tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82006849656704485302024-03-13T13:03:40.924-04:00Exceeding Abundanceclay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-59188304465606440972012-03-09T10:50:00.002-05:002012-03-09T10:55:40.388-05:00Travelin'Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned - I have been blogless in your sight. Amen.<br /><br />Ok, now on to the news....<br /><br />Tomorrow morning, I (clay) will leave for a mission trip with 57 others to Jamaica for a week. It is a 'freshmen' trip - meaning that the students on this trip are either freshmen or part of our freshmen ministry's leadership team. We will be in Montego Bay, and there will also be two other freshmen teams in other parts of Jamaica. All said, there are nearly 180 students on these three trips! Wesley also has five other mission trips going out over spring break - very exciting stuff!<br /><br />We would covet your prayers as this will be the longest separation the kids and I have ever experienced. They will spend a few days with my parents, and Deborah's aunt Pat from Colorado will be in town all week as well. Once I get back, I will post some current pictures of the fam!<br /><br />thanks!<br /><br />clay for the kirklandsclay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-56780644903702987602011-09-13T10:31:00.002-04:002011-09-13T10:54:43.802-04:00A Time to Remember and Be ThankfulEach September, the weather remains generally hot, yet there are a few days and several mornings where the scent of Fall is apparent. It's a glimmer of hope that relief from the Georgia heat is in the mail, and eventually we will be able to go outside and not be in danger of dehydration. Furthermore, though, September also is an ebenezer - a marked place/time of remembrance - for our family since on September 16th, 2004, Pam Hydrick, Deborah's mother, died of breast cancer in her home. <br /><br />Most certainly, we still desperately miss Pam. If you have never lost anyone close to you, then it might be tempting to believe that after seven years, one should be 'over' the loss. Unfortunately, that is an unfortunate assumption, for I do not believe that anyone 'gets over' losing their parent/loved one. Does it get easier? Yes, in the sense that life must go on and things change. Does it still hurt? Yes, because we loved her and she loved us. <br /><br />I will always remember how she immediately made me feel welcomed into their family, and that comfort and peace that she provided for me never ceased from her. As parents, we long for her to be around to teach us what she knew, to help us when we are in trouble, and to know and bless our children. We are left with our memories of her, and it is a true blessing from God that we have so many good memories about Pam. His goodness is still evident in the midst of a terrible and tragic loss in our lives. He is good because Pam is living now without pain or sickness in her body. He is good because He has blessed Deborah with the gift of motherhood. He is good because He did and still grieves with us and sends His Comfort to us whenever we need Him. He is good because He can't be anything else. We are thankful to God for Pam. <br /><br />We are also thankful for God in the ways He has protected us in the past few weeks. Three weeks ago I started having abdominal pain. Five days later, I was in the ER and found out that I had some rare torsion of an appendage on my intestines. Gratefully, it did not require surgery and it was something that had to work itself out. Two weeks later, I was as good as new!<br /><br />On Saturday, Deborah was giving a shower at the clubhouse of our neighborhood and I was home with the kids. While in the playroom, Cannon tried to climb up a wooden play kitchen and fell backwards. Unfortunately, so did the piece of furniture, and it landed on top of him. When I removed the furniture off of his body, his entire face was covered in blood and blood was actually coming out of his forehead like a fountain! I ran him downstairs, wrapped him in a towel, and called Deborah. Within fifteen minutes we were in the ER (again) and Cannon was getting cared for. Praise the Lord, he had no head trauma or concussion. He did, though, require three layers of stitches since the gash went all the way to his skull! He is doing well now and will get his outer layer of stitches out at the end of the week.<br /><br />So, it has been a little wild around here lately, but as mentioned earlier, God has been good. <br /><br />Clay for the Kirklandsclay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-79990303802628481482011-06-25T15:43:00.003-04:002011-06-25T16:45:58.490-04:00yes, we are alive!So, I have a confession to make: I have not been a good blogger boy. I am ok with that, but I do promise to try to be better. Thus, this is an attempt to catch up on the past seven months in as few words as possible.<br /><br />Our winter was spent waiting for Gracey to come, and while we waited, Cannon decided to start walking. Everyone was thrilled with his development, especially Fields, because Cannon's new skill meant that playtime would become a lot more fun. Well, at the end of March (the 29th to be exact), Pamela Grace Kirkland arrived! The boys were instantly mesmerized by the new baby, and both Deborah and I fell in love with our little girl at first sight. Since then, she has continued to be a stunning baby: she is sleeping through the night, eating quickly and thoroughly, and she calm temperament has made the transition from two to three kids very smooth for everyone. <br /><br />The school year ended very well for all things Wesley. Our sign ups for student leadership were at an all time high, and our upcoming intern class is the second largest that we have ever had. The Lord is continuing to build us, and we are continuing to learn how to adjust to each year. Working in a campus ministry where your staff changes by 50-70 percent each and every year demands a fair bit of flexibility! Despite the challenge of change, it is a tremendous place to work and watch God transform young men and women. The directors return on July 18th, and the interns arrive on August 1 for intern training. Our 'summer' is quickly coming to an end, but good things always come in August!<br /><br />We spent a week with my brother and his family as well as my parents on Amelia Island the first week of June. My parents are always gracious hosts to the madness that six kids six and under bring to a beach week! The boys enjoyed the pool more than the ocean, but in reality, they enjoyed the junk food, extended bed times, and the cousins the most. Gracey had a baby tent that was her favorite spot all week outside, and Deborah was able to soak up some rays and listen to ocean. The highlight of the trip for me was playing golf with my dad at TPC sawgrass! <br /><br />So, that is our summer in a nutshell. Hope you enjoy!<br /><br />clay for the kirklandsclay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-31885164517100156182010-12-11T16:15:00.002-05:002010-12-11T16:21:57.198-05:00Colorado, Conference, ChristmasThe Christmas break for us has 'officially' begun - kinda. Even though the interns and students are gone, my work still continues for a bit longer. I will be with Bob at a college ministry conference all next week in Kansas City. He and I will be teaching on Tuesday at the 'boot camp' of the conference. It is an event that I have attended several times with Bob, so we always look forward to it.<div><br /></div><div>Tonight, though, the travel begins. The whole fam is heading out to Colorado to spend a week with Deborah's aunt, uncle, and cousin. Deborah has wanted to visit them for such a long time, and things worked out to where it was a possibility. So, we all fly out tonight, and I will hop over to KC on Monday morning and return to Denver on Friday night. We all will return to Athens on Sunday night. It should be quite an adventure!</div><div><br /></div><div>Once we return, we will take a few days to regain our composure and then it is off to Marietta for a bit and then to Cumming for another bit. Our kids will be road and air warriors by the time Christmas is over! </div><div><br /></div><div>We are attempting to finish and mail our Christmas season newsletter in the midst of all of this, so hopefully you will get that sooner than later. We would appreciate your prayers as we travel all over the country! Thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div>clay for the kirklands</div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-31992189002196636842010-11-10T05:57:00.002-05:002010-11-10T06:00:47.481-05:00LINKHey everyone - I know, I know....it's been nearly three months since I posted. SORRY! And, to top it off, this post will be really short! Sorry again!