75 Random Facts

If you are my friend on Facebook, you've probably have already had the joy of reading this. If not and you wan to know 75 random things about me, grab a cup of joe and enjoy!

1. I hate mashed potatoes.
2. I cannot stand to hear people say the word "moist."
3. I put my socks and shoes on left to right at all times.
4. I have a blog (http://clhcorner.blogspot.com)
5. I love my two boys more than life itself.
6. Marcus is my best friend.
7. Marcus and I weren't even friends in high school, but went to the same high school (he slept beside me in Spanish!)
8. I have colored my hair since I was 17.
9. I love to scrapbook.
10. I am a college graduate as of December 2008!
11. I flunked out of college the first go around.
12. I played softball in college for Anderson University.
13. I am a christian ... but I've never been baptized!
14. I am the funniest person I know.
15. I still do not know what I want to be when I grow up.
16. I want to have another baby - my husband ... not so much.
17. I freak out at the sight of raw chicken and will sterilize anything and everything that comes in to contact with it.
18. I cussed Marcus out when he proposed.
19. My driver's license still says I weigh 120 (which was even a lie at the age of 16!)
20. I enjoy being the center of attention.
21. I am very unorganized, but can usually find anything you request if you do not move my piles!
22. I delivered a 10 pound, 6 oz baby without the use of drugs. Delivered Aiden without drugs too, but he was only 7 lbs 6 oz. Hurts almost the same though.
23. I've dressed like a tomato, raven and a tiger. Wonder what will be next.
24. I am a huge fan of The Little Mermaid.
25. I love my girlfriends like family!
26. My sister Jamie and I were in the same geometry class in high school. I was a senior, she was a freshman. I flunked out at semester, she passed with an A+ both semesters.
27. I was once hospitalized for what the doctors thought to be leukemia. I was tested and tested again and after 2 days was told I did not have it. I thank God for this almost daily.
28. I have a broken back. I broke it when I was 13, had back surgery when I was 14, yet still have pain (more than I originally had ) to this day.
29. I couldn't watch Frankenstein in high school because of the scar my back surgery had left on my spine. I don't think it would bother me now.
30. I miss our "first friends in South Whitley" nearly every day. It's a bit odd since we only knew each other 2 or 3 months and we really never hung out ... but I just know we would have been great friends. Marcus and I talk about them a lot ... weird, and sad ... I know.
31. I hate halloween. Actually, I hate masks and being scared. I fake like I enjoy it now for the boys, but I would rather just hide. I don't even like handing out the candy.
32. I never drank in high school. I was always afraid that my parents would find out.
33. I had a dentist appointment the day after my first kiss and I was afraid that the dentist would be able to tell and tell my mom. Seriously, I was sick to my stomach thinking he could tell!
34. Since gaining weight this last time, I've considered buying maternity jeans.
35. My sister Jamie is my best friend. I tell her everything. She is brutally honest with me and I love that about her. We have very different lives, but would be lost without each other. I feel the same way about my friend Jill. I miss her.
36. I am a daddy's girl and always will be.
37. Marcus and I were engaged nearly 4 years before walking down the isle.
38. I was 8 months pregnant with Aiden when we got married (insert gasp here).
39. Marcus and I wouldn't be where we are today as parents, husband/wife or christians had it not been for the joy and pains we experienced while being unmarried and pregnant. I admit the sin, but I do not regret one thing about the whole situation because of what we learned. I will not ever hide this fact from either of my children.
40. I sometimes just need to scream outloud just because.
41. I have no set side of the bed. My side of the bed must be the furthest from the door.
42. I have lived in a haunted house.
43. I once thought that a demon had taken over my bed. It was an earthquake and makes for on heck of a story!
44. Steve Park (ex-NASCAR driver) asked me out. I had to say no since Marcus was with me. :) Jamie would be so proud.
