Carrie Out for 2008 ...

Good evening.
I am sitting here enjoying the sounds of the boys setting up the game, "Ants in the Pants" in order to play with Daddy. They are so excited to play these games with us lately (we really hit it big in the game department this year).

Anyway ... we have had a wonderful holiday season thus far. We started on the 23rd with Christmas at our house for Marcus' side of the family. Marcus made a wonderful dinner while others pitched in to make it complete. The kids had a fun time together. The night ended a bit early due to weather, but it was still fun. Christmas Eve morning Marcus made a HUGE breakfast for the four of us. We stayed in our pj's until mid afternoon when we headed to a Christmas Eve service. We ended up staying up until 1 am wrapping gifts and such ...whew! Christmas morning the boys actually slept in until 8 and then ate breakfast before digging into the gifts. They were both thrilled with their gifts. Aiden's eyes were huge when he saw that he finally got the skateboard he has been begging for and Logan's eyes were equally as large when he saw his new Thomas bike. We headed out the afternoon for Alexandria and about a million gifts with my family (can you say overboard?????) The boys got a basketball shoot thing with 15 other games! Marcus got a snowblower and I received a Kitchen-Aid mixer and new pots and pans! Now ... where are those cooking lessons I've needed for so long?

Anyway --- we are heading for Missouri tomorrow morning for a few days. I really miss my family out there and am excited to see all of them. My Aunt Leslie and her kiddos are going to be staying with us so that our FIVE boys can play together. Can you see nerf gun mania??? I will be sure to share the pics!

So ... this is my last post for 2008. As I sit here and think of all I've been through this year, I can hardly believe it! New house, new job, Dad had a stroke, celebrated my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary, my parent's 30th wedding anniversary, Marcus turned 30, Aiden turned 5, Logan turned 3, I turned 25 (just checking to see if you are really reading this), I finished college, Aiden started kindergarten, became landlords ... I could go on and on! But it's amazing to me how much I've seen God in each one of these items (and obviously more). Our faith grew a lot in 2008 ... and I am sure God has more faith stretching for us in 2009.

I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year and I'll write in a few days!
Love,
Carrie
PS ... the game table has now started a game of "Operation." Did you know that the guy in that game now holds a cell phone!!!????

Christmas Pictures

Bucket List

I am currently sitting at my desk with an electric heater at my feet attempting to thaw from my 2 hour shift of ringing bells for the Salvation Army this morning. I had a ringing partner that I had never met before and am so excited to tell you about her!

Her name is Cathrine and she turned 80 in June. She decided to make out a "bucket list" for herself (bucket list would be things that you've always wanted to do before - well, kicking the bucket). Thus far she's been able to check off having her first manicure, pedicure, going to Las Vegas, flying over the Grand Canyon in a 4 seater plane, attending her first demolition derby (that was my fav! HA!) and now ringing the bells for the Salvation Army. She doesn't have much left to do on her list. The one that is going to take her the longest is tracking down some of her friends she hasn't seen in years. Some live in Ohio, some in Florida and some she isn't sure where they are.

The other fun fact of Cathrine was that not only did she used to teach the music courses at a local school, but she was also the pa ton teacher! HA! I had no idea there was once a pa ton class or club!

Anyway, I am so glad I was blessed by Cathrine today. I know I will think of her for years to come. And now ... I think I should start my bucket list ...

Ice Ice Baby ... Too Cold ... To Cold

Out our backdoor. Looks beautiful if we didn't have to get out in it!

This limb was partly across the road.

TIMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

55!?! I was lucky to get to 25!

Ice covered lane.

Deck lantern.

Trees in our backyard breaking like crazy!

Cook out anyone????

Well, we are chilled to the bone right now. Ice started around 1 am this morning. We lost power around 8 am and it's still not been restored (it's now 4 pm). I made it to work about noon and the kiddos are playing at Grandma's as they did not have school or daycare. The strangest thing of the days was right after we lost power we had a miniature thunderstorm complete with lightening and thunder (I know, thus the THUNDERstorm). ANYWAY! We've decided if we see locusts this morning that we are about to meet our Saviour ... but nothing other than those darn orange lady bug thingys thus far. I'll keep you posted (or see you there).

Love to all! Oh ... and check out the blog post below as today is my mom and dad's 30th wedding anniversary!!!!

Happy 30th Anniversary Mom and Dad! (12/19)

HAPPY 30th ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!

WOW! I cannot imagine being married to the same person for 30 years (probably because that would be my entire lifetime up to this point, but still!) I am so blessed to be able to say that my parents are still married to one another. I am so proud of this fact because I know it hasn't always been easy - but somehow they've made it. I hope that today they sit and reflect on how blessed they truly are. They have three lovely daughters (yes, I said lovely and yes, in this picture we are truly dorks. Mom bought us matching pj's for a weekend in Cinci and we couldn't help but show them off!) ANYWAY ...Not only have they been blessed with the three lovely daughters, they've been even MORE blessed with three grandsons! This picture doesn't feature the kiddos in their best of moods (sunrise service for Easter) but you get the idea ... blessed.

Mom and Dad - thank you for being an example to us that marriage isn't always easy, but with faith, support and love 30 years of marriage is obtainable. We love you!
Marcus, Carrie, Aiden and Logan

2008 Christmas Tour of Homes

I am participating for the first time in what is known as the Holiday Home Tour sponsored by BooMama ... I hope you enjoy our humble abode ...

First up, the tree. We have alternated years on which son gets to place the star on top. This year was Logan's ... I don't know how many more years Daddy is going to be able to hike the kiddos up high enough!

We have quite the eclectic tree complete with multicolored lights. I always notice those themed trees that looks so gorgeous and like they should be displayed in the window, but ours says "lived in" if you will. There are homemade ornaments from family members, ornaments that Marcus and I had as children, favs we have purchased or received as gifts. Most ornaments have a story about the person it was purchased for or about the person that gave it to us and so on. I highly doubt a themed tree is in our future, although they are gorgeous. Oh, and you may notice that some of the string lights are placed in a vertical fashion. Marcus and I have a "discussion" about this every stinkin' year! I think it's completely ineffective way of adding more lights and he swears by it. Someday I'll just string them by myself, but that hasn't happened in 5 years, so I am not holding my breath. Ok ... on with the tour!

This is my favorite part of our house. We have LOTS of shelves that I can put fun, festive items on. Marcus says it's just more for him to dust (which is true) but he has enjoyed it all thus far too.

Our nativity set is a cheap-o one that I bought a few years ago. I love it thought because they are all little kids! Look at the faces on the kings and Shepard! It's so sweet and it's perfect for a house with kids. I would be bummed if one broke, but not devastated like I would be if it were a family heirloom. The boys like to move the pieces and try to tell a story to go along with it. It's really sweet.


This center piece is what the boys enjoy most about our decorations. It plays Frosty the Snowman and the little ice skating snowman "skates" in circle.


o next is a view from out our backdoor. We have five pine trees that we did not like at all when we first looked at this house. We were going to have them removed as soon as we moved in --- but now I am so glad we didn't! We both love them. This picture doesn't do them justice. Next year I'd like to add more lights to them, but that wasn't in the budget this year. Oh, and yes, one of them is a runt.


You may have notice that there isn't a pic of our stockings. Yes, we do have them and they are displayed, but I am not thrilled about how they are displayed at this time. We have no place to put them! This is our first Christmas in our new home and we haven't found a place for everything just yet. I think we may try those hooks that stick to the wall and then are removed without leaving a mark. I am nervous tho ... anyone have a good/bad experience with them?

Well, now that you've endured the tour, why not sit down and enjoy a slice of eclair cake and a cup of milk with me. I'd love to get to know you too! Thank you for stopping by and I'd love to see you again soon!

Merry Christmas,

Carrie

Eclair Cake: 2 packages of Instant French Vanilla Pudding, 2 1/2 cups of milk, 8 oz bowl of whipped cream, box of graham crackers, chocolate icing (dark or regular, not whipped).

Beat pudding and milk with mixer for 1 minute. Fold in whipped cream. Layer graham crackers in bottom of pan (9x9 works best) then spread a layer of pudding mixture and repeat until the top of the pan is reached. End with a layer of graham crackers. Refrigerate for an hour before icing. Best if then refrigerated for another 4 hours before serving. ENJOY!