<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, if you have not already, please go to my facebook page and watch the WESLEY fundraising dinner video...it is awesome! </div><div><br /></div><div>On a personal note, we failed on our first attempt to 'see' the gender of our baby three weeks ago! But, this coming Tuesday, we get another shot! </div><div><br /></div><div>Clay </div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-71383774425494046632010-08-22T14:50:00.002-04:002010-08-22T14:58:48.384-04:00Are you serious.....Yes I am!Why the title....because it is the question you will ask me, plus the response I will give you, when you read this next line:<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>DEBORAH IS NINE WEEKS PREGNANT!!!</b></div><div><br /></div><div>We could not be more thrilled and excited about this third 'blessing' from the Lord! We told our parents a week ago, and now we are releasing it to the public, so pass on the good news!</div><div><br /></div><div>Deborah has started to feel a bit queasy, which happened to her with both Fields and Cannon in the past. It is also a primary prayer focus of ours since she has two to take care of and also has two jobs! Please, please, please join with us in asking God for MERCY in regards to Deborah and her health. </div><div><br /></div><div>As far as baby Kirkland goes, he/she is healthy, has a very good heart rate, and is right on schedule with his/her physical development. We are actually able to see the little arms/legs budding out on the ultrasound this week! </div><div><br /></div><div>Many have asked/assumed about our desire for a girl this time; however, we really do not have a preference. Either way we consider ourselves blessed. It really is overwhelming to remember God's faithfulness to us throughout our journey into and out of infertility. He has been, is still, and always will be GOOD!</div><div><br /></div><div>clay for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">kirklands</span></div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-10353177594755338702010-07-30T07:55:00.002-04:002010-07-30T08:17:32.750-04:00Another Summer UpdateHere is another installment from the life of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kirklands</span>. The 'bullet point' format seemed to work out last time, so I am going to do it again. <div><br /></div><div> - CHILDREN - the kids are doing so well. Fields turns two on Monday! He has become focused on a few important things: plastic golf clubs (thank you, God), Barney, trains, and books. Each time he goes to bed, he has to have several/all of these items in his crib with him! Some of his highlights have been sleeping with a full sized guitar in his crib, a plastic tricycle, and two full sized beach balls....funny stuff. Cannon is now 8 months old his specialties include crawling and cutting teeth. This week we have found him sitting up in his bed just babbling about life or playing with this crib toy. He also has a passion for increasing the size of his upper thigh!</div><div><br /></div><div> - NEW HOME - We moved! It literally was a whirlwind of a move, but somehow (God) it happened. On July 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> we received an offer for our house - it had been on the market for ten weeks - and on July 23rd we closed! So many of our friends and interns from Wesley helped us pack up and get out so quickly. Instead of buying a home so quickly, we were pointed towards a great opportunity to rent a home in a wonderful neighborhood in Athens. It is quite larger and nicer than we are used to, but the Lord directed our steps to this place. We signed a year's lease and will reconsider our options for buying something next summer.</div><div><br /></div><div> - WORK - The interns of the 2010-2011 school year arrive on Monday! We have nearly 75 interns serving with us this year! Intern Training is one of my favorite times of the year - I often can barely sleep because of the anticipation and excitement of each day. It is a great and crazy mixture of fun, worship, wildness, good teaching, and wonderful community. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">UGA</span> students begin on Monday, the 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>, and our first big service of the year will be on the 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span>. </div><div><br /></div><div> - OTHER STUFF - Deborah and I celebrated 9 years of marriage on the 28<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> of July! Our anniversary dinner was a culinary journey at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Woodfire</span> Grill in Atlanta. Kevin Gillespie, a Top Chef finalist, is co-owner and head chef there. We did the five course tasting menu, and it was out of this world. Below is a description of each course:</div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Five Course tasting menu:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:23.0pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Chef’s treat #1 – amuse-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">bouche</span> – local carrot, pickled beets, Moroccan spiced <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">aioli</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> 1. </span></span></span>Local glazed carrot, applesauce smear, German style red cabbage</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> 2. </span></span></span>Olive oil poached shrimp, golden raisin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tapenade</span>, crispy fried eggplant donut</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:23.0pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Chef’s treat#2 – amuse-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">bouche</span> – heirloom tomato with pickled cucumber relish</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> 3. </span></span></span>Berkshire pork belly, fire roasted okra, sweet corn puree, local fire roasted glazed quail, roasted tomato vinaigrette</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> 4. </span></span></span>Sous-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">vide</span> and smoked lamb loin with Yukon gold sauce, braised pistachios in beef broth, pickled mustard seeds</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">5.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> 5. </span></span></span>Blueberry and cornmeal cake with blueberry ice cream, white chocolate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ganache</span>, and sweet corn sauce, blueberry syrup, with crumbled cookies on the side</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:23.0pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Chef’s treat #3 – 2 chocolate truffles</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:23.0pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:23.0pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">It was fabulous - I mean, FABULOUS!!!!!</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:23.0pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:23.0pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:23.0pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">clay for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">kirklands</span> </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:23.0pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-27203170973607523972010-06-09T11:18:00.003-04:002010-06-09T11:50:51.956-04:00SUMMER UPDATE<div><br /></div><div>Life has been really busy around the Kirkland home these days. Here is the readers digest version of the our summer activities:<div><br /></div><div>- Beach</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>We went to the beach with my parents and my brother and his family at the end of May. Spending a week in a Amelia Island with five kids ages five and under is both fun and challenging! This trip has become an annual event, and each year more and more children are added to the mix. The great news is that our kids loved the water, both pool and ocean, and they would wear themselves out and sleep well at night. Pictures will tell the story better so look for them at the end of this post!</div><div><br /></div><div>- Bees</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Here is something that you might not have known about me: I have had beekeeping on my bucket list since I was a young boy. Three weeks ago, I was able to erase that entry on that list! In the back right corner of the lot, I have two bee hives! It has been a lot of fun, even though my neighbors probably think that I have come back from NASA space camp when I walk around the yard with my outfit on! The bees are in the process of developing their 'home base,' and once they do, I will be able to add more boxes on top for honey production.</div><div><br /></div><div>- House</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>We have put our house on the market. Before you send me emails about how bad the market is/are you moving away and where are you going, please keep reading on! We are NOT moving away from Athens, and we realize it is not the ideal time to sell a house. But, we are attempting to be obedient to what we believe the Lord is leading us to do. If it sells, that would be wonderful and we could look for a house with a bit more space and in a better school district. If it does not sell, then we took a shot at obedience and we hit the drawing board again!