45. I pass out - alot. Not from drinking!!! I pass out when I get sick, get too hot, am stressed, tired ... I once passed out while driving.
46. I cannot stand water in my face. I have to have control of the water that hits my face. I only wet my face with a cloth. My boys have learned the hard way not to spray mommy.
47. I miss my old church so much it hurts.
48. I miss my Grandma Erskine every single day. I know that she would have been so excited to see my boys. She died at 58 and it's still hard for me to believe because I truly thought she would live forever.
49. I secretly would love to be a hand model.
50. I hate feet. I have just recently gotten to the point that I can appreciate the cuteness of babies feet, but just barely. The only time I touch Aiden and Logan's feet are to cut their toe nails because Marcus refuses to do them in fear of hurting them.
51. I once wore a water bra (didn't need it then either, guess it was a fad) and it broke at work. Every time I moved my arm it would leak more and more.
52. I met Senator Evan Bayh recently. I shook his hand and afterwards went into the ladies room to apply lipstick just to realize that I had blue icing from a toaster strudel on my lip. It was from the good bye kiss Logan gave me that morning. Lovely.
53. I have always been told I have a great smile, but I am not fond of it.
54. I still cannot believe that God trusted me with Aiden and Logan. I cry just thinking about it.
55. I am outgoing and have never been accused of being shy.
56. I love to tell stories no matter how embarrassing they may be.
57. I sometimes share too much.
58. I am a total clutz.
59. My junior year prom date and I had babies on the same day, same hospital within an hour apart. Obviously this wasn't the same child. Our sons played on the same t-ball team 5 years later.
60. I've always been jealous of my sister Jamie's looks. She is gorgeous.
61. I listen to mostly Christian music, but I am a HUGE AC/DC fan followed closely by Motley Crue and Poison.
62. I flunked Bible twice at AU. It wasn't until last year when I took it as an adult that I passed. I got an A.
63. I don't think Brad Pitt is hot ... at all.
64. #21 is my favorite # because it was the date that I had my first kiss with the biggest crush of my life. I was so nervous I bit his tongue.
65. I came very close to having twins when we had Logan. The other embryo didn't form at the ripe age of 9 weeks. I never felt like I needed to mourn but I do sometimes wonder what life would have been like with twins. God knew what he was doing.
66. I was in the Morrison Hall basement bathroom @ AU straightening my hair on 9-11. I was getting the play by play from Bob and Tom Q95 radio station. I stayed there for 2 hours listening to the coverage.
67. I've been taken by ambulance to the hospital 4 times.
68. Aiden is named Aiden because I was watching "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "Aiden" from Sex and the City is in the movie. I ran home and asked Marcus if he liked that name and we were settled from there. Logan's name comes from the show "Yes Dear." A little boy on the show named Logan went running across the screen and Marcus and I looked at each other and said, "Logan ... that's a good name!" I know... thoughtful.
69. I love dough. I went through a time in my life where I craved pillsbury croissant dough and gave into that carving.
70. I hate going to any doctor because I always feel like they think I am making up a pain or something. Once they start the tests or what not they normally do find something wrong with me. I just hate feeling like they think I am stupid and making it up.
71. I doodle my name alot. Every church bulletin that has touched my hands probably has my name on it ... at least 10 times.
72. I saw my sister get hit by a car and still have visions of it in my sleep.
73. I don't deserve Marcus but thank God for him everyday. I do not know where I would be without him.
74. I do not like to hug. If you get one from me that I initiate ... WHOA! Feel special. As a friend said the other day ... I can love from afar. I prefer fist bumping these days. PS - this does not apply to my boys, Marcus included. :)
75. I think it's sad that this took me no time to construct 75 random things about me! I could go on and on and on and on and ...

