awesome testimony. I first heard his testimony about 2 or 3 years ago, and the Lord impressed it on my heart to pray for him and for his family. I really wanted to speak to him last night, but we had to rush out after the service was over. I was hoping I'd get to bump into him on the way out, but it didn't happen. At one point he was about 3 feet away and I was so tempted to run over there, but he was doing a book-signing and it would have appeared I was just cutting in line. I guess I would have been cutting in line. lol Anyway, I just wanted him to know I was praying for him.

This is Alec on the left and Stephen on the right (picture taken from a website)

I left my camera in the car last night! I had planned on taking some pictures of Mike Huckabee, but it didn't happen!

Anyway, last night was fun, and it was great to hear our future president speak. ;o)

Yay!

A couple of weeks ago I entered a give-a-way at Andi's blog, and I won! It was for the "Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Timelines." The title may sound dry, but let me tell you, the book is anything but dry! It arrived late last week and it is a beautiful, interesting book. A wonderful book for a Christian homeschooling mom!

Thanks Andi!

These pages tell about different festivals/holidays in the Bible

The Tabernacle

Creation

Christian History Timeline

31 Days of Prayer

(I know this has been hit and miss, but I still pray daily for my husband!)

Day 9

Pray that your husband handles finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord's work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family.

Proverbs 23:4-5; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:5

Snow!

Our front yard

Yay!!! We got lots of snow Sunday night and had lots of fun playing in it yesterday! We received 10 inches...which is the biggest snow my children have ever seen.

Neal took the day off (our road wasn't cleared until late in the day) and helped the kids make tracks for sledding. Neal's sister Janet came and spent the day with us. We built a big track out in the woods. I forgot my camera when we went in the afternoon, but that night after dark, our friends came over and we went back out there. The sky was very clear and the snow helped illuminate everything so we could see. I took a few pictures, but then my battery died. My friend, Colleen, took some pictures, so I hope to get copies of them from her.

Leah looking for Han Solo and Luke

Maybe they're hiding in one of the snow caves!

Ben making a snow angel!

Erin and Beth (it's hard to keep your eyes open when you're hit with a bright flash in the dark!)

Ben sledding down to the bottom of the hill

Ben sledding backwards

Looking up through the trees at night. The brightest light is the crescent moon.