</div><div><br /></div><div>- Wesley</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>The summer is actually one of my more busy times throughout the year since it is the time that I have to regroup and forward think about the upcoming fall. With the number of interns that we have coming in this year (over 75 + the 14 directors), I have a LOT to do! Intern Training begins on August 2nd, which is a two week period where the staff comes together and prepares for the year. I, along with Daniel Simmons (my partner in all of this), plan, create, and administer those two weeks. It is a labor of love, and each year it sets the tone for the staff.</div><div><br /></div><div>- Kids</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>Cannon just turned six months, and Fields is two months away from being two! Cannon is now sitting up, eating baby cereal and bananas, and teething like a madman! He is a very happy baby and is often content to just sit and be. Fields, on the other hand, has had the energy levels cranked up lately! He is talking all the time - sometimes in English, others times in an Asian/African dialect. Fields is now in a booster sit at the 'grown up' table and is in the beginning stages of potty training.</div><div><br /></div><div>ENJOY THE PICTURES!</div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fk2VjNqjNeL1yje_ibGw6Ae2ZsGqjNXMvX3RwOWogjmIqVez-y1vwButSxS9zFiqdCxZXg6hyphenhyphenaT3CRaRuAZwY2jTNEHJYQdWOFVAOq6GZyn_1udxZx13fK2OQ-r9yTF7S6D-6knDEY6B/s1600/100_8495.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fk2VjNqjNeL1yje_ibGw6Ae2ZsGqjNXMvX3RwOWogjmIqVez-y1vwButSxS9zFiqdCxZXg6hyphenhyphenaT3CRaRuAZwY2jTNEHJYQdWOFVAOq6GZyn_1udxZx13fK2OQ-r9yTF7S6D-6knDEY6B/s200/100_8495.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480801003820262066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaCqt3mc-xKGrAJkPfoTImHa-bOd3jsrMH94wG6sHSx_mphJUN6q-4kDhmjNn3e9Lts8p-VeAvsIwfOwLLjeHYlQYuKLqYvdpnYXKq3ZbtG6ulZs_8iTniF3EJFyBR3erVuwTYe-E2kU_/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaCqt3mc-xKGrAJkPfoTImHa-bOd3jsrMH94wG6sHSx_mphJUN6q-4kDhmjNn3e9Lts8p-VeAvsIwfOwLLjeHYlQYuKLqYvdpnYXKq3ZbtG6ulZs_8iTniF3EJFyBR3erVuwTYe-E2kU_/s200/DSC_0132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480800990096284226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz92Xr7HuZbSyV-xLs3jbXZwiRpkWOH075FfdN1boZpI9huNdmlEnPu1HQFWBszZi1_jTYiOqeYswtI8UKupQ9lQFP-yDV3nd3420KJB6sJ_qhV-lRjjpMlTgxuQbPollsHy5zqEa8Z1W/s1600/IMG_9409.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz92Xr7HuZbSyV-xLs3jbXZwiRpkWOH075FfdN1boZpI9huNdmlEnPu1HQFWBszZi1_jTYiOqeYswtI8UKupQ9lQFP-yDV3nd3420KJB6sJ_qhV-lRjjpMlTgxuQbPollsHy5zqEa8Z1W/s200/IMG_9409.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480800976835674722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4zyoxoD0eamEjzGRbUwkZvlZY6NtFHSybRsZEUJ3SlfzEYn4z4j__TZjda6MQVVg6dGnudn3DK9MygB_wNRidqVEkNi_tQxm88uKrP4pj0AOEgU7WQSMuSwgXqG8l3DCnidOZ687B2BD/s1600/IMG_9236.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4zyoxoD0eamEjzGRbUwkZvlZY6NtFHSybRsZEUJ3SlfzEYn4z4j__TZjda6MQVVg6dGnudn3DK9MygB_wNRidqVEkNi_tQxm88uKrP4pj0AOEgU7WQSMuSwgXqG8l3DCnidOZ687B2BD/s200/IMG_9236.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480801807854026466" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTcxrj_zMoy85B33ftzL14dTwNb9wl3Tgm1CULeFzEkLcXyeM0hF3CMFKTqZGmfPUvLD9eZXJlv3WHjPUDKlvtqhfzmMWQ-OwaRWV-wIGrbzJjwqxrqvwGheiPB8gYzB1a-aCMvD4AY1G/s1600/IMG_9202_2.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTcxrj_zMoy85B33ftzL14dTwNb9wl3Tgm1CULeFzEkLcXyeM0hF3CMFKTqZGmfPUvLD9eZXJlv3WHjPUDKlvtqhfzmMWQ-OwaRWV-wIGrbzJjwqxrqvwGheiPB8gYzB1a-aCMvD4AY1G/s200/IMG_9202_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480800934875314626" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-44837249345522801702010-05-07T13:08:00.002-04:002010-05-07T13:24:08.368-04:00End of the Year Wrap UpWe have 'officially' brought our school year to an end at Wesley, although our work for this fall has already begun. Last Thursday, we had Intern Appreciation out at Deborah's uncles house in Gainesville. Traditionally, we always have it at Wesley, so we led our interns this year to believe that we were going to be at Wesley this year as well. However, once they all congregated at Wesley, a charter bus came and picked them up! They were extremely surprised and excited about the off campus evening we planned for them. After some really good food (yes, I cooked it all) and some very encouraging words shared to the interns, we concluded the night with a fireworks extravaganza! It was so wonderful, and I truly believe that every intern was blessed by it.<div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned, next year's planning is in full swing. We spend three days earlier this week at our director's retreat, and I (clay) will spend two days away with Daniel Simmons (my partner in crime with the internship program) planning for next year. Why all this work so soon? Oh, it is because we have SEVENTY SEVEN interns coming in on August 2nd!!!!!!! A year ago at this point, we had just finished intern appreciation for our 38 interns, and we were wondering what we were going to do with 51 incoming interns! Now, 51 seems small compared to 77! With 14 directors, we will have over 90 people on staff at Wesley for 2010-2011. It will be crazy but fun for everyone to see what God is up to with this type of staff.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our family will be joining up with my brothers family and my parents to participate in the annual Kirkland Beach Trip in Amelia Island during the last week in May. Since last year, by brother and I both have added a child, so we now are having to rent two condos to fit everyone. This will be the first time that I have ever attended this blessed event and not have to either leave early or study at night because of seminary. So, this will be a new experience for me! When we get back, I will post some new pictures of the kids. They are both growing like weeds! </div><div><br /></div><div>clay for the kirklands</div><div><br /></div><div> </div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-36766451617414978372010-03-19T13:03:00.004-04:002010-03-19T13:31:41.119-04:00Jamaican Times<div>Hey Everyone - Well, the Jamaica trip was absolutely terrific! The Lord was so kind to us, and we could really feel His tangible favor upon us. The travel, the airports, the weather, the team, etc - everything was blessed by Jesus!<div><br /></div><div>Our kids are normally very well behaved and live life really peacefully. In Jamaica, they were even better! Fields had a blast with the team, and he became quite the socialite during the evenings with the Freshmen. His crowning moment was getting in the middle of the group and dancing to the tunes of a Jamaican reggae band! Cannon was offically labeled a 'beach bum' all week. His activities included sleeping, eating, laughing, and sleeping some more! I dont think that either of them wanted to leave; they have actually seemed a little bored this week without their fifty three new friends around all the time!</div><div><br /></div><div>We would not have had the trip we had without Deborah's sister, Cat, being there. She was terrific all week, helping with the kids and bonding with the team. She took a whole week of work off in order to make this trip happen for us (it was a requirement for me to have someone stay with Deborah during the times we were out on the work sites). </div><div><br /></div><div>Deborah and I had a blast spending time with the students on the trip. With our positions at Wesley, we do not get as much interaction with the students as we would like, so this trip was a special blessing. We were amazed at how passionately in love with Jesus they were and how they really came together as team. They are a very impressive group of young men and women!</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy the pictures...</div><div><br /></div><div>clay for the kirklands</div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7viWtdOwrjxTU_kaxs2DK6lbYLe6riFGXYguvJn9QJTPMYO0C8PIvIAqbinDWvc1MuIKPHBkv-J6ujhBPZS-t6Fl91PrvAlk8QSAMTcTAyKPZqyuGzNRv4mPo1elOUV3e2sKY3lT-Lij/s1600-h/IMG_8309.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7viWtdOwrjxTU_kaxs2DK6lbYLe6riFGXYguvJn9QJTPMYO0C8PIvIAqbinDWvc1MuIKPHBkv-J6ujhBPZS-t6Fl91PrvAlk8QSAMTcTAyKPZqyuGzNRv4mPo1elOUV3e2sKY3lT-Lij/s200/IMG_8309.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450397254950219554" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7viWtdOwrjxTU_kaxs2DK6lbYLe6riFGXYguvJn9QJTPMYO0C8PIvIAqbinDWvc1MuIKPHBkv-J6ujhBPZS-t6Fl91PrvAlk8QSAMTcTAyKPZqyuGzNRv4mPo1elOUV3e2sKY3lT-Lij/s1600-h/IMG_8309.JPG"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4_AQkzTsYrhmK0-0TRMG-c-gZRmy6a3L8oP1nHpXwMDTkjejT1blgyIxrMFWHKFuynMH6AfuCOaOxnazyrKAe3oHhWSVIPfZuRRZtoYouTGfuVGd2voZRKNFAIZUjGGH8Me1PuGiuIYY/s1600-h/IMG_8235.