Not Me!

So, I am trying this thing called "Not Me! Monday" I recently stumbled upon another blog that had participated and thought it seemed like a lot of fun (plus there is sarcasm and you all KNOW how much I love sarcasm!) I get to "admit" some of my failures for the week without actually "admitting" them. Head over to http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ for more Not Me's ... only after reading mine!

• I did not have such a headache on Monday night that I lied to my children telling them it was 8:30 and bedtime when it was actually only 7:45. Only a mean, lying mother would do such a thing.


• I did not fall off the diet track at all this week. Only someone with very little self control would do such a thing ... but have you tasted those cream horns from W*l-Mart ... seriously people! So good!


• I am not missing my little nephew like crazy this week. I did not look at some pictures from his birth and cry.


• I did not want to change my name so that Mom or Mommy wasn't an option. I did not get totally frustrated on Tuesday because I couldn't use the restroom without two little boys screaming for me. I mean that would just be selfish for me to want to do my business in private. What would I be thinking?


• I did not make my kids play longer than they really wanted out in the snow just so I could get that perfect scrapbooking shot. Nope ... not me! I did not post a couple of the pictures at the end of this post.


• I am not dreading work this week.


• I did not blog about picking the nose belong to someone else or wiping the bottom of someone else. That would be soooo gross! (see blog entry below).


• I did not go shopping all day on Saturday with friends. I would not have done that and left my husband home to do errands on one of his only Saturday's off. What kind of selfish wife would do that????


• I did not feel bad that Aiden had to miss a day of school on Friday. I was not sad because his perfect attendance was ruined nor did I feel bad that he was missing their make up Christmas party. He was not upset either.


• I am not tired of snow storms.


• I did not have a wonderful weekend with the family (hey ... the shopping was with some family too!) and I am not sad that it is over.
  

Have a great week! ~Carrie

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!!!????

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?

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 ...

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

I'm DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was just called out by one of my family members that I did not post about my presentation last night. Oops!

The presenation went ok. I think I could have done better, but nerves hit while I was up there. I spoke for 27.5 minutes and then answered questions. The presentation was to be 20-30 minutes so I think I did fine. I don't know that I ever shared what the presenation was about. I researched on getting the nursery workers at CCC CPR/First Aid certified. People thought it was a great idea and the more I researched the more I truly think that every church should look into it. I had to have my presenation to the church board, budget, facilitators and a lot more. It ended at 35 pages plus the bibliography. I do not want to do another project like that ... ever!

Thank you for all of your prayers. I just have to return to class next week to watch the remainder of the projects and then I am done. I will walk in graduation on May 9, 2009. Whew ...

Love to all of you,
Carrie

PS ... check out the slide show before you leave!

October 30th, 1998

So - I know that after being married one should not still count the day of your first date as an anniversary - but today marks 10 years ago that Marcus and I had our first date. 10 years seems like a marker that we're allowed to celebrate!!! Ok, now - if you want to skip the note to Marcus feel free. I hate being cheesy!!! There is more below however.

Marcus,
Can you believe it's been 10 years? Do you remember it? We went to Fazoli's and to see Rush Hour - how romantic! I still remember what I wore! I wore a white Praise Gathering sweatshirt and jeans, because, really - what else would one wear on a date that was just to be two friends hanging out? Who knew that 10 years later we would have:

*A wonderful marriage of 5 1/2 years
*Two awesome little boys Aiden Michael and Logan Brian
*Two houses (had to throw that in)
*The sweetest niece (Payton Lynn) and two of the sweetest nephews (Braydon Glen and Gavin Andrew)
*Sister and brother-in-laws that feel just like part of our own families
*Gone to Jamaica!!!
*Made Christ center of our lives
*Learned to love each others quirks (you have ... right?)
*Our friendship ... you are my best friend and have been for years!
*Our sense of humor - cause you just have to living with me!

And that's just 10 examples!!!! I love you very much and cannot wait to see what the next 10 years hold.

I love you!!!

Ok, so tonight is the night I deliver my final presentation for work. I wasn't feeling good about it yesterday, but after a few more hours of tweaking it I am feeling much better. I don't know that it's "A" material, but hey - all I need is a "C." Way to shoot for mediocre, right? HAHAHA! I was working on the project when the boys went to bed last night and this morning when Aiden woke up. The first thing he said to me was, "Mom, did you even go to bed?" So sweet, and yes, I did. I would appreciate your prayers around 6:45 tonight! I will let you know how it goes. I AM ALMOST DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
Carrie

7 Things You Might Not Know About Me

So, I was tagged by my Aunt Leslie to do this survey-type thing. I cannot imagine that I have 7 things that you all don't know about me, considering I am practically an open book ... here goes:

1. I must put my socks on left to right, followed by my shoes in the same manner. Seriously, it doesn't feel right if I do it right to left. I guess it stems from the fact that one reads left to right. Logical, right?

2. When I first attended AU, I rarely attended classes (something I do not recommend). I left in 2002 with a 1.5 GPA! Yeah, bad news. When I started back to school I was on academic probation. I am happy to say that I was on the straight A track until 2 classes ago when I received my first B. Now, to justify that B, I was in the middle of a move, taking two classes, trip to Missouri so I missed a class (by my choosing), Dad's stroke ... ok, LIFE. Life just got in the way that time. I pulled out an A in the one class, but a B in the class that I thought I could sluff on. Oh well. I have managed to pull my GPA up to a 2.934. After the 7 credits I will earn in less than a week, I am hoping that I break that 3.0 GPA. If not, I'll just round up!

