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!

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

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

A little paint and some stenciling!

I have an amazing husband. I know I've said that before, but it's true. Here's why this time. I have been wanting to get some paint on the walls of our new house but just haven't had time (nor the trust of my hubby that I would actually clean up the mess ... legit fear). Anyway, on Monday we went out to dinner and to Lowe's to pick out paint. I don't recall the name of the paint, but I wanted a golden rod yellow color. I had also planned on purchasing letters to make words (brilliant concept) around a frame or something, but hadn't decided what exactly. Marcus made that decision for me by stenciling (yes Shelly Kopp ... I wanted to call you immediately) the words FAITH, HOPE and LOVE on the wall. He even MADE the stencils! Check it out ...

And yes, I am hiring him out ... Mamma needs a new winter wardrobe! HAHAHA!

Here are some shots of Logan's room too. He had nothing on the walls and we are doing a cars, trains and planes theme. My dad still had some signs from college and we found stickers at Lowe's ... not too bad for $24. I still want to paint though.

Housing?

Look at the cute little chipmunk Marcus and Logan found yesterday in our backyard. He was enjoying some our birdseed until ...

Well, yes, he's stuck INSIDE the bird feeder. I am not sure why he thought this would be a smart idea. It's great to have all that food at your disposal, but if it means being stuck, is it worth it? Don't worry - Marcus rescued the little booger.

Doesn't our backyard look quite peaceful in these pictures though?

Have a great Tuesday!

~Carrie~

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

Faith of a Child

I don't have to tell any of you that live in Northern Indiana that it's dry here ... really dry. Since we moved here nearly 6 weeks ago - it's rained once (of course we were camping in a pop up camper that leaks, but at least it rained). The grass is so dry that you cannot walk on it barefoot (unless you're a Farmer sibling that can walk across glass with no problem). ANYWAY ... Last night we got a little rain. I was working late when I received this text from Marcus: "Aiden says Jesus saw our grass and said we should get rain." Faith of a Child.

Marcus has been taking Aiden to and from the bus stop in the morning and afternoons while he's home. The morning 'shift' cracks me up because it's normally three daddy's that are on the corner with the kiddos. I love that! All three of them stand there with their coffee in hand and look so proud and not at all embarassed that they are doing this duty. Anyway, when the kids get off the bus all of them are in the upper grades of elementary and no one comes to the stop to walk them back to their homes. Well, Marcus does this with Aiden. So, last night Aiden said, "Dad, do you think you can do something for me?" Marcus said, "Yes - what?" Aiden replied, "Could you stay in the house tomorrow when I get off the bus so that I can just walk with the other kids?" OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course Aiden doesn't understand the safