Creative and Blessed

Because I can.....

2009-06-07T19:33:00.003-04:00

This picture was taken about a month ago, at an NYC Mother's day race.

Why, because I can…………………….

This week, I will hit nearly 75 pounds lost since January. Fast, well some would say so.
I have made it my “job” to become healthy this year. Everyone has stuff happen in life, the unexpected, both happy and sad. I wanted to focus, years of ups and downs, mostly ups with my weight. Ahem….. I wanted my life back, I wanted to “do” things not just be… Having just completed a 2nd race in NYC, I feel I can do that.
The other day I was thinking about life and how fragile it is….. I have watched Dad’s parents parish. This was moving and sad, yet the natural coarse of life. I will however never understand the untimely death of my unborn son. He would be 7 this summer…
He would be in school full time, he would play outside, he would RUN….. He can’t, so I will, because I CAN…..

Life is fragile, handle with care,
God is good, Life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Look who turned one.....

2009-04-24T16:20:00.009-04:00

Yep, my little nephew turned one year old. It seems almost impossible that it was one year ago we welcomed him into this world and our family.
What a blessing he has been to his parents, friends in California, and our extended family. We all love each other so much, and truly wish we could spend more time together. This is when you can say, “adoption = family.” People sometimes mention, families as blood, and I always find this kind of funny. This can be a true statement, and family can be created by marriage or adoption. Most of us are not blood related on the Schwartz side of the family, yet we all REALLY enjoy each other, and WOULD choose to be friends if we weren’t related. Now that is pretty cool if I do say so myself. The above pictures were taken during Emerson’s first Birthday Party. We flew from one coast to another to be there for the festivities.
Gotta love family!!!

God is good, life is hard, I AM BLESSED,
Aunt Carrie

My life was spared..................

2009-03-27T09:12:00.001-04:00

15 years ago today……. March 27, 1994

My life was given back to me…… I was spared, and given a second chance at living.
It was 15 years ago today, and one month, and one day after my wedding, that we were hit head on in an automobile accident, after church, 55 mile an hour impact.
It was like running into a brick wall at 110 miles per hour.
I saw it all and never lost consciousness. It was like any other day, and we were stereotypically 1 mile from home, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a truck crossing the median. I said to my hubby, watch out we are going to H_I_T!!!!! Then just like you see in the movies, it was all slow motion….. Time stood still, I could feel the force and my body moved forward, then forcefully back, then silence and ringing. Gasping for air, gasping for air, spitting out teeth, and overwhelming pain…… I knew instantly I had broken my neck, and I knew not to move. My head was un-naturally looking behind my body, my seat had broken in half, my legs were forced into the engine, glass was everywhere. Time stands still……………..
Peace took over, as crazy as this sounds, complete peace, and a voice, “I am with you, here now, holding your head, be calm, I am with you.”
My husband immediately got out of the car due to shock, and wandered around the church lawn where our car ended up landing (Not the church we attended). It took minutes, the church members though the driver was thrown, they asked him his name, he said, “I don’t know, but I know that is my wife.” As you imagine, he had a severe concussion.
The jaws of life and EMT arrived, and confirmed, yes due to the un-natural way my head was positioned, I probably did break my neck, and NOT to move….. I was peaceful, the calming hands and voice remained with me the entire time.
We were transported to a high level trauma center outside Detroit Michigan. And treatment, and recovery began.

This is all to say, it would have been physically impossible for someone to be in the backseat of the Honda civic, the seat was crushed laying in the back seat, the entire car was squashed like a tin can. It was a miracle, angel, God, someone sent from above. It was a gift, and my life was spared.

I am FOREVER grateful.

GOD IS GOOD, LIFE IS HARD, I AM BLESSED,
Carrie

Betcha never did this......

2009-03-16T15:28:00.004-04:00

It’s the state of New Jersey as a cake. Yep, every county has been made, outlined, and has some outstanding nature, and ecology. My middle one asked me if I would participate on the “state cake day”.
I worked out a child care/ car pool snag, and made it happen. There were WAY MORE parents than needed, but , more the merrier in this situation. Many Moms/ Dads/ and childcare providers baked plain cakes, and then used a template and cut them in the shape of New Jersey counties. Then the entire 4th grade, frosted the counties, and filled in special details like rivers, forests, oceans, and other details, with items like Swedish fish, m&m’s, green leaf gummies, red string licorice etc.