3. I was a skunk in my first grade play. I was the best skunk in the world (something to be proud of?) I remember that my mom let me borrow a black and white striped sweater of hers. I wore that sweater, black leggins and probably some leg warmers. Since dressing as a skunk I have graduated to dressing as the Red Gold tomato and the Anderson University raven. And no, I do not put this fact on all my resumes ... just a select few. HA!

4. I am terrified of Halloween masks. Any masks really. Odd since I can dress up, right? Masks just are different than a full mascot uniform. I absolutely hate shopping for costumes for the boys. We've really lucked out and I haven't purchased any from the store, but it doesn't stop them from wanting to look. I cannot walk down the isle that has those creepy SCREAM masks and the old man from one of those stupid horror movies. I am sweating just thinking about it now. Dad used to take us trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, but I was just fine staying at home. I still wasn't a big fan of handing out the candy unless mom was with me. I was just too scared. I still do not hand out candy nor take the boys around the neighborhood. We do the family thing and I am just fine (and safe) with that.

5. I was voted class klutz my senior year in high school. A title that I well deserved. I am the klutziest person I know. I trip on carpet, I drop my pop cans all over my pants, I leave my pants unzipped, I run into the neighbors cars, I hit my head on the mirror in the morning while putting my mascara on (you have to get close to the mirror and sometimes I don't judge that so well), I smash my fingers in drawers on a daily basis, I poked the lady at Starbucks today with my finger nail (may have drawn blood) ... need anymore examples?

6. I am Lebanese. Yep, only a quarter though. Basically, I have the olive skin that makes for a great tan in the summers or for a green tone when I am sick. Seriously, strangely green when I am not feeling well. I also have constant green/purple skin under my eyes. No make-up out there can cover it up. I like the fact that I am Lebanese. It's a good conversation starter. One time all the family came over from Lebanon to the CHOG convention. They SWARMED me because I looked like them. They kissed and hugged me until I was ready to puke! Maybe that is why I am not overly huggy to this day. Oh well, they make great baklava, so that is worth the hugs.

7. Speaking of not feeling well, I tend to pass out a lot, especially when I am not feeling well. It is scary at times, but for the most part I know when it is coming - Marcus has learned too. I have done it in churches, restaurants, while driving (that was scary), at the hospital (good place to do so), in our house (not the new one yet), at mom and dad's ... pretty much anywhere and everywhere. I don't always end up at the hospital after doing so, I just normally have to wait a little while and be put back into bed. I've learned to always wake Marcus up if I am going to be sick in the middle of the night so that in 10 or 15 minutes he can scoop me up off the floor and put me back into bed with a cold cloth. I am just not normal people.

So, is that more than you ever wanted to know about Carrie????
Ok, I tag Missy F. and Missy S.

One last thing ... I present my presentation on Thursday the 30th. It's the project I've been working on for 8 months. It's our only grade in the class and worth 4 credit hours! I would appreciate extra prayers on Thursday.

Have a great week,
Carrie

Of course it happened to me ... update @ 3:08pm

**Update: I've picked up the truck with no flashing. WHEW! He did give me a coupon that I wasn't expecting ... maybe it pays to be unzipped?

**Posted the pics of my wrecked car below. I am not sure I ever shared them. If you need the entire story on the wrecked car, see this post: http://clhcorner.blogspot.com/2008/08/meeting-neighbors-its-not-just-taking.html

So, I had to take Marcus' truck to get an oil change this morning. Since we had never used them before, the guy was taking my info while sitting at his desk and I was standing giving him the info. Nothing major, right? Well, I just walked back to my office from Napa and realize my fly was undone. YEP! No wonder the guy's 'assistant' stood there the entire time I gave my info. He was probably getting a peep show of my teal panties. My life sometimes ...

I'll be sure to have it zipped when I return for the vehicle.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Carrie

Rambling ...

I am not sure that I have much to post. Friday we went to watch Aiden in his first class 'play.' He was a doggy (much better than what I was in my first class play ... a skunk!) He did a great job and then we got to stay and do a craft with him. Saturday I scrapbooked all day and Marcus took the boys to watch Brody race go carts. They didn't get home until midnight. Marcus was tucking Aiden into bed and Aiden said, "Dad, this turned out to be a great day. I thought I was going to play outside all day, but instead we got to watch go carts!" So cute. Sunday we went to church, napped and then spent a few hours at Alvin and Steph's so that Alvin could have a play date with the boys. They 4-wheeled for hours!