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; 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cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrpQcybagV72YzIeNlU3hPCOdlNDtrbnPL35Ajz3zArggERStcPclWM080md5YECIbEAEU1f_QVJ6EeN1nnQ9cp1sNwqEXR_RMh3syNeDOZaZz_EP-he4x59ILNnS5X_cSWRupCOz5F88/s200/IMG_8675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450395344144216770" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /></div></div></div></div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-41705654964100594002010-02-07T14:01:00.004-05:002010-02-07T14:33:49.100-05:00BLOWN OUT of the 'Blog Fog'<div>So, life with two kids has been both WONDERFUL and BLURRY! We certainly have seen a lot of our free time disappear, but it has been worth it. Our blog has most definitely suffered from this time warp - something that I have called the 'blog fog.' How do you come up with something clever to say when you cannot even think straight? I cannot remember half of what I used to know, thus the blog has been empty for a long time.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Fields to the rescue, though! Here is the background:</div><div><br /></div><div>Things had been going really well for us with two kids during January. We settled into a great routine and both the boys were thriving together. During the past two weeks, however, Deborah and Fields have been hit hard with bronchitis. Both of them have been through a round of antibiotics, and just now they are showing signs of improvement. Cannon, poor little guy, tested positive for RSV, thus he has been on steroids and breathing treatments for a week. By the grace of God, I have managed to stay relatively well during this war zone.</div><div>Fields, at 18 months and 5 days , has had a streak going on that I have been personally proud of. He went the first 18 months and 4 days without ever having diarrhea!!!!!! Sounds strange, but he has been 'solid' for his entire life, which I contribute to his insanely healthy diet (mush rules). Well, after a week of antibiotics and snot being ingested, he finally caved. I was asleep this morning because I was on Cannon patrol last night (feeding and breathing treatments every 4 hours). Deborah got Fields around 7:30 am, and she was welcomed by a natural disaster....</div><div><br /></div><div>PROCEED TO LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING PICTURES AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjqI8E_sNFZHnSbhOQyYjtzVnIH5fG4SGoZsaluaLEIUwz6TGPqCqUPfR1vEUSeXSsDI-LbPQ2efKhgkCcvVh2-qnfXjkK53pykokCnPoR9VOTxndHSom6lFdJvTa2-PrW7FEMAiAUAz9/s1600-h/100_7776.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjqI8E_sNFZHnSbhOQyYjtzVnIH5fG4SGoZsaluaLEIUwz6TGPqCqUPfR1vEUSeXSsDI-LbPQ2efKhgkCcvVh2-qnfXjkK53pykokCnPoR9VOTxndHSom6lFdJvTa2-PrW7FEMAiAUAz9/s200/100_7776.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435584855841565890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNlUeXo0m6-Bm3X4G5RtnAGIbEHY-x8h2Tgv4ZB7_fdhdQO_UPd9fsLBZvaEmJhDXtlVJTuNJYqkZvlIvx2Vb5ntNhk564INhuGjw5CcAzKRqfU1wstd3VAxuMYLzo3qklhMVZx-cEtHE/s1600-h/100_7775.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNlUeXo0m6-Bm3X4G5RtnAGIbEHY-x8h2Tgv4ZB7_fdhdQO_UPd9fsLBZvaEmJhDXtlVJTuNJYqkZvlIvx2Vb5ntNhk564INhuGjw5CcAzKRqfU1wstd3VAxuMYLzo3qklhMVZx-cEtHE/s200/100_7775.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435584852494502082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqtEx10_J0GBJ30wDHSYfG2sw-u0LiBznDMR_rQkfmG7Fdr1fFqx-FuQbxv62BOy3rTTkdQKDXa6T3t7qV9YmWWPpp1LRMZAK-jwQzKw-bBJIppq6ZgauRwqCqUOObIsnve1Q0uvSuciD/s1600-h/100_7774.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqtEx10_J0GBJ30wDHSYfG2sw-u0LiBznDMR_rQkfmG7Fdr1fFqx-FuQbxv62BOy3rTTkdQKDXa6T3t7qV9YmWWPpp1LRMZAK-jwQzKw-bBJIppq6ZgauRwqCqUOObIsnve1Q0uvSuciD/s200/100_7774.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435584845776445650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqQ7Cf5eYCg3nJ8IlWhLF7eKGrtzdBjpqL87nzFKLXiaSRDQOMot2lO1D3uL0jgIe6LnxjygmTFp0YuYFW46ErXMob6QZn1T5yFfP1OkTnvy3hnZWjBG_JC8dCXWCo-7dkQemSbPjYuBG/s1600-h/100_7773.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqQ7Cf5eYCg3nJ8IlWhLF7eKGrtzdBjpqL87nzFKLXiaSRDQOMot2lO1D3uL0jgIe6LnxjygmTFp0YuYFW46ErXMob6QZn1T5yFfP1OkTnvy3hnZWjBG_JC8dCXWCo-7dkQemSbPjYuBG/s200/100_7773.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435584837401936162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9E3usAtK-NkHiBeIK5yG7rBgQR2Se63CdZUOOcyJO6VK0jelFadQrf0SGfZkP-cJ82L5GviB3b8LfHNUl3oIzhuq3yLkhU_92dcoAmHMRp2IzR2PZWC8KKQSJjxiEVkyrpVdLX5Z3C2t/s1600-h/100_7770.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9E3usAtK-NkHiBeIK5yG7rBgQR2Se63CdZUOOcyJO6VK0jelFadQrf0SGfZkP-cJ82L5GviB3b8LfHNUl3oIzhuq3yLkhU_92dcoAmHMRp2IzR2PZWC8KKQSJjxiEVkyrpVdLX5Z3C2t/s200/100_7770.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435584835985046610" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Cannon was, needless to say, undisturbed by the whole thing!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI0foDlXwSlXY1vWIACxJ8V8RSxJP6R4xGNGrltUTHnXNdeT679O5gYjBrdI0DXgiE48PvKZGyFmmCWm_ml2I4Qkj5lUrIKFZZD2_7S1S6TzU4dTEs7yqCzg_FH-s6PAwnL8NsAiKmq1b/s1600-h/100_7756.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI0foDlXwSlXY1vWIACxJ8V8RSxJP6R4xGNGrltUTHnXNdeT679O5gYjBrdI0DXgiE48PvKZGyFmmCWm_ml2I4Qkj5lUrIKFZZD2_7S1S6TzU4dTEs7yqCzg_FH-s6PAwnL8NsAiKmq1b/s200/100_7756.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435585317273731314" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Clay for the Kirklands!!!</div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-46030301822543461702009-12-15T18:48:00.002-05:002009-12-15T19:55:05.643-05:00Two Week Review<div>We have entered into our third week of parenting two, and thus I figured a review would be in order. The great news is that we have had a lot of help so far. My mother was here the first week with us as we transitioned from the hospital to the house. She was a major asset to us! She cooked, she cleaned, she washed, she changed diapers, she held the babies, etc. We then had three days between helpers before Deborahs aunt Pat and cousin Allison came into town from Colorado. Allison was here for four days, and Aunt pat is staying here till this Saturday. They, too, have been so helpful to us. Allison is a pediatric nurse and Pat is a retired physical therapist, so Allie was our doctor on demand and Pat has massaged out all of our stress!<div><br /></div><div>The boys have been wonderful. Fields had his first fever of his life last week, and the jury is still out as to whether it was more traumatic for him or for us! It turned out to be a case of Rosiola. The great news about Fields is this: He adores Cannon! There is not a waking hour that goes by where Fields is not kissing, hugging, patting, or rubbing on Cannon (especially his ear). Cannon has hung in there with all of the 'affection' from his big brother. He is sleeping very well for a two week old, and he eats a lot as well. He really has been as 'easy' baby, especially since he never cries! Of course, he can let it out when we change him and our hands are cold, but in all honesty, he is pretty chilled out for a newborn.</div><div><br /></div><div>Deborah is, as always, handling things beautifully. With the help that we have had, she has taken the chance to rest at times during the day, and most nights, Cannon does not keep us up much at all. Wesley is on Christmas break, which gives me the opportunity to be at home right now with everyone. We are looking forward to our first Christmas as a family of four!</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy a few new pictures!</div><div><br /></div><div>clay for the kirklands</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx3BFCMjqZm4v-Ao7STGaNqAUuGOJ1MgeMgkHiMyxpEmBBoN2q2c7v9e7YFTDd6BOsMgTvPPSWeRH25A-ng49uyC_9YpATIwHDaWig0f69Q7Z-CylUlFSAL84C6_kbrqT8NJ9Ssftk6b8/s1600-h/100_7070.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx3BFCMjqZm4v-Ao7STGaNqAUuGOJ1MgeMgkHiMyxpEmBBoN2q2c7v9e7YFTDd6BOsMgTvPPSWeRH25A-ng49uyC_9YpATIwHDaWig0f69Q7Z-CylUlFSAL84C6_kbrqT8NJ9Ssftk6b8/s200/100_7070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415631014672375090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz2lvRKJKUengLReySRzzhlISMuwSXf9z2-BCG83Eu2BX8R_oszXBblN9fjbydsKRNYilSP0GCSJ5fbpZRDjjX20wmP-txd8ohJd-DdsHPtOAQbyzXTltNnNqKeHcvT6Y5dikOcb-lKBz/s1600-h/100_7054.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz2lvRKJKUengLReySRzzhlISMuwSXf9z2-BCG83Eu2BX8R_oszXBblN9fjbydsKRNYilSP0GCSJ5fbpZRDjjX20wmP-txd8ohJd-DdsHPtOAQbyzXTltNnNqKeHcvT6Y5dikOcb-lKBz/s200/100_7054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415631010257150034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT19Hd0h6NIPDH1PY_-CGTOfT3ajGxtux4xuHFa965DGjqFOIe28vFMhVE2R3Eod7Ovdf-9csCj9kAExYc0f8WV7RXHDiDL-iQquBACgZR5GKxsZMF7Z7Ij56dteqUur4neLCfhtlF1VKB/s1600-h/100_7017.