We had a delightful day, see the before, during, and after photos.
God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

What happens in 15 years???

2009-03-03T14:19:00.003-05:00

15 years, huh???

In 15 years we have moved 4x…. 3 states…..
3 weeks after out wedding we were hit head on in an automobile accident, where I broke my neck, clavicle, ribs and teeth, and hubby sustained a concussion.(our lives spared)
The first year was all about better or WORSE… living our vows, practicing our faith.
We had infertility, and pregnancy loses.
We became parents through adoption and the ripe old age of 24, and 26.…. Then again, at 26, and 28...
Our life was filled with nursing, diapers, Grad school, and general chaos with 2 little ones 21 months a part.
We loved the college town life, lots of art, great movies, wonderful play groups, long lasting friendships, and sporting events.
A move to the “burbs” outside Chicago was a tough transition, and proved to be filled with trials and great friendships.
Stillbirth of our son, age 29, and 31...
Big city and the burbs had many opportunities for learning, and new things to enjoy.
Joy , peace and healing, came in the form of our son, age 31, and 33.….
Another move, to an suburban/urban town outside NYC. It was exciting, and full of new opportunities, many unexpected.
Major emergency surgery for Carrie age 35.…
Watching our children grow into amazing people… now 4,9, and 11
Recession, and job loss for hubby age 36
Love and commitment…. 15 years +
Many other incredible moments in the life we have created…..
I am thankful….

God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Kids can say.........................

2009-02-24T11:56:00.001-05:00

Kids say the darndest things…..

Kids can openly look at you and say, “Why do you have hair growing out of your ears”?

Kids can say, “ this dinner looks yucky all the food is moooooooooshed together.”

Kids can say, “I hate you, and I hate my life.”

Kids can say, “How old are you”? (to someone well OVER the age of 60)

Kids can say, “Why does that man have his belly sticking out under his shirt”?

Kids can say, “Why are you in a wheelchair”?

Kids can say, “I want to be OLDER, NOW .”

Kids can say, “Your belly ALWAYS looks full.” (AKA you have a HUGE belly)

Kids can say, “I’ll love you forever, even when you are in heaven.”

Kids can say A LOT, and we’ll ALWAYS LOVE them.

God is good, Life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Babysitter???

2009-02-17T17:11:00.004-05:00

Babysitting 101…..

Today my big girl took the Red Cross babysitting coarse. I had many assumptions, and high hopes for this day.
I started babysitting at age 10, my newborn cousin Katie. To me, it was AMAZING, I felt very grown up, and it was like having a live doll. To others this is probably frightening, to think of a 10 year old in charge of a newborn baby for hours on end. Have no fear, she is a thriving, healthy adult. Not that I am advocating 10 year olds quit school to become day care providers.

My oldest will be 12 in June, this seemed like a good time to take the coarse, and then babysit her 4 year old brother for an hour or two during the day this summer. So, much to her reservation, my husband and I signed her up. I brought her to the YMCA here at 10:00am, and picked her up at 4:00pm. This was a LONG day, but, there was a lot of ground to cover.

Fussy baby,
Changing a diaper,
Bottle feeding,
Toddlers,
Choking,
Household toxins,
Making simple meals,
Naps,
Bedtime,
Board school age children,
Standing up for oneself,
ETC…..

She came home with a head swirling, and wondering, why I made her, “waste”, a day off from school. Lesson learned: Our children are NOT little mirrors of ourselves, they DON't always agree with us.

Well, maybe the wealth of knowledge from this day will help her in her new career, as a BABYSITTER!!!
(one can home, anyways)

God is good, Life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

The heart of the matter...................

2009-02-11T16:34:00.003-05:00

Preschool pick up is often a great time to hear my little guy’s take on life.
Today was no exception. On our route home, we pass a VERY LARGE, VERY OLD cemetery (like George Washington old). I look over and say, “hey, what are those called again?”