Ok, so I wanted to try out this thing other bloggers have been doing. I was SUPPOSE to do it on Monday, but that day got away. So, Tuesday it is! Enjoy ...

FOR TODAY Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Outside My Window... I hear the construction going on. They've got the entire entrance to our building blocked. Good thing is that I can still cut across to the McD's to get my sweet tea. NOTHING gets between me and my sweet tea.
I am thinking... about the fact that I only have six weeks of school left before I am FINALLY done with my bachelor's! Praise the Lord. (Yes, next week this will be the same thought with only 5 weeks, then 4 and so on).
I am thankful for... The above answer and for my boys. I had a wonderful evening with them last night eating leftovers and reading books. I filled their baths up with way too many bubbles and we just laughed and laughed. I love seeing their personalities coming through.
From the kitchen... hahaha! Oh man ... from our kitchen you normally can hear the smoke alarm and know that mommy must be in there. Last night our kitchen was filled with the smell of hard boiled eggs and tuna (making tuna salad) and leftovers. Yumm-o!
I am wearing... my gray boots! I love boot-wearin' weather! Oh, and I am wearing my glasses, again. My contacts are giving me all kinds of issues.
I am creating... a spreadsheet to keep track of all my prospective students. We have this high tech computer program that is here to help me with it, but I just can't grasp it. Thank goodness for my trusted Excel 07.
I am going... to my first rotary meeting. I am all about networking and meeting new people, but for some reason the title of rotary has me a bit worried. Not sure why ...
I am reading... my Ethics textbook. Not nearly as enjoyable as the Shack that I just finished up. Although, both books offer ideas that I could take or leave.
I am hoping... that everything works out for the weekend. Marcus and I had a miscommunication problem (really doesn't happen often, but when it does WATCH OUT) so now we are debating which plans to ditch.
I am hearing... the radio via the computer. Star 88.3 is a great station up here.
Around the house... there are lots of toys and clothes. It's not messy, but not picked up if that makes since. Can you tell that mom is in charge this week?
One of my favorite things... is fall. I love the colors of the leaves, the sound of the leaves crunching, all the fall festivals, the smells, the fact that I can wear long sleeves and jeans without people telling me it's 90 degrees out and I am crazy ... poor circulation here people!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Not a lot this week. I have some homework to finish up, but other than that I promised Aiden we would read several books each night and just hang out.
Here is picture thought I am sharing... This is Logan and his friend Riley. They were at a bday party and Riley was telling him how to play the game. She held his hand the entire game time. I am sharing this photo as Riley's family was one of our first friends in our new neighborhood. They moved on Sunday to Montana! They sold their house in 8 days and were off. The new couple moved in yesterday and made me really miss Riley, Samantha, Ben and Missy. I hope they are having safe travels (24 hours in a packed minivan with 2 girls ages 6 and 3 does not sound like fun).

Mr. Romantic????

So I have to admit that I've never considered Marcus a romantic, but I am learning more and more that he really might be ... even more so than he knows! Here's what led me to this conclusion:
He's been working his night shift (did anyone else just break out into song???) and has to leave before me and the boys are in bed. The last three nights when I've gone into our bedroom he has had my light on the nightstand on for me. Now, you have to understand that he brushes his teeth before going to work (thank goodness) in our bathroom. Our bathroom door is right next to his light on his nightstand. He could easily turn his on or none at all. But instead he walks around the bed to my side to turn on mine. I just think that is so sweet. It's something so simple, but means so much - like he is still trying to protect me even though he isn't there - ya know?
Romance is not always chocolates and flowers. I am learning everyday that it's more about laundry, dishes and night lights.

Anyone want to share your significant other's way of being romantic? Let's keep it PG now ladies! HAHAHA!

~Carrie

Meeting the neighbors ... it's not just taking cookies over!

So ... we haven't met all of our new neighbors. We've met one that lives right beside us, but not the other. Well, I changed some of that today!