Carrie - In One Word

So, a week or so ago an email was going around requesting people to submit back to sender one word that describes the sender. I am not a big forwarder of emails, but I thought this could be fun, so I went for it. Here are all of the terms that were submitted back to me:
Real
Outgoing
WOO (Winning Others Over)
Flair
Fun
Jolly
Precious
Sincere
Unique
Enthusiastic
Special
So ... I agree with all those terms!. It's fun to see how people view you. When I read the word that was sent to me and then saw who was the one submitting it I could easily see how they came up with that word.
What words would people use to describe you? Even better, what are the ones that they wouldn't use but you'd like to see used? Scary to think that way, isn't it?

Christmas Poem

I have no clue who wrote this poem, but I have to share it with all of you scrapbookers (or those that live with one that scraps ...)



Twas the night before Christmas, I'm glued to the tree. I'm wondering what Santa brought just for me. Could it be cardstock or chipboard or lace? Or a Cricut, I said, with a smile on my face. And that's when I heard him, "Hi Santa, " I said "You know....good little girls should be in their beds." "I know I should Santa, and now I've got caught. But I was just so excited to see what you brought." "Well, let's take a look in this room where you work. " He shook his head quickly, and left with a jerk. I heard him exclaim as he put it in gear. "You've got enough crap, I'll see you next year!"



I am also sharing a picture from our office Christmas party. Yep ... it was ugly Christmas sweater day. Big fun!!!

Hello!

Man ... the weekends go way too fast these days. Friday, Aiden had his play date with Brent S. They had a ball. The first thing Brent's mom said to me was that Aiden had wonderful manners. Man ... that makes me so proud. Earlier in the week a person at the daycare told me the same thing about Logan. I love when our parenting methods actually take! Anyway, Logan wasn't feeling well that day (I'll spare you the details) so we just vegged on the couch that evening. We watched Frosty, Frosty Returns and The Flight Before Christmas while all snuggled up on the couch. I love that. Saturday we didn't do too much as we were waiting for my parents to arrive.

I was scheduled to ring bells at W*l-M*rt for the Salvation Army that afternoon. Mom and dad hadn't arrived, so the boys got to join me for awhile. They were too cute! Logan was not thrilled, he just stood there saying, "I am CooooooooLLLLLLd!" But Aiden was having a great time! He was singing Jingle Bells and talking to anyone and everyone that walked in. At one point, he looked at his reflection and said, "Mom ... I kinda look like a dork (and he did ... no one looks great in a toboggan even if it is a Colts one). So, he decided to sing Jingle Bells with his own lyrics: Jingle dork ... Jingle dork ... Jingle dork today. It was too funny. Where does he get it? After we thawed out, we went to a 50th bday party for some friends and then to the park in CC to see the lights. It was a fun night.

Today we just hung around the house. Mom and Aiden organized his closed and clothes while Papaw, Logan and I just vegged. The above pics are the boys wrestling with Papaw. The top one Logan is kissing his nose. So cute.

Side note ... to anyone and everyone that has received a Christmas card from us ... I am soooooooooooooooooooo sorry if you now owe the USPS a penny. I just realized that I sent at least 20 cards out with the 41 cent stamp ... oops. I am such a dork sometimes! I am really not that cheap! Again, I am sorry.

Have a wonderful week!

Carrie

First Play Date

Ok, I know this is corny, but I have to share anyway. Two days ago, Aiden came home with a note from a parent. This parent asked said that her son, Brent, would like Aiden to ride the bus home with him on Friday so that they can make cookies, play and have dinner together. Now, Aiden has talked about Brent S. since the very first day of school. I include Brent's last initial as Aiden ONLY refers to Brent by his first and last name. Has cracked us up every time since school started! Anyway, I guess I think that this is a special moment because I remember how big of a deal it was when a friend asked for YOU and only YOU to come home with them after school. It was an even bigger deal when the mom's let it happen! So, today is the big day. Aiden woke himself up for school and was ready 15 minutes earlier than normal! He is so excited to be riding bus 5B instead of his bus home. So sweet. Of course I went over some rules with him and reminded him to use his manners and to eat what is given to him at dinner. He quickly looked and me and said, "But what if it's meatloaf ... or YOUR sloppy joes???" (we recently learned that he doesn't like MY sloppy joe's but LOVES the school's and he has always hated meatloaf ... but what mom would make meatloaf for a play date ??? right???). Anyway, I assured him that he could probably tell her those are two things he doesn't like and she wouldn't make them and to have fun. I cannot wait to hear how it goes ... and to eat some of the cookies they make! Do you remember the first time you went home with a friend after school? The ones I remember doing that with lived in my neighborhood: Nichole and Kim. I still am in touch with Nichole, but I haven't heard from Kim in years ... memories.