He responds, “ Rocks, and old bones.” Very matter of fact, with a simple answer, and no doubt.

I then say, “yes, grave stones, and people who died long ago.”

He said, “Yeah, you’re right, grave stones, but they are in heaven.”

I said, “well, I sure hope so.”

He said, “If the bones are all there in the ground, with the worms, then how are they in heaven.”

I reply, “well it is kind of complicated, the heart of a person, or the soul is in heaven, and the bones stay there in the ground.”

He said, “ I get it…………. It is the inside, where the love is, that goes up to heaven with God.”

I say, “yep that’s right little man, I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

God is good, Life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

I am BORING!!

2009-02-04T11:42:00.000-05:00

Boring……………..
I am soooooooooooooooooooo boring….. All I do is work out, treadmill 40 minutes and 20 minutes of weight machines, 7 days per week…… I am on WW, that is Weight Watchers, counting points, and measuring portions. Blah… Blah…..

I NEVER thought I would become one of those fitness fanatics. Well boys and girls, I am well on my way to becoming a , “gym rat.” I look forward to the gym, and make my work outs harder, and longer every week.

No skinny pictures yet, that will be a LONG while coming. I do however feel stronger, and for the first time in my adult life, in control of my food!!

I am in good company, several women I know are working hard in the same direction. It is my intention to be helpful to those who ask advice etc. (LIKE I HAVE A LOT OF KNOWLEDGE… HA! HA!) This is however, MY journey, and I see it as just that, something I am doing for ME.

Yesterday I was on the treadmill at 6:00am, watching a VERY tall, VERY thin woman run FAST, I mean like she had a gun to her head. I was discouraged and thought, gee…. I could NEVER do that. Then as I was analyzing the situation, I thought… Hmmmmmmmmm I probably weigh 2x what she does, If she had a 16 year old girl on her back, could she run like that?? No way….. Well, that is what I am doing, right next to her, so I can be proud to just be fast walking….. Someday, I too won’t have the equivalent of a 16 year old on my back side.

So, soon I will have some fun pictures to post, until then…….. Have a GREAT DAY!!

God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

It was CRAZY... We made history...

2009-01-21T21:10:00.003-05:00

To be an American in 2009...
I am proud to be a 35 year old woman, wife, Mother, and artist. And I am proud to do that here in America.
Our land is filled with people who WANT to be here. It is not like many other nations where people are “born,” and must reside with their relatives until death, or generations of specific people who marry same religions, and race or face sever consequences. Here in the good old USA, if you don’t like it, just leave, and come back later if you so choose.

It is amazing to think that in my lifetime, I saw Barack Obama, become the 44th president of this great nation….. I felt called to be present and take my 11 ½ year old daughter. The occasion was led by my two dear friends, and a wonderful guy that lives outside DC. We didn’t have a master plan, or VIP tickets. We just traveled there knowing this was history in the making.

One of the incredible experiences was on Martin Luther King’s Birthday. We were touring the Smithsonian, and stumbled upon a reenactment of Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermons/ speeches. This young man, “playing MLK,” was amazing. Hundreds of people began to gather, songs were sung, strangers held hands. All thinking, this is happening, peace among race with a minority leader, has come to pass. Tears were flowing….
Another incredible experience was on January 20, when we stood with 4 million other hopeful people. These were people who WANTED to see history being made in front of their eyes. People shouting, “AMEN BROTHER, YOU GO SISTER, GOD IS GOOD, I FEEL HOPEFUL, YOU TELL EM.”
It was CROWDED, it was COLD, I felt SAFE, I felt HOPE for our NATION.
Here is the group picture taken by a national website Café Press. Yeah, I'm the ONLY one making a dumb face.....

God is GOOD, life is hard, I am BLESSED,
Carrie

Feeling Presidential

2009-01-18T06:58:00.002-05:00

OFF to DC............................ It will be an adventure, I'm sure I'll have some good stories when I return.

What is in a name?