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT19Hd0h6NIPDH1PY_-CGTOfT3ajGxtux4xuHFa965DGjqFOIe28vFMhVE2R3Eod7Ovdf-9csCj9kAExYc0f8WV7RXHDiDL-iQquBACgZR5GKxsZMF7Z7Ij56dteqUur4neLCfhtlF1VKB/s200/100_7017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415631003852475266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytMF4ovR3UgpFjVrfJihM18kHyKbteer_q8tbp1LCbuKKi_LopkUpFAq-KJsgVieGTBau1Jq9jeR5kdrMSZLx0iF3uJlwbf8JCr11WaayG1V9Tjj9BLjKVF69neKC1OdBrfpFy6ja3aAU/s1600-h/100_6996.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytMF4ovR3UgpFjVrfJihM18kHyKbteer_q8tbp1LCbuKKi_LopkUpFAq-KJsgVieGTBau1Jq9jeR5kdrMSZLx0iF3uJlwbf8JCr11WaayG1V9Tjj9BLjKVF69neKC1OdBrfpFy6ja3aAU/s200/100_6996.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415630995346934258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuzdHB4XTUYG0pSIwrdTowjmdRuYz1UWoJiabOslgsRvY_1GuTY9bkmJw1yXbQmZtEVP_9MOmN6EL08E55VopWn6ql7HtMb92XUQQ61PmyXAewww1JvTlQZX-EsVFg28jhqUhFEYeuEIr/s1600-h/100_6925.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuzdHB4XTUYG0pSIwrdTowjmdRuYz1UWoJiabOslgsRvY_1GuTY9bkmJw1yXbQmZtEVP_9MOmN6EL08E55VopWn6ql7HtMb92XUQQ61PmyXAewww1JvTlQZX-EsVFg28jhqUhFEYeuEIr/s200/100_6925.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415630991909515730" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-49987025611944908932009-11-29T20:59:00.002-05:002009-11-29T21:11:10.347-05:00Introducing Mr. cannon asher kirkland<div><br /></div><div>Today, cannon asher kirkland was born at 2:10 pm! He weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces, was 20 1/2 inches long, with dark hair, great skin tone, and brownish eyes. Deborah did INCREDIBLY well - the whole process from water breaking to cannon was forty minutes and four big pushes! Fields adores him already. Much, much more will come in the near future, but I am too freakin tired to do any more!<div><br /></div><div>clay for the kirklands</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDr62oBtD1FBW-4IRBECxpodHWsOX-aE8VG8cNBZ8kMG5APZ9BK2jP58W-azGBqQ9Y9Mv3kR-k5eDkj-8eKo_oCcUvfaos4vsXPyxX2RqhKmg6-VM71Eg1H6IV-KGO5Ki09z5dZwBljQV6/s1600/13566_858106819940_4908837_52166119_2595066_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDr62oBtD1FBW-4IRBECxpodHWsOX-aE8VG8cNBZ8kMG5APZ9BK2jP58W-azGBqQ9Y9Mv3kR-k5eDkj-8eKo_oCcUvfaos4vsXPyxX2RqhKmg6-VM71Eg1H6IV-KGO5Ki09z5dZwBljQV6/s200/13566_858106819940_4908837_52166119_2595066_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409713286040919506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinU-w7083SRMzjwRKHNvL9Wi2y3jlh8VChgKj-pvLBOViBPPZ-etbGQRwdYcJMjOrYgiY0iAW9uROCQNfDdKykc8MCN3dbi37kShvNgCtN3C-eTKxYjIYLjxscVfIluZDaAy4lzBRSIcIO/s1600/100_6905.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinU-w7083SRMzjwRKHNvL9Wi2y3jlh8VChgKj-pvLBOViBPPZ-etbGQRwdYcJMjOrYgiY0iAW9uROCQNfDdKykc8MCN3dbi37kShvNgCtN3C-eTKxYjIYLjxscVfIluZDaAy4lzBRSIcIO/s200/100_6905.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409713281342785682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdI2puLXjWeXb50hKOHFOC1L_3CLS9yPOd5EzjWLlkzEh2uj8q2lnGXMcElqjdbchLwFo9tzJIgnGUQSEfjrMBKOsLWeXWiYOSY5pFjT8BVqd9q5kJY19pgB55eKr3N6ynLoVCv4hE9EW/s1600/13566_858106944690_4908837_52166142_195892_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdI2puLXjWeXb50hKOHFOC1L_3CLS9yPOd5EzjWLlkzEh2uj8q2lnGXMcElqjdbchLwFo9tzJIgnGUQSEfjrMBKOsLWeXWiYOSY5pFjT8BVqd9q5kJY19pgB55eKr3N6ynLoVCv4hE9EW/s200/13566_858106944690_4908837_52166142_195892_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409713274264644322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWevVHyhaEfMvC4FCWlG9-0i8u-bJyEZ5LlibcWYvQKXlsaJdPvk18LQGPi9yhOOX-3WVMkBPTIZjqAfc65QQCuh3rjlt7ReiZeFH7CtmOtB5rmsA66nMKj4fhYnvJOwFmctgIItIfMNY/s1600/13566_858106959660_4908837_52166145_2758173_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWevVHyhaEfMvC4FCWlG9-0i8u-bJyEZ5LlibcWYvQKXlsaJdPvk18LQGPi9yhOOX-3WVMkBPTIZjqAfc65QQCuh3rjlt7ReiZeFH7CtmOtB5rmsA66nMKj4fhYnvJOwFmctgIItIfMNY/s200/13566_858106959660_4908837_52166145_2758173_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409713271458509170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBGu219jcJtWQ3xeZ_S4WVv5fW8LyNsbj-ckVpfrDWieR-ENkclD-AZvhm8XYwD9OlY9dmmx-G0peyUrrLWo73erchWgcLH8XL9PCQFt9u5UJKjz_2YgQ2aJQUL2dUHrYTYVVpmqdo6mv/s1600/100_6919.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBGu219jcJtWQ3xeZ_S4WVv5fW8LyNsbj-ckVpfrDWieR-ENkclD-AZvhm8XYwD9OlY9dmmx-G0peyUrrLWo73erchWgcLH8XL9PCQFt9u5UJKjz_2YgQ2aJQUL2dUHrYTYVVpmqdo6mv/s200/100_6919.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409713265237255234" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-64970567763200427012009-09-04T09:45:00.002-04:002009-09-04T10:04:09.501-04:00Graduation Celebration<div>Well, you should all know by now that Deborah is incredible! Here is another example of her awesomeness: Last Friday, I finished my last seminary class! After 5 busy years, Deborah wanted to do something special for me as a celebration. She went straight to the sweetspot of my heart: FOOD!<div>I am a real food snob - if it bothers you, blame my parents because they raised me to be that way. I grew up eating at some of the best restaurants in the southeast. So, now, my passion for good food and the culinary arts are still as strong as ever. Here in Athens, we have some really wonderful restaurants, with 5 and 10 being the premier restaurant in this city. Hugh Acheson is the head chef there, and he is AMAZING. He won best new chef from Food and Wine among other things.</div><div>We have eaten at 5 and 10 a few times to celebrate our anniversary, and each time it gets better. I was able to meet Hugh at Deborah's cousins wedding two summers ago when he catered the reception - it was a great experience.</div><div>So, Deborah pulled off a big surprise and had Hugh Acheson come to our house last night and cook for us!!!!!!!!! When he came to the door, I was so confused to see Hugh with a bunch on cooking supplies! He spent 2 hours in my kitchen, using my cookware, cleaning all of the dishes he used, serving us at the table, and talking our heads off about the restaurant business, cooking secrets, and funny stories about our kids.</div><div>It was probably the coolest thing that anyone has ever done for me! I was so incredibly blessed, and I believe that I had a perma-smile on my face the whole night. I woke up this morning still thinking about the experience. Below is what was on the menu:</div><div>- Spinach salad with grilled pear, maytag blue cheese, walnuts, and shallot-thyme vinaigrette</div><div>- Tomato and bread soup with homemade pimento cheese grilled cheese sandwich</div><div>- Poached beef eye of ribeye with shitake mushroom duxelle, broccoli gratin, and simple jus</div><div>- Peach cobbler with homemade peach ice cream</div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DMn-zAarQ3_yJJnGfd_VNPAA7y6JtLCbmzkzCj_FoDHkyBJxjvM8qScJ2fVwZ_X9JqLaRnWfdd3IMQ66XDkB4iqQBw4wyqupOTPeJ6-8jm7jTXLC74XpMijfSGwE5KNPU_fRkCvCgUST/s1600-h/100_6274.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DMn-zAarQ3_yJJnGfd_VNPAA7y6JtLCbmzkzCj_FoDHkyBJxjvM8qScJ2fVwZ_X9JqLaRnWfdd3IMQ66XDkB4iqQBw4wyqupOTPeJ6-8jm7jTXLC74XpMijfSGwE5KNPU_fRkCvCgUST/s200/100_6274.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377612620744677682" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-878773070751546672009-08-23T20:42:00.004-04:002009-08-23T21:14:03.916-04:00Wesley is BACK!!!!!<div><br /></div><div>Hey everyone - Let me first answer a question from the fan mail: "Clay, your blog is so totally boss. Can you please let me know why you have not been writing during the past month? I heard that you fast a lot - are you fasting blogging?"<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>No, I have not been on a blog 'fast.'</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>OK, so now that the fans are satisfied, let me give you an update on our ministry. We had our first wesley of the school year this past Wednesday. We are meeting this year in a large room in the new student center that is called, Tate 2 (since the original student center is called the 'Tate Center'). Tate 2 is located right in the middle of campus beside the stadium, and it is a perfect location for students who live both on and off campus to congregate.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>We had been spending the majority of our time the past few weeks getting ready to load in our sound and lights, but two days before our service, we found out that we were going to be able to use the stage, lights, and sound that had been set up for the Kellie Pickler concert!!! As you look at the pics below, you will notice how 'professional' it appears. We certainly were blessed by it all, but this week we will be back to normal - Wesley level sound and lights, which is on a campus ministry budget level!</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>The night of the service, students started pouring in from everywhere once we opened the doors. Having been here for quite some time, both Deborah and I know that the first night is always the biggest. But, despite our prior experiences, it never gets old to see students hungry to meet with the Lord after being away from Wesley all summer. The crowds kept growing and growing till we were bulging out of every side of our new room! The front 'mosh pit' and all of the open areas in the back were jammed tightly. We are not sure of the exact number, but we do know that there were well over one thousand students there since we nearly had one thousand seats placed in the room.