On a heavier note ... please pray for a former coworker of mine named Bill. He is a billboard poster and fell off a billboard on Wednesday and had to be air lifted to Indy where he is in critical condition. He has a broken ankle, hip, and a skull fracture. I will post updates if and when I hear them.

Love,
Carrie

Jingle John and his Reindeer! - Updated 11/11

***Update - FYI ... the picture on the top of the blog is 3 of the 5 pine trees we have in our backyard. It's funny ... the very reason we didn't want to purchase this home is the thing I am enjoying most about our holiday decorations! We (ok, Marcus did the work, but I asked him to do so) put lights on all 5 of them and I stare at them through our bedroom windows, living room window, kitchen windows and dining room windows! LOVE THEM!

Also, the picture of Logan (below) raising his hand was because he wanted to say something to the elf and kept his hand like that for 20 minutes! He finally said, "I have a dog!!" and that was it. Worth the wait?????? ***

Took the boys to the library last night to see a reindeer! The boys seemed to enjoy it, Mommy could have enjoyed it more if the reindeer weren't so smelly! There were a TON of people there (I am guessing 100 or more) so we didn't stick around for individual pictures, but the boys seemed ok with that. Aiden informed me that the elf wasn't real because the real ones are only in the North Pole and they wouldn't be on vacation during December! HA!

Check out our Elf Disco video before you leave. It's good for a laugh or two!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/VwVBWz3WuKPm46IH
Love,

Carrie

Weekend Update

We had a very busy weekend. The boys were invited to their babysitters home in Alexandria for the annual Christmas party. They literally were counting the days down all week until they got to play with Jonah and "Seff" (Seth, but Logan says Seff and it's so darn cute!) Saturday was the Farmer Family Christmas Party (Marcus' fam) and the SDI Christmas Party. We were just party hoppers! Sunday Marcus and I went out shopping and got a majority of our Christmas shopping done ... HOORAY!

Oh, and a HUGE answer to prayer came along on Saturday morning. After having the house on the market for 6 months with no offer, we put out an email a week ago that we were going to rent our house and we've already gotten a renter! It's an answer to prayer for both sides and she's already called to say how nice and cozy the house it (ok, and to let us know that the fridge is having an issue, but I like to dwell on the positives!) Anyway, we are certainly learning that everything happens in God's time. We never wanted to become landlords, but right now selling isn't in the cards. Funny story though, the renter was thrill because the kitchen's theme is apples, the master bedroom is purple(ish) and the other bedroom is blue ... all three are the same as the house she has to move from! She said it was a sign.

Ok, I am off to make chocolate suckers with the boys. A little "elffett" (is that female for elf or is elf not gender specific?) gave us this chocolate melting machine and it's time to try it out. I'll post pics.

Have a wonderful week,

Carrie

Lifehouse - Everything Video by CCC

I've posted this video before of another youth group performing this skit. I am proud to say that this one is performed by the youth @ Christian Congregation Church in Alexandria where we used to attend (and will always consider it our home church). Great job CCC Youth!

Tag ... you're it!

I've been tagged!


1. Two Names You Go By: Mom or Mommy (the kids seem to call me Mommy when talking to me, but when they are talking to someone else about me it's Mom, weird). My dad always calls me Sunshine.

2. Things You Are Wearing Right Now: My wedding rings and my grey high heeled boots. Luckily I am wearing much more than just those two items. I gag at the thought!

3. Two Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment: A church to call home up here and a McDonald's sweet tea.

4. Two people who you look up to: Grandpa Davis and Dad.

5. Two things you did last night: took a hot bath and watch the Trans Siberian Orchestra on PBS ... not nearly as entertaining on tv as it is in person. Now that is a concert! I've added a couple of my favs to a playlist - enjoy and rock out!