2009-01-15T09:44:00.004-05:00

Why not name your kid……

Well people, just when you think you have heard it all, wait, because you haven’t.
Naming one's child is a true honor, a legacy, something to ponder. Do you like old names, or religious, like Sarah, or Abraham? Do you have family names like, Catherine, or Walter? Do you like modern names like Mackenzie or Mason? Whatever you like, you thought about it, and how it would sound to a child or an adult. Would they be teased by the name you have bestowed? These are all things we consider.
Not the people in the news last night... These people asked a local chain grocery store to have birthday cake made for their 3 year old child with the name, Adolf Hitler.
Well as you might imagine, the grocery store made sure they heard the person correctly, and then stated that they would not be able to do that. If that is not bad enough, they named their other child Aryan Nation... What? This is pure craziness!!! The news article is here

I started thinking...... I knew girls in my home town named Mercedes Benz, and Liberty Bell. This may be corny, and not my choice, but it won’t HARM the child. An older man that I am acquainted with has the name of Harold Dick, you can guess the nickname he goes by. (His parents were either clueless or mean) When you give a child a name that the entire world HATES, you are kind of doing child abuse. The people in the news article are teaching their children personal values of hate and death. This is very scary, and these children should be protected. I do not know all the details of the story, nor do I really want to know.
I leave you with this story, when I was practicing midwifery there was another midwife that had worked in a particular urban hospital, and she had 3 women on different occasions try and name their girls Vagina. Once, this midwife approached the new mother and asked why she liked the name, and if she knew what it meant, the answer was no... The women all ended up choosing a different name.

Take the time to THINK about a name…..

God is good, life is hard, I AM BLESSED,
Carrie

"The Talk"

2009-01-11T11:03:00.001-05:00

Kids and sex……………..

My kids will never say I didn’t tell them about sex. I have always loved pregnancy , birth and babies. This is probably why infertility was so very hard for me to accept.
My first memory of wanting to “give birth”, was preschool. I placed a baby doll under my dress, laid on the floor and made noises, then pulled the baby doll out from under the dress. (This was from a 4 year old whose mother had 2 c-section)
Fast forward to years later, went to college for early childhood development, later trained as a homebirth Midwife. My girls have known where babies come from their entire lives. I have always felt this to be important. We have not had serious, sit downs, about the “birds and the bees.” I never wanted them to feel ashamed about their bodies, or scared about birth. They have not had a clear idea of how the baby gets into the mother. This was the technical talk. (no worries yet people, she is 11+, and doesn't like boys) My oldest, had a look of sheer disgust, and asked to go to her bedroom after our casual talk. Just like any of us, the idea of Mom and Dad doing, “THAT,” was somewhat horrifying. (Ha! Ha!)

I liked my teenage years, granted they were filled with ups and downs, but I learned a lot about life, and first loves. Do I wish my daughter wisdom beyond her years? YES!! Do I want her to wait until she is 30 years old, and married? OF COARSE!! But reality is, all I can do is pray for her, and give her common sense tools both practically, and emotionally.
So Yesterday I attended a talk at my church for parents, on media and sex….. Well there is no denying it…. I was one of the youngest parents there (35), and I felt old. The media, and advertisers don’t even hide anything sex related from our kiddos. We can’t put kids in a bubble, so let’s open the lines of communication with our kids. I felt some of the parents were REALLY out of touch I spoke to one Mom, and she and her husband want their kids to only group date until marriage. I said, “really, well that will be tough, it is only natural to want a boyfriend at 16, and kiss.” She looked somewhat horrified.. In my opinion, you can have open lines of communication, emphasize your families values, but some forms of affection are only natural. Right??

Sex is a very natural thing, in the right place, at the right time,(age/ circumstances) It is not something to fear, or rush into…….

Have wisdom…………………………
God is good, Life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

hello chubby...................

2009-01-07T17:21:00.004-05:00

Greetings all..........