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>We are geared up for an incredible year. Our staff is the largest we have ever had at Wesley, and thus far they have been amazingly willing to serve others and pursue the Lord eagerly. The student leadership team this year had an incredible retreat just before the school year began, and all of us could tell that as a corporate body, our leaders are going to go for it all this year. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel and have toward the Lord for all that He has already done and is doing at Wesley this year. We will be sure to keep you posted.</div><div><br /></div><div>clay for the kirklands</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0XlujlVWZoRdz6zftG7BGqLJ0TcaDhv_wMOh9-XUb98sfNqvP2RrqHug8Tv93r5EvcZK0yZmUK7eKQ3vHpEuZ33MXJyxxuCm5mxNNdP4Xt8B-_Mm5GsdC_wkV5gWpiCSGFlWSWEB_EyG/s1600-h/1st+Wesley+2009-2010c.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0XlujlVWZoRdz6zftG7BGqLJ0TcaDhv_wMOh9-XUb98sfNqvP2RrqHug8Tv93r5EvcZK0yZmUK7eKQ3vHpEuZ33MXJyxxuCm5mxNNdP4Xt8B-_Mm5GsdC_wkV5gWpiCSGFlWSWEB_EyG/s200/1st+Wesley+2009-2010c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373331581020353058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIRL4_I7Lg8K8Jsr8JMUaHsUvIczVDv1J32pJ5XSuy234q3BRXsekluE8yGCDuiUVbxkBmV7sZDY_knN-B6AXfPSanYFjZ8CYWoqU9P7wjOh4QZBhpDaugTrvMPDLXR_wrUo5TfQh11TO/s1600-h/1st+Wesley+2009-20010.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIRL4_I7Lg8K8Jsr8JMUaHsUvIczVDv1J32pJ5XSuy234q3BRXsekluE8yGCDuiUVbxkBmV7sZDY_knN-B6AXfPSanYFjZ8CYWoqU9P7wjOh4QZBhpDaugTrvMPDLXR_wrUo5TfQh11TO/s200/1st+Wesley+2009-20010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373331569697257154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7jsTMc9fzsgfXBayVU3Ic5THHXwAZwXgnysCVCOLvG5I_H1rPAckI1Qq8qXcG05Ua8jbjc8q3SeUIxBCXlNN4QCuF9RjMQKXGnmHtg_JBfm-SMxlcSyLLvB-1qsWC8_uV8VbBki2jO_0/s1600-h/1st+Wesley+2009-2010d.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7jsTMc9fzsgfXBayVU3Ic5THHXwAZwXgnysCVCOLvG5I_H1rPAckI1Qq8qXcG05Ua8jbjc8q3SeUIxBCXlNN4QCuF9RjMQKXGnmHtg_JBfm-SMxlcSyLLvB-1qsWC8_uV8VbBki2jO_0/s200/1st+Wesley+2009-2010d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373331562948347874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreuPeGsGl-O2_wiDCOrrcR2rA4a7S7wijszVmuuZs_dU0Dr4I14f0vTFS7pD8_YSo4eYGG5jxZChkUaY2KQr6WnjhTpzUJLtybVOQxURV6Il0mtsZc1ItTrg8Rg9fNltjq_jxlkcVFO6p/s1600-h/1st+Wesley+2009-2010b.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreuPeGsGl-O2_wiDCOrrcR2rA4a7S7wijszVmuuZs_dU0Dr4I14f0vTFS7pD8_YSo4eYGG5jxZChkUaY2KQr6WnjhTpzUJLtybVOQxURV6Il0mtsZc1ItTrg8Rg9fNltjq_jxlkcVFO6p/s200/1st+Wesley+2009-2010b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373331032590539618" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-11726169391876805822009-07-26T15:43:00.003-04:002009-07-26T15:55:31.343-04:00Season of BUSY<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjILNtz1C1HoJERWvqccL7HqjQnZA6wPi4zGk_KvrhsrsMLduAN_WkWxh7fqEa-InWyH_MHN9OPztzD94qbj-bi7GdKGgPSmovcJ0Hw9wE1uMtipMU9oSxP-4uQBRFesHBo7pNjYOooTO/s1600-h/100_6134.JPG"></a>Hey Everyone - we have reached that time of year again where everything in our lives moves into hyper-speed for a while. In the next month, we have our 8th anniversary, Fields' first birthday, Intern Training for 53 young men and women who will comprise our intern staff this year, The first Wesley service of the new school year, my last final ever for seminary, the results of Deborah's licensure process, and much, much, more!</div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see from the pictures down below, this season is making us T-I-R-E-D!! We would LOVE your prayers for grace and strength!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks,</div><div><br /></div><div>Clay for the Kirklands </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJSIRu48O0qmrcDnWUVb-V38zSHAtONo89YQCy4KchoKGNd5EksmwDR79CVB4zp1_1qcFM1HEKpBLdBosY6yz7q-CXJS0k5QL5r_AX2sBltMMjngjIeuJ4lO3WR9AOhM6MxMf78IrJzf7/s1600-h/100_6136.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJSIRu48O0qmrcDnWUVb-V38zSHAtONo89YQCy4KchoKGNd5EksmwDR79CVB4zp1_1qcFM1HEKpBLdBosY6yz7q-CXJS0k5QL5r_AX2sBltMMjngjIeuJ4lO3WR9AOhM6MxMf78IrJzf7/s200/100_6136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362858954321346338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMZQ-4eKZEUtI-6u0eolep-_qV5ngZQsAf0OB2ZsYYjXKfZ5APuw4RuAeilFx27PPUqIx8mIOZYwzVbLLR45aLrOpulHq9vrT5ivZtA-TVs6_NeybpNgE8EF2BNYoX1sqxrpE9CoUwIN1/s1600-h/100_6137.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMZQ-4eKZEUtI-6u0eolep-_qV5ngZQsAf0OB2ZsYYjXKfZ5APuw4RuAeilFx27PPUqIx8mIOZYwzVbLLR45aLrOpulHq9vrT5ivZtA-TVs6_NeybpNgE8EF2BNYoX1sqxrpE9CoUwIN1/s200/100_6137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362858962846146418" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlFl3LT0feGwCUdTQDAn5ODO2fECp9mbejxAf6VXxyv5uNv2SLD3yVG4Q8SCLi3slft-bAgtXgRG2ElKTzJSxtQplNyXPfOCu0I0EHQZVrSxfR8XbbX6UHmxwMfWv7fyTKw3Va53VG0PB/s1600-h/100_6135.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlFl3LT0feGwCUdTQDAn5ODO2fECp9mbejxAf6VXxyv5uNv2SLD3yVG4Q8SCLi3slft-bAgtXgRG2ElKTzJSxtQplNyXPfOCu0I0EHQZVrSxfR8XbbX6UHmxwMfWv7fyTKw3Va53VG0PB/s200/100_6135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362858974910818610" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjILNtz1C1HoJERWvqccL7HqjQnZA6wPi4zGk_KvrhsrsMLduAN_WkWxh7fqEa-InWyH_MHN9OPztzD94qbj-bi7GdKGgPSmovcJ0Hw9wE1uMtipMU9oSxP-4uQBRFesHBo7pNjYOooTO/s1600-h/100_6134.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjILNtz1C1HoJERWvqccL7HqjQnZA6wPi4zGk_KvrhsrsMLduAN_WkWxh7fqEa-InWyH_MHN9OPztzD94qbj-bi7GdKGgPSmovcJ0Hw9wE1uMtipMU9oSxP-4uQBRFesHBo7pNjYOooTO/s200/100_6134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362858977950790466" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div>this is the process of Fields waking up from a late morning nap!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-89651147591305407682009-07-09T13:18:00.002-04:002009-07-09T13:21:27.683-04:00Drum roll please...And the verdict is: <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Due date is 12.5.09 and everything looked perfectly perfect on the ultrasound today!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>clay for the growing kirkland family</div>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-21487071053291503242009-07-06T15:29:00.003-04:002009-07-06T15:39:27.280-04:00BIG week for us...<div>This Thursday, we will hopefully be able to tell whether we are having a boy or a girl this winter! We actually were planning to find out a few weeks ago, but our doctor had two women go into labor while we were waiting for him to see us! So, we rescheduled for this Thursday - we will certainly post the results when we have them...<div><br /></div><div>In other news, we attended the Madison Sunflower Festival this weekend, and it was the first mini-horse ride for Fields! He is really, really close to walking - he can stand alone but gets pretty shaky when he tries to move forward. Usually, he just plops down without trying!</div><div>Below are some pics from the festival....Enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div>clay for the Kirklands</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbV_k4_0ArSs5cdTAceQfNjqQJAaSIot-lZbG4M9V-X2RwlnpoghLlnQ-d2B85HB0G9E5w1F7e1s5HaSMVF5dURdXmuaQdyQmIksAlBpNKk4epbu9zzYRHb6xtheAsdhaiHrXtZ0aop73x/s1600-h/100_5915.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbV_k4_0ArSs5cdTAceQfNjqQJAaSIot-lZbG4M9V-X2RwlnpoghLlnQ-d2B85HB0G9E5w1F7e1s5HaSMVF5dURdXmuaQdyQmIksAlBpNKk4epbu9zzYRHb6xtheAsdhaiHrXtZ0aop73x/s200/100_5915.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355433864838742594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsWO_FxRJCXyWGCNza8Kzckb7OIl3pSOUjal-S3E8nStQh3WYQThje-qyETzMG0dh88JTLdSgpasJLK76cLb0Jg9JATKA3gxsvSuh8EgtTdX6MTrKhQYd4NTpabk_RVp53Q1SdRHjwVq7/s1600-h/100_5890.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsWO_FxRJCXyWGCNza8Kzckb7OIl3pSOUjal-S3E8nStQh3WYQThje-qyETzMG0dh88JTLdSgpasJLK76cLb0Jg9JATKA3gxsvSuh8EgtTdX6MTrKhQYd4NTpabk_RVp53Q1SdRHjwVq7/s200/100_5890.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355433858705136818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiND9F1Zugk8sMkwdnV5oRa2olnCon651-Ypt-PwpG7Hsm0LEPrExFkM3R-yICb_VuUC-jGe_D9iC7i1hfh6rfR1D2IKt51D8Og_fTWgoIe3ZHeYB31LAap0EgvFBB-xEYwzob5hUsyTwFU/s1600-h/100_5879.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiND9F1Zugk8sMkwdnV5oRa2olnCon651-Ypt-PwpG7Hsm0LEPrExFkM3R-yICb_VuUC-jGe_D9iC7i1hfh6rfR1D2IKt51D8Og_fTWgoIe3ZHeYB31LAap0EgvFBB-xEYwzob5hUsyTwFU/s200/100_5879.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355433852014439858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZyPp-0vAt50BFilwcUorbsplHlToaNgBQs7pdmDbXM_s_A1oBL7yLvBO1-s7QLLrVu7iMzHgk9-5o6vDznHNGMe74MbavxN5q5AkPN6TWs6vw2Tj8aq629pF-75_cjjBenu1TIq-6KxI/s1600-h/100_5871.