6. Two things you ate yesterday: sloppy joe, rice.

7. Two people you last talked to: Marcus (via text messaging) and Cindy @ work.

8. Two Things you're doing tomorrow: Driving into Fort Wayne for an appointment and coming in to work.

9. Two longest car rides: IN to Mexico with stops in AZ and CA and IN to Washington, DC.

10. Favorite Holidays : Thanksgiving and Christmas

11. Favorite Vacations : Jamaica with Marcus in January 2007, Gatlinburg, TN on our honeymoon in 2003.

12. Last trip: Branson in July 08.

13. Two favorite beverages: McDonald's Iced Tea and Mt Dew. Can you say S-U-G-A-R!?!?!

Ok, so I tag: Missy F., Missy S., Stacie and Leslie. By the way, most of the time when I tag someone they never do it! We'll see this time ...

Aiden's first steps ... Turn up the volume.

It's hard to believe that he is 5 1/2 now. He was going after the channel changer that was on the couch. Doesn't that laugh just make you smile? (You'll need to mute my play list so that you can hear this video).

Thanksgiving

We had a great day yesterday. We had a house full of people for brunch (which I prepared). We enjoyed that meal and then attempted to get a good picture of Aiden, Logan and Gavin. As you see from the pics above, it's much harder than it sounds. They are the cutest guys in the world, but together they just look like the Three Stooges! We did enjoy the 'normal' thanksgiving trimmings for dinner (which I did not prepare) and then just hung out. Mom did crafts with the boys and at one point Logan turned to Grandma and said, "You're smart, Grandma." Pretty much made her night.

I hope that everyone had as wonderful of a time as we did.

I think it's nap time!

Love,

Carrie

Fun Times

Good morning,

We had a fun weekend. Friday night Marcus took the boys to see Madagascar 2 while I scrapped. It was sad to learn that the scrapbook store that I use once a month is closing. Sign of the times, I guess. Saturday I scrapped a little more and then we were off to a Fort Wayne Komets hockey game. We only had 3 tickets, so Logan sat this one out, but Aiden had a great time. He was really into it, especially when the guys hit the glass (Mommy too!) I've attached a picture from the hockey game.


The picture of Logan (and Aiden) is of Logan being a rocker. I know, we are horrible parents, but we are big fans of the 80's/90's hair bands (AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Cinderella ...) and there is a station on our satellite that plays all of this fine music. A lot of the times we have that on rather than the TV. Friday night before dinner we were listening and Logan comes out of his room with this hat on and sunglasses banging his head. It was too funny!

Last night we had Aiden's first parent - teacher conference. It went well. She commented that he is a great story-teller. Scary, I think. And I don't know WHERE he gets that from! He had perfect attendance for the first trimester. He received a certificate and a pencil which he is very proud of. (Pics attached). He really enjoys school and likes his teacher ... thank goodness!

Well, Thanksgiving is going to be at our house for the first time ever (and maybe the last depending on how the food turns out). I am making brunch for everyone because Marcus will have to go to bed right after that (nope, he doesn't get Thanksgiving off). So, then we'll just hang around until dinner time and have the normal Thanksgiving trimmings. Should be fun ... I hope! I am sure a blog will follow.


Have a happy Tuesday!


Carrie

Mommy has Super Powers!

Last night I decided to make cookies with the boys. We voted for chocolate chip cookies ... yummo! I had gotten all of the ingredients out and ready and had turned to get the bowls. I told the boys not to touch anything and I noticed that Logan was reaching for something and I told him not to touch anything while facing the opposite way. Aiden was shocked and asked, "Mom, can you see out of your brain?" I laughed and said, "No. Why?" He said, "Well, how did you know Logan was doing that?" Again, I laughed and said, "Well, Mommy has eyes in the back of her head!" He was shocked again and asked, "Does Daddy?" I said, "No, just Mom."

So, yes. I am sure I am a horrible mother because I told this fib and said that Daddy does not have this secret power, but it was really funny! Plus, Aiden is my sneaky one, so if this wards off any wrong doing, I am ok with that fib.

Another funny, er, cute thing Aiden said last night was about a stray cat that has been lingering in our neighborhood recently. He looked out the window and said, "Mom, do you see that cat out there? It's adorable." HA! Adorable! Who knew that he knew that word?

