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‘Extreme Makeover’ House has become a real home

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By Meredith Moss, Staff Writer Updated 2:17 PM Monday, November 9, 2009

BEAVERCREEK — The Terpenning house at 548 Carthage Drive doesn’t look quite the same today as it did when ABC production film crews captured it — and the family’s first reaction to it — on Aug. 6.

The premiere of the Beavercreek “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” aired Sunday night, Nov. 8, showcasing the spacious 3,300-square-foot French country-style farm house that nearly tripled the Terpenning’s living space, making it totally accessible to James and his brother, Joe, both in wheelchairs.

Three months later, that house has become a home where the seven-member family lives comfortably and enjoys interacting: tossing basketballs in the twins’ bedroom, putting the baby into his custom-made crib with no worry about dropping him over the railing, playing together on a safe cushioned backyard playground, helping with laundry that no longer requires a trip to the basement, washing dishes in a lowered sink, maneuvering anywhere with never a tight squeeze, a bruised knuckle or a threatening step.

James Terpenning says he’s grateful to all of his families — including the Air Force family that rescued him as an orphan in Vietnam, nominated him for the television program and pitched in to build his new home. “The nicest part is experiencing the generosity of the community,” said Shannon Terpenning.

“It really restores your faith in humanity when you see so many people going out of their way and giving so much of themselves for someone else — without any sort of gain for themselves.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or MMoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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I have met and had lunch with Shannon Terpenning and they were nominated by his co workers. It was not they families choice so for those of you who say the are not responsible and had two many kids they were making life work the best they could just like the rest of us. They also took in his brother Joe which added to the crowed home. You know if you cant walk in a persons shoes you really should not judge! Educate yourself on this family! James pays life forward!

stop and count your blessings
3:49 PM, 11/17/2009

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I was on this build for 5 days. I worked right along side many of the designers. Michael was very specific in his designs, Ed worked very hard in the carpenters tent, Ty designed many things but as someone said before they do shoot two shows at one time so he flew out to Wisconson when he flew back the day of the revel he was exhausted, they had to give him an IV fluid due to he was not feeing well. I saw his face and the heart he put into this build, its for a deserving family!

stop and count your blessings
3:45 PM, 11/17/2009

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Linda Lou, having 4 children is not irresponsible. He can support them but the house they lived in was not allow wheelchair accessible. It isn't his or his brothers fault they are in a wheelchair. He obviously loves his children more than anything in the world. Now he will be able to better care for them with Shannon and help them grow to become wonderful people like their mother, father and Uncle. This is not irresponsible. This is a wonderful family :)

CK88
2:38 PM, 11/11/2009

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KLM-no u r right..people should be able to choose how many children they have. However, those of us who make responsible choices should not have to pay for the choices of others. I realize we did not have to pay for this family but I still feel they were irresponsible in their choice.

Linda Lou
11:07 PM, 11/10/2009

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Like at least one other person alluded to, I'm guessing that none of the negative peeps on this board would say "no" of "charity" like this came their way. Keep in mind, this is considered a reality TV show, so the house is not built completely in the interest of charity; it's part of the entertainment business, and people DO watch the show.

KLM
2:45 PM, 11/10/2009

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