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZyPp-0vAt50BFilwcUorbsplHlToaNgBQs7pdmDbXM_s_A1oBL7yLvBO1-s7QLLrVu7iMzHgk9-5o6vDznHNGMe74MbavxN5q5AkPN6TWs6vw2Tj8aq629pF-75_cjjBenu1TIq-6KxI/s200/100_5871.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355433848241477938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoeO03zlMfov7IuIB_mZzZ3ZQ82k7xsERqPEVLXAkoP7BgS6_bCaX3gGLxBhQc4B3zxq7KuDTPw6idpfnTD11VjIEgDCQZ7UYV7PY0qrgc_lO_JM4GHURuRt9w8ACQmZMbMD2B0iAL2-1/s1600-h/100_5869.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoeO03zlMfov7IuIB_mZzZ3ZQ82k7xsERqPEVLXAkoP7BgS6_bCaX3gGLxBhQc4B3zxq7KuDTPw6idpfnTD11VjIEgDCQZ7UYV7PY0qrgc_lO_JM4GHURuRt9w8ACQmZMbMD2B0iAL2-1/s200/100_5869.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355433839440444258" /></a>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-76661532013589714542009-06-10T23:01:00.002-04:002009-06-10T23:10:36.968-04:00Summer UpdateHey everyone - we are smack dab in the middle of summer in Athens, and it is H-O-T! I wanted to give a quick update on things going on in the crazy lives of the Kirklands:<br /><br />Fields - He is cruising around all of our furniture and putting everything possible in his mouth. His new trick to to show everyone how 'big' he is by raising his hands to the sky! We have been trying to teach him how to wave bye-bye and recognize us with the words he says constantly, 'momma' and 'dadda.'<br /><br />Deborah - She is at the very end of her first trimester, and while the morning sickness (which actually lasts all the waking day) has subsided slightly, it still can rear its nasty little head at any moment. This go around has been MUCH more difficult than the first with sickness and fatigue. We are all hoping that this will go away, though, like it did around this time of the last pregnancy. Despite all of this, Deborah is still a glowing mother-to-be! <br /><br />Clay - I am in the process of finishing the work for the class that I attended two weeks ago in Orlando, beginning the work for the online class that started this week (and will run through August), planning for intern training and the upcoming school year, and taking care of my sick wife and crazy (in a good way) son! My last final of my 5 year seminary career is AUGUST 28th! Hallelujah, the end is near!<br /><br />So, that is us in three paragraphs...<br /><br /><br />till next blog,<br /><br />clay for the kirklandsclay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-86942362604171616032009-05-27T10:54:00.002-04:002009-05-27T13:50:49.467-04:00Suffering in OrlandoBy my title, some might think that it is nearly impossible to suffer in 'sunny Orlando.' Believe me, things are so bad here - my class is not terribly boring, I finish this one and then its down to the one online class this summer before I graduate, etc. However, this class, which I needed for graduation, happened to fall on the same week that we do the Kirkland Family vacation in Amelia Island!!!!! So, while I am sitting in a classroom for 8 hours a day, my family is sitting at the pool/beach for 8 hours a day.<br /><br />The fortunate part is that I was able to be there for a few days with them. My class didnt start till Tuesday, and everyone gathered in Amelia on Saturday. Deborah, Fields, and I also had the chance to go to St. Simons for two days with some good friends last week. Thus, I had a bit of a vacation, but it still is tough knowing what I am missing!<br /><br />Below are some pictures of the family beach trip. Fields, just so you know, LOVES THE WATER! Pool and ocean are welcoming to our little man. Also, Deborah texted me today and told me that she felt the baby kick this morning!!!!<br /><br />clay for the kirklands<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M5enH46bcJnUM86uIJZQJYgzqTC5errDOTMabzSfiL1yj7SVFL58wSMoSyhn2nciQpUDzRJRVDKnkndVSKtCxHaK4bYKApkMJpHqtcIyYUIS0Lq-6kXzLV1P3IQ55C0AAh1axb8Hi-bz/s1600-h/BEACH+TRIP+-+2009+069.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M5enH46bcJnUM86uIJZQJYgzqTC5errDOTMabzSfiL1yj7SVFL58wSMoSyhn2nciQpUDzRJRVDKnkndVSKtCxHaK4bYKApkMJpHqtcIyYUIS0Lq-6kXzLV1P3IQ55C0AAh1axb8Hi-bz/s200/BEACH+TRIP+-+2009+069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340562444372612290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClMEFuqWZxcfLZcfcByQfUT6foaTvOA6wxL-KN0lmNTZ4J3KDsTGBCaJ5CvU42PR7Xk6mqxUMJHrUrwPbEFudOBAnS_JPul_O2chICyw3kfhLvPSow0KFtDxLxGo3fCBM_yDdeavN2s0t/s1600-h/BEACH+TRIP+-+2009+087.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClMEFuqWZxcfLZcfcByQfUT6foaTvOA6wxL-KN0lmNTZ4J3KDsTGBCaJ5CvU42PR7Xk6mqxUMJHrUrwPbEFudOBAnS_JPul_O2chICyw3kfhLvPSow0KFtDxLxGo3fCBM_yDdeavN2s0t/s200/BEACH+TRIP+-+2009+087.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340562435423189810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpDcpcZs8e9L8v-otlC6_7OkruwrCXgJIkU3-t_NzWdkYqHdpm4zJg3_mWXCVodMJvi-t-C0d6FW5IYbsLti4kAk6qRUcY46ckYKwvqQxkpVjCGrdNVB9KaWQvANOroN_5Z6KFA27pRSV/s1600-h/BEACH+TRIP+-+2009+053.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpDcpcZs8e9L8v-otlC6_7OkruwrCXgJIkU3-t_NzWdkYqHdpm4zJg3_mWXCVodMJvi-t-C0d6FW5IYbsLti4kAk6qRUcY46ckYKwvqQxkpVjCGrdNVB9KaWQvANOroN_5Z6KFA27pRSV/s200/BEACH+TRIP+-+2009+053.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340562431807010530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlOeHWZnSbhhTwrXDlKusHw4lzvPH_lM6kCrqLKDwStkDtW6_2Wcmxgh6Wdeg3DQ1M0EKu7gLMDohlU05YIeiJfDKGn5PGjsrImCXBL1A41Ocd_9mm_vM780mMfB5_Qej_WbrokoSIPWt/s1600-h/BEACH+TRIP+-+2009+024.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlOeHWZnSbhhTwrXDlKusHw4lzvPH_lM6kCrqLKDwStkDtW6_2Wcmxgh6Wdeg3DQ1M0EKu7gLMDohlU05YIeiJfDKGn5PGjsrImCXBL1A41Ocd_9mm_vM780mMfB5_Qej_WbrokoSIPWt/s200/BEACH+TRIP+-+2009+024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340562423143984274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBPXOlagjsXFpQNxBXCdR2AgpTn7ywIFyUkDYLjzQmPvWsbmvDiLHob2EGlxMw1qNaEAnEAr1ZfL1CDml77D04qI0oNonrSMdnE1_HhsjgGBC_lYHNLErFHAa3B27Zkhr6xOcps9b_Lcl/s1600-h/BEACH+TRIP+-+2009+016.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBPXOlagjsXFpQNxBXCdR2AgpTn7ywIFyUkDYLjzQmPvWsbmvDiLHob2EGlxMw1qNaEAnEAr1ZfL1CDml77D04qI0oNonrSMdnE1_HhsjgGBC_lYHNLErFHAa3B27Zkhr6xOcps9b_Lcl/s200/BEACH+TRIP+-+2009+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340562420657562226" border="0" /></a>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-19244703528150185132009-05-13T11:00:00.003-04:002009-05-13T11:21:44.855-04:00UpdateHey everyone - We have wrapped up the school year now at Wesley, even though the summer is one of the busiest times as we attempt to get ready for the upcoming school year! The summer break works out well for us so that we can have the opportunity to get regrouped and planned up for August.<br /><br />This next year should be VERY interesting! For the past three years, we have had 38 interns - which is a lot. For the 2009-2010 school year, we currently have 52, thats right, FIFTY TWO, interns for next year!!!! Therefore, I am the process of figuring out what to do with so many people! The good news is that Daniel Simmons has come on as a director who will assist me with staff development. This is a major answer to prayer for me, as all of what we try to accomplish and provide for our interns is too much for one person to pull off! So, Daniel could not have come at a better time - God has great timing!!!!<br /><br />We ended the year with incredible blessings and favor from the Lord. Our students really stepped up and went after God in some amazing ways, so much so that it is difficult to remember a more fruitful semester. We saw students lives literally change in the course of a service or outreach, and we are still hearing reports of what the Lord did through other students and Wesley events. He is worthy of much praise and thanks....<br /><br />On the family front, Deborah is desperately hoping that the first trimester will come and go quickly! With Fields, her sickness stopped as the second trimester began, so we are praying that the same will be true with this pregnancy. I have one more week of school for this semester, and then the FINAL SUMMER SEMESTER BEGINS!!!!!! I take an intensive class during the last week of May and a thru session online class that ends in August. At that point, I will be finished! AMEN!<br /><br />Fields has four teeth now, and he is 'cruising' around the couch and coffee table! His new tricks include making funny noises with his hand in his mouth, holding his hands out like he does not know what is going on when we ask him a question, and showing us how big he is by raising his hands up in the air. His hair has begun to lay down a bit more these days, which is sad for us but good news for some other family members who were not fans of the spiked look. He is simply amazing, and he constantly reminds us of the goodness of God.<br /><br />We hope and pray all is well with each of you....<br /><br />clay for the Kirklands<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0M1uHVjU2qn92fbl0yesdVRCmM-goEEYsSMphtRhdgck1niolY_JZeSAIEA0zlubsoAzsD8VCbhdpTSXBtSeotf-4CAY-fPMCOkNQz0PHggKbeWPj_dhzWqrViZT0WvnrboVKihj48bH/s1600-h/IMG_2151.