The last funny thing was from Logan. As you know, they now have faux hawk hairdo's. Yesterday morning I told Logan he looked like a rooster and he said, "No ... I am a chicken!" My bad, my bad.

Talk to you all soon,
Carrie

It's Tuesday!

Hello all.

I am happy to say that the weekend went well and I am feeling like myself once again. It was great to return to Alexandria and spend time with family and friends. Saturday night I was able to go with my family to Johnny Carino's Italian Grill ... my all time fav. Sunday we visited our home church and were so glad to see faces we have missed over the last few months. It was nice to be loved on! After church we ordered pizzas with the old bible study gang and hung out for a little while. It was great to catch up on everyone's lives. All of our kids are getting so big! I think we had 11 kids and some were missing (including Jason McCorkle!) Then we were off to Gavin's first birthday party. Fun times.

I took the boys to get their hair cut last night. They wanted mohawks, we settled for faux-hawks so that I can brush it down too. I think they are pretty cute! What about you?

Have a great week everyone,
Carrie

Just an update on me

Hello all.

I just wanted to let you know how things are going here in Northern Indiana.

At times I think I am adjusting well, other times, not so much. I am having one of those not so much days today, but I am sure it will pass.

I am attributing today's not so much day to the fact that we are heading to Alexandria this weekend. It's strange to me because we'll be staying at my mom and dad's house. Now, we had to do that during the ice storm, but this time is just different. We are just visiting, them, the town, everything. That's not home anymore and I keep referring to it as such. Of course, we still OWN a home there, so all ties are not cut. We are planning on going to church at CCC on Sunday --- I think I miss that aspect of my life the most. I miss my friends there, the connections that were made, the accountability that we had to that church, the fact that when we were not in service people called to check on us. We've been attending a church that I like, but it's such a large church that I don't think people know if you are a visitor or just coming to a different service for the day (they have 3 services every Sunday). I feel lost in the crowd. I also can't seem to figure out where it is that I am supposed to be serving in that church. It's just not home yet. Speaking of home, I do love our new house. It does feel like home when we are all there. It's the times that Marcus is working - days or nights - that it just feels more like a place to sleep. Then there's the job. I have good days and then I have bad days. I am a firm believer in adult learning, but coming into a university that I don't really know, well, it's hard to recruit and feel passionate about it. It's getting better week by week, but then there are those days ... OUCH. I do love the community that we are now apart of. People in Columbia City have been so nice and welcoming. I am now the chairperson for the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador's and I was just welcomed into the Columbia City Rotary Club (click on the link to see that pic of me). I just had coffee with the judge in the town and have met the mayor this week. Both men are have been very welcoming and made me feel like they are glad we moved our family into the community. It's funny because I never met with the judge or mayor in Anderson or Alex and yet I still feel more like I belong back there.

OK ... DO NOT GET ME WRONG! I am NOT depressed - maybe just a bit homesick. I am sure it will pass. I think with Gavin turning 1 this week and me not getting to see him until Sunday has something to do with it. The fact that I had some major meetings this week and did not get to see my parents face to face to tell them about it has something to do with it. Having no class to drive down into Anderson has something to do with it. The lack of a mall, Target or Kohl's in the near distance has something to do with it!!!

So, with all that said, I am excited about our trip to Alex and hope that I will be thrilled to return HOME to South Whitley on Sunday. I'll keep you posted ...

Have a wonderful weekend,
Carrie

God Understands

Weekend

Hello!
We had a wonderful weekend. Friday night the boys stayed with their grandma so that Marcus and I could get ready for Logan's birthday party on Saturday. We went into Wal-Mart and bought a Ford F-150 motorized truck. Never in a million years did I think we'd ever buy one of these because of the price, but I found one on clearance for $79 and we couldn't pass it up! Logan was thrilled (picture in slide show below). We then came home and worked for 4 hours on the monster truck cake. We cut the shape out, constructed and decorated it. I was so proud of us! The tires were ding-dongs. Food Network Challenge has nothing on me! HAHA! It wasn't perfect, but was pretty impressive for me. The party went great. Logan got some great presents and we had a house full. Thanks to everyone that came to celebrate with us. Check out the slide show below of all the festivities!
Have a great week,
Carrie

Logan's Birthday Party: MONSTER TRUCKS!