Time to spice up my blog w/ a little fun………… People are tired of the Carrie happy Mom, Carrie happy Christian, Carrie’s reflections on life, blah……..blah………….
Well to spice it up a bit, I am dieting AGAIN, and it kinda SUCKS!!! I have been trying to tell myself for years that I am outgoing, somewhat funny, and certainly funky, who needs to be skinny when you have SOOOOOOOOOOOO MANY great qualities……. Well, I guess being fit (not skinny) could be a goal. Looking at pictures of myself, I want to say, “awwwwww look at that chubby girl, hmmmmmmmm WAIT A MINUTE………. That’s me???…. How could this be I don’t REALLY look like that, or do I….. “
Some not so nice words were exchanged with Hubby, informing me, maybe the gigs up??? “What, hold on a minute, soul mate/husband/lover/ did you really just speak to me that way??…..”
Truth is painful, and NO FUN at times, this was one of those times. It did however shed light on the fact that I NEED TO BE HEALTHY, and being CHUBBY/ FAT, is not healthy. SOOOOOOOOOOOO, drum roll please…………….. I am eating healthy, and looking at it as a lifetime goal/ with skills to be learned along the way.
True confessions: I have been known to eat junk food alone, hide candy for myself, order the greasiest thing on the menu, think of doughnuts as an OK breakfast choice, tell my kids I LOVE healthy food, only to buy myself nachos later. My NAME is CARRIE, and I am a FOODAHOLIC…..

Check back and see the progress, cross your fingers and toes, maybe you’ll find a healthier me.

God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Time for a schedule...............

2009-01-04T11:46:00.004-05:00

Marley and Me tickets

Me and my Big girl on a date.....Ready for a schedule--------
I LOVE the laying around, kids waking when they please, enjoying board games, laughing, building forts with blankets, meals not at meal times, chips ground on the floor, screaming fights with each other, arguing bedtimes, messy bedrooms, people around me 24/7.…………….. Well, maybe it is not all wonderful, tongue in cheek……..
I think we are digressing, it is time to go back to a schedule.
Before it was all over, I really wanted to take my big girl, 11 and a half on a date. We both LOVE animals, and we both have had to say goodbye to animals, so we decided coffee/hot chocolate/ and a movie date to Marley and Me. It was delightful, we had some laughs, mostly her, at my expense, but we are headed for adolescence so I was just happy she still wants to spend time with me. Even if that means poking fun at Mom. The movie is cute and quirky, the dog is REALLY ill behaved, and most people would do a lot to train, or give away such a dog. But it did show how a dog is a member of the family, and how sometimes the dog is the only one we lean on. It was sweet, and sad, we had a nice chat after the movie, it was wonderful to share an evening with someone so special.
Welcome 2009,
God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

reflection+struggle= new start

2008-12-29T21:52:00.004-05:00

General Christmas Craziness...
Nate in Christmas Play.....
Claira in Christmas Play.............
The last week has been filled with holiday fun, we enjoyed a wonderful couple of days before Christmas, and Christmas eve with our dear friends. My Mom flew in from Michigan and enjoyed the kiddos, and craziness of Christmas morning, the last several days filled with cheers of wii games. And now we approach this week of Christmas packed up, Grammy heading back to Michigan, and a hope and excitement for a new year. To be honest, I am struggling slightly with my reflection of 2008.
When we are given so much, I struggle to feel ungrateful.?.?
My life has had it’s challenges, but everyone has a ”past”, or “issues.” This year has brought many joys, and wonderful travels, new friends, visits with family, and it’s share of heartache, major surgery, and job loss.
My hope looking into 2009 is that of most of our nation, that we see a turn around economically, that hope for the future is returned. My feeling of melancholy is shared by many. I am not without hope, and faith, it will be a wonderful 2009!!!
Here is to wishing you and yours a,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
God is good, Life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Christmas Eve FUN!!!

2008-12-24T15:30:00.004-05:00

STOP MUSIC to the right so you can hear the video....

Grandpa Buck couldn't join us for Christmas fun, due to work obligations. Here is the video of the kiddos enjoying gifts from Grammy, and Grandpa, now nobody will feel left out. Merry Christmas Dad, xo, Lu Lu

Wishing you and yours...........................

2008-12-24T11:27:00.006-05:00

Wishing you and yours…………………..