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0M1uHVjU2qn92fbl0yesdVRCmM-goEEYsSMphtRhdgck1niolY_JZeSAIEA0zlubsoAzsD8VCbhdpTSXBtSeotf-4CAY-fPMCOkNQz0PHggKbeWPj_dhzWqrViZT0WvnrboVKihj48bH/s200/IMG_2151.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335328793699979138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAbCAtd2ojrJTAMWp_E_J62U96HqcdsXA4qRwjrmoZQE0qkInahV6YLJHtLqGsxAQvEuUxR2d5rwwmc3mOgY9nqasD9EC8vf6bqIDMTcss0zGpkJFGtT4-sH1oYakTtrNt8f0QZ-TYasU/s1600-h/IMG_2091.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAbCAtd2ojrJTAMWp_E_J62U96HqcdsXA4qRwjrmoZQE0qkInahV6YLJHtLqGsxAQvEuUxR2d5rwwmc3mOgY9nqasD9EC8vf6bqIDMTcss0zGpkJFGtT4-sH1oYakTtrNt8f0QZ-TYasU/s200/IMG_2091.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335328790537102850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2vW24g6YuBJdm8-f_4rOgz-L0zfXRnueR_xcV6UkRNmfgG5ec9I2Wxmqrz9zlGVumrCLmV2KBjYK4qlOk_Sfu2U36Ccx1hljerBW1u2IeOlnD792rlWOD5L07Mw4dpfitAJxMbWSFG28/s1600-h/IMG_2024.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2vW24g6YuBJdm8-f_4rOgz-L0zfXRnueR_xcV6UkRNmfgG5ec9I2Wxmqrz9zlGVumrCLmV2KBjYK4qlOk_Sfu2U36Ccx1hljerBW1u2IeOlnD792rlWOD5L07Mw4dpfitAJxMbWSFG28/s200/IMG_2024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335328785766067938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBfcekseecYtSPu_Lq832L5grvqxLlNXXGsg0IiqAHj6b7JDizi0HaxAMMz1jCvgSOfAFuqiMit8oo_hyphenhyphenMfJFphXi-zDENa6LFIprgQnKs8yBowpV78T9clZcouwfQcjGTT_sz077Mt2A/s1600-h/IMG_1891.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBfcekseecYtSPu_Lq832L5grvqxLlNXXGsg0IiqAHj6b7JDizi0HaxAMMz1jCvgSOfAFuqiMit8oo_hyphenhyphenMfJFphXi-zDENa6LFIprgQnKs8yBowpV78T9clZcouwfQcjGTT_sz077Mt2A/s200/IMG_1891.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335328782214880434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRMBSkdfKlhylgpdu2I2RZI1VmnHOl3AAeKpxK_76lnJg4iazUtTbJnhWh7H4GRMmyWgINHgozPiGclLdGb1F1_PaxznoPk7Lnk1XFsqAUBiHDgUGyoobeFIM1mxetQFl-gasnoRmOt5D/s1600-h/IMG_1792.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRMBSkdfKlhylgpdu2I2RZI1VmnHOl3AAeKpxK_76lnJg4iazUtTbJnhWh7H4GRMmyWgINHgozPiGclLdGb1F1_PaxznoPk7Lnk1XFsqAUBiHDgUGyoobeFIM1mxetQFl-gasnoRmOt5D/s200/IMG_1792.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335328776965911442" border="0" /></a>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-45332562217578377392009-04-22T17:21:00.002-04:002009-04-22T17:33:44.884-04:00SUPER GREAT NEWSHey everyone - DEBORAH IS PREGNANT AGAIN!!!! We are completely thrilled by the news we got a few weeks ago! In December of 2008, Deborah had an apple-sized cyst removed from her right ovary. We consulted with the obgyn, and he encouraged us to pursue pregnancy again after she recovered from the surgery if we were comfortable with that. He is an amazing Christian man, and we really trust his counsel. <br />Neither Deborah nor I had a real grid as to how long it would take for us to get pregnant. In fact, it was not promised to us that it would happen again. The first time we tried, it took three years, so we were PLEASANTLY surprised when after three months Deborah had a positive result of a pregnancy test at the beginning of this month!<br />The due date for 'baby kirkland' is December 5th, 2009. Deborah, Fields, and I could not be more grateful to Jesus for this new gift in our lives....He is good.<br /><br />clay for the kirklandsclay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-54381888391068900102009-04-06T19:58:00.002-04:002009-04-06T20:00:48.401-04:00Ticket Time!Today I purchased tickets to see U2 perform in atlanta later this year! If you did not know, I am a massive fan of u2. This is will be the fourth time that I will have attended their concert, and it will be Deborah's second time. <br /><br />Just wanted everyone to know that despite the fact that my allergies are making my body miserable, my heart is happy thinking about u2 in october!<br /><br />clayclay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-73731275024125984632009-03-29T22:34:00.002-04:002009-03-29T22:42:02.223-04:00Ministry UpdateThe month of April is one of the most important for us here at the UGA Wesley Foundation. For it is during this month that we have next year's Intern and Leadership sign-ups. If you do not know, our leaders are the students who participate in and lead so much of the ministry that takes place at Wesley. Our interns give leadership and oversight to all of our ministry areas. We would not have the ministry that we have today if not for the dozens of interns and hundreds of leaders.<br /><br />So, I would love for you to put us on our prayer list this month. Please ask the Lord to build our ministry according to HIS goodwill and pleasure. Since I am the director over the Internship, I could use your prayers as well as I meet with potential interns and seek to discern what is best for us next year.<br /><br />Thank you in advance for your prayers! <br /><br />clay for the Kirklandsclay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8200684965670448530.post-34031232302648866702009-03-17T18:12:00.002-04:002009-03-17T18:23:23.433-04:00SPRING BREAK 09One of the benefits of working at a campus ministry (and there are many) is the holiday schedule. So, last week was spring break for the students - that means, it was also spring break for us! Deborah, Fields, and I had a brilliant week! We went to a lake house for a few days to relax, took a two days trips (Greenville, SC and Chimney Rock, NC), and did some major cleaning/rearranging at our house. It was a blast, and we were very thankful for the time to get some things accomplished!<br /><br />On a personal note, I registered for what should be my LAST TWO CLASSES OF SEMINARY!!!!! Praise Jesus!! Do not get me wrong, I have appreciated all that I have learned and gained through Asbury, but on the other side of things - well, it has been 5 full years already! If everything is set and goes through as planned, I should graduate in August!<br /><br />Life is good for the Kirklands - Fields is working his way through teething pretty well, Deborah and I are doing well, and the weather in Athens is finally making a turn for the better. Spring time here is quite delightful!<br /><br />Here are some pics to give you a visual for a spring break...<br /><br /><br />clay for the Kirklands<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BEIAy-3BvDw7d5ah35rIx7A9OykUnOarF0Rv39dCEX54LZL5BRyDGWW_bJg30R0TcPzP9tI1EibbiDN5Y2I2O5YCvoTNgsJ2T0wZc46A8iKnqQFcKoafeTlf0iG9_tG-kNUhuergJQxz/s1600-h/Spring+Break+2042.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BEIAy-3BvDw7d5ah35rIx7A9OykUnOarF0Rv39dCEX54LZL5BRyDGWW_bJg30R0TcPzP9tI1EibbiDN5Y2I2O5YCvoTNgsJ2T0wZc46A8iKnqQFcKoafeTlf0iG9_tG-kNUhuergJQxz/s200/Spring+Break+2042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314285698180731442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-tQ7L6chjugYAZemhDJFPNMeucyumyx_C27FgTIwnuHV6YptZ8gLHUXdskLQp5fTKd1P6Fw7GpSdQFdOgW-T8cnJlaFzeMTN9NCy-UNfij4zc8oHzl7dRD4zWKbrBGhelH8OPzbEES4I/s1600-h/Spring+Break+2081.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-tQ7L6chjugYAZemhDJFPNMeucyumyx_C27FgTIwnuHV6YptZ8gLHUXdskLQp5fTKd1P6Fw7GpSdQFdOgW-T8cnJlaFzeMTN9NCy-UNfij4zc8oHzl7dRD4zWKbrBGhelH8OPzbEES4I/s200/Spring+Break+2081.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314285691690966610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoN9lAocevBRj5vEt6Ll-AZDn2uUJopEdC3mOaR6Ns4RxPETq5had1hfSqozoXacZXj9ybSoF2wqTyVlv0Xe7twfOlfvftIbdUBovKQRMrBm08rnYa8-JvOKorEsNc_sbXwd4fFhxl61n3/s1600-h/Spring+Break+2098.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoN9lAocevBRj5vEt6Ll-AZDn2uUJopEdC3mOaR6Ns4RxPETq5had1hfSqozoXacZXj9ybSoF2wqTyVlv0Xe7twfOlfvftIbdUBovKQRMrBm08rnYa8-JvOKorEsNc_sbXwd4fFhxl61n3/s200/Spring+Break+2098.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314285678405126258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz9-BAtRk8FrJ5Tj7XRhOXU-aijwfzwj_WnpUB3TiO6ElTUl3vQAgfPdgENMp4j_W9BbZJRFLeGpI1X-ko0_T33NV_1IZZHb_zrdoRelxRZyftBox5kLRmLHJTTC6QnIIvbp35643myMm/s1600-h/Spring+Break+2060.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz9-BAtRk8FrJ5Tj7XRhOXU-aijwfzwj_WnpUB3TiO6ElTUl3vQAgfPdgENMp4j_W9BbZJRFLeGpI1X-ko0_T33NV_1IZZHb_zrdoRelxRZyftBox5kLRmLHJTTC6QnIIvbp35643myMm/s200/Spring+Break+2060.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314285674087542114" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzIhSOdyiomc27eU4vUgqThOh-HNCiUyHuevms3GqqSB5Lg1-cIQuydT0YZT_DRBolGVEzKSN36VVRo4RhOYEShyphenhyphenU4nA5BddpaAzeu8qjPXlz80rwR-GncqSkUdwPl11RArjvh2L5A2gY/s1600-h/Spring+Break+2031.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzIhSOdyiomc27eU4vUgqThOh-HNCiUyHuevms3GqqSB5Lg1-cIQuydT0YZT_DRBolGVEzKSN36VVRo4RhOYEShyphenhyphenU4nA5BddpaAzeu8qjPXlz80rwR-GncqSkUdwPl11RArjvh2L5A2gY/s200/Spring+Break+2031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314285667162285746" border="0" /></a>clay kirklandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09466628108461540420noreply@blogger.com7