I was ready to leave for work and noticed that the sun was blinding. I was planning on taking the car but my sunglasses were not in it. I checked the Tahoe for them but couldn't find them. I decided not to worry about it. BAD DECISION! I pulled out of the driveway and my windshield immediately fogged up. I tried finding the defrost button - and did - just in time to look up and see that I was ready to hit the neighbor's Buick that was parked on the street! Yep. I hit it and hit it hard. I immediately started crying. They all came out and were so very nice. The cop came and said, "Let me guess, sun in your eyes?" I replied, "Yes, is that lame?" He said no because he had just driven our neighborhood and had thought to himself how blinding it was. WHEW! He then asked for my driver's license and I told him that the address was wrong. He asked what the new address was. I told him and he looked up and pointed to the house. Yep ... that's me! He said, "Well, most accidents happen less than 2 miles from home." I said, "Well sir, we are only 50 feet from the house!"

He did all the paperwork and then said, "Let's get this all cleaned up. Ma'am, I think your pride is over there!" OUCH! HAHAHA!

So ... my pride is hurt, my mouth is sore because I bit my lip and jaw, but other than that I am fine. The neighbors are really nice and the guy wants to let Marcus ride his Harley! God sure does have a sense of humor ... doesn't He?

I am trying to download the pictures from my cell. I got them to my computer but they will not post on here right.

PS ... say a prayer ... we had someone come look at the house last night!

Where did it go!?!

So ... I got my new computer from HU and I was so excited to check out my blog and all the text is gone! Is that an issue for all of you? Every other computer I've used has been fine ... strange!

Anyway ... yesterday was my first day at HU. It was your basic first day of meetings and talking about insurance, tours and hand shaking. It was a long day (12 hours!) but that's ok. Everyone seems very nice and thus far they have liked my outfits, shoes - jewelry and all! :0)

I'm lovin' it!

Hello!

I feel so disconnected from the world right now. My cell doesn't work at the new house (ok, it does if I am halfway down the driveway with one arm in the air, my left foot out and wearing blue ... other than that ... nothing!) I haven't watched the news in days and I have no internet! I am going crazy. We did get Dish set up on Tuesday and the DSL (I know ... movin' on up!) should be connected by Monday. Thank heavens.

I will post pictures as soon as we are up and running computer wise. We are loving the house. I was able to decorate a little yesterday (ok, Brody and Steph did most of it) but it looks great. It truly feels like home. Now, if we could just unload the other house!

Ok, off to another fun evening of class!
Love to all,
Carrie

Weekend Update

Took the boys to see "Wall-E" on Friday night. Strange movie ... no talking until about an hour into it. Just wasn't my fav, but Aiden seemed to enjoy it (Logan fell asleep).

Saturday I decided to appear as the AU Raven at the Lapel Village Fair. Ok, HOT is an understatement! I had to stop a few times in order to chug some water (which meant removing my 'head' and thus freaking some children out ... oops!) I was so proud of the fact that I made it through the parade without passing out and even was able to walk around as a civilian for about an hour afterwards. Well ... I spoke to soon. I was to meet my parents, sister and bro-in-law for dinner. Driving towards the restaurant I felt very tired. I had the boys with me so I made them continue to talk with me. We made it into the restaurant and I had Mom get me some water while we waited for a table. The second I took a drink I was just sure I was going to get sick so I ran into the bathroom. As soon as I came out of the stall I knew I was going to pass out. Mom had come into the room at that point, but I had her lead me out (I did NOT want to pass out on the bathroom floor of a restaurant!) So, I passed out in front of the enterances to the men's and women's bathrooms! I AM A NERD! Nick (Dr. Koontz that is) came over and checked my pulse and got some ice bags. He also made me chug some water. I laid there for what seemed like hours (probably more like 20 minutes) and then felt much better. Even stayed for dinner! I left with a horrible headache, but was able to head to bed early which was nice.

Sunday was spent staring at my computer hoping a paper would write itself. That didn't happen. I am beyond stressed with school, last week of work, closing on the new house, moving, vacation ... could I add anything else on the plate!?!?! Some prayers would be awesome this week!

Blah

I wish I could tell you that we have an official closing date, but we don't.
I wish I could tell you that we are all packed and ready to move, but we don't.
I wish I could tell you that our old house has sold, but it hasn't.
I wish I could tell you that I am totally ready to leave AU and Alex, but I'm not.

I can tell you that I am excited about learning our new town and making new friends.
I can tell you that I am going to miss my friends here and will pray for them daily (I mean I know they will need extra prayers to fill the void of losing us! HA!)
I can tell you that I know that God has made this path for us and will trust in Him to help us through the transition.
And I can tell you that I know I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me ... even pack, clean and move!

Happy Birthday Jill!

Now who could that be dressed as the raven? Great President Morrison impression!