Hello all, out there in blog land. I am so grateful for a wonderful holiday season. My kids are ready, as I am sure yours are too.
Do you remember your Christmas holiday as a kid???
For my family growing up Christmas was a big deal for my Dad’s family, and more of a quiet celebration on my Mom’s side. Living in a town with most of my extended family, these occasions were quite memorable. On Christmas eve we would travel across town around 4 o’clock. Because I grew up in Michigan there was ALWAYS snow!!! We would wear our “new” Christmas dress, tights, and patent leather shoes, over to Nana and Papa Chamberlin’s house. My Aunts, Uncles, and cousins would also arrive around the same time. The house was decorated with a traditional artificial tree, many poinsettia plants, a lovely professionally made center piece with green bows and candles. I always remember a crystal bowl with colored lights inside, that would sparkle the walls with multi colored dots. Each of the 7 grandchildren would have a stocking filled to the top with little treasures specific to each person. Often one of the older cousins would play Santa and pass out the gifts to each of us children. It wasn’t lavish, and the gifts were often handmade, knitted sweaters/mittens in our favorite colors. It was the time spent preparing, the beauty in the surroundings, the knowing it would ALWAYS be just like that. Except it wasn’t, they grew older, and became sick (later passing away), and things slowly changed, still special but, not the same. We were however left with magical memories of special childhood Christmases together. On my Mom’s side of the family we would gather at an Aunt or Uncles house, and I being the oldest cousin would enjoy a day filled with little cousins, and babies. It was simple, and very festive, we enjoyed time together, playing with the many gifts we were given both by Santa, our parents, and extended family. This has also changed because I no longer live near Michigan, and do not gather there in the holiday season. I do however treasure watching those loved ones grow, and become amazing adults with their own lives.

So, in this season with you and yours, I pray you make wonderful traditions, and memories. Nothing stays the same, and there is no ALWAYS here on earth.
The true gift that will ALWAYS last forever came with the birth of Christ. And this is the greatest gift of all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Pot Luck.....................................

2008-12-22T19:48:00.001-05:00

Pot Luck………………………………
This was created sometime in the depression.
Here is the definition: pot⋅luck
/
–noun
1. food or a meal that happens to be available without special preparation or purchase: to take potluck with a friend.

2. Also called potluck supper, potluck dinner, potluck lunch. a meal, esp. for a large group, to

which participants bring various foods to be shared

My kids and I enjoy Art class at a local Mom’s home on Mondays. There is a teacher that comes with a fun eco friendly art project, and the Mom’s gather round a table, enjoy coffee, and individual projects. Then after the children finish their projects we have a pot luck dinner. It is wonderful, we laugh, the kids play, and we share a meal. In these times of companies downsizing, no increase in pay or bonus, and joblessness we need to be creative. I am so thankful to have friends that wish to bond over the simple things in life. What in the end do we really have??? It is our family and friends that are truly meaningful gifts. In the next few days and months, I wish you many Pot Luck dinners with those you love.
God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

May the Schwartz be with you...........................

2008-12-20T14:58:00.003-05:00

May the Schwartz be with you…………………..
My little nephew had his finalization for adoption yesterday. Oh how he has been a baby Schwartz since day one…………………………… Yet, it is always comforting to parents, loved ones, and good friends when the “legal” work is done, and court date is done. Well, this all took place in California yesterday. My brother and sister in-law are amazing people with wonderful hearts for others.

It was just last Christmas my husband and I each had private conversations with them about the timing of starting their family. They were both open to adoption, and were ready to parent. They applied for adoption the beginning of January 2008, and Emerson was born April 15, 2008. Needless to say their lovely married home of 2 + dog was GREATLY changed, and they are AMAZING parents.

Welcome newest Schwartz boy, we LOVE you.

God is good, Life is hard, I am blessed,
Aunt Carrie

What is a tree???

2008-12-16T19:11:00.004-05:00

What is a tree?
Well, the Christmas tree itself isn’t very Christian. It has however become a mainstay in today’s Christian households, along with the celebration of Christ’s birth.
I do love Christmas, and I do love decorating the tree. It has so many memories for me. As a kid growing up in Midwestern middle class, America, this was a big deal. The tree my parents, bought, chopped, or assembled, depending on the year, was filled with mostly handmade ornaments. It was always filled with bright lights, and seemed very large. To this day, I remember laying on our red living room carpet, looking up into the tree, and dreaming of the holiday to come.
Expectation of Christmas is almost better then the holiday itself. In these complicated times we live in, with peoples expectations of doom and gloom, let us try to remember holidays of past, and the expectation of the Christ child that gives us eternal hope and peace.
IT IS A WONDERFUL LIFE………………

God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Gingerbread facts.......................

2008-12-12T17:06:00.008-05:00

Family memories……….
Last weekend we made gingerbread houses with the kiddos. This in years past have included, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends. This year, it was just the kids, hubby, and I.
First off, I have made the gingerbread from scratch, along with icing, and bought an assortment of candy. The time, and $$ invested in this event ran about 50$. So, for the last 3 years, no baking of gingerbread, and an entire kit, w/ pre-made icing has cost around 9$. (We all know it doesn’t taste as good as homemade )
Q&A
Fun-yes
Messy- of coarse
Laughter-always
Mom wanting to help- uh, yah
Kids fighting over frosting duty-no brainer
Dad with the camera- you guessed it
Dog standing at attention- right on point
Eating half the candy before the job was done- sure thing
Dog ate it the next day- I wouldn’t lie
A memory made- I think so…………..

Wishing you and yours a holiday memory to remember,
God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Christmas blessing....................

2008-12-10T08:52:00.004-05:00

Blessed……………….
Why am I so blessed beyond measure? Many of you are too………….. I look at my 3 angels lying above (it was no small feet to get them to look so heavenly). Miracles, all children are……………… It was hard to have children, nothing seemed easy about it, the trying, the loss of pregnancies, the death of a baby, the failed adoption, the birth mother mentoring, nothing was easy. We are not promised easy. In this time of reflection of the Christ child, nothing was easy then for Mary either. Yet how amazing, it unfolded into something we still focus on thousands of years later. (Nobody will focus on my life thousands of years from now, I am not that narcissistic-egocentric)……….. How amazing, that there were 3 women, on very different difficult journeys willing to be selfless, and find a path to hope for their unborn child.
My life will never be the same due to the blessings I was given.

God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Picture by my dear friend, Kim Collins

changing..................

2008-12-05T12:15:00.005-05:00

Changes…………
I HATE pictures of myself!!!! When I was 16-25, I didn’t mind them, I felt most showed a true reflection of myself. I have gained a lot of weight since my early 20’s, occasionally losing 20-30 pounds here and there.. However, never really back to any ideal weight, along with many major and minor health issues. Why do some of us physically change so through the years??? It seems others look quite the same. Inside there are days I feel OLD, and others that I feel 20 again. I believe in my heart that God wants us to be the best we can be. It is necessary that I become more “healthy,” exercise more, and lose some of the extra pounds. I will not guarantee to take self portraits often, but, I will try to document myself more often through time, changing (grey hair and all) for the BETTER.
TGIF,
God id good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Christmas bliss...........

2008-12-02T22:13:00.006-05:00

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas………..

Yippee skippee little elves, Mrs. Christmas will not be disheartened by the whole economic downturn. That’s right, it is the 2nd day of advent……………. Christmas to me is about the baby in the manger, Christ Jesus birth, hope for the world………. It is the simple things, I love the folklore of Santa, and the pretty lights. So, even though I will randomly do Peek at my Pad from here on out. I want you to catch the spirit of the holidays, give someone a hug, a wink, a smile, let someone cut ahead in line, while put on hold by an operator- sing a Christmas Carole, let your light of hope shine through for all to see. The pictures you see are of my living room, family room, dining room, and kitchen. This little endeavor is what the kids and I do every “black Friday”, after Thanksgiving. We simply love it, Ebenezer Scrooge usually does something “productive”, this year he replaced old light switches with dimmers. Very helpful, although not holiday”ish”.

Enjoy this season of hope,
God is good, life is hard, I AM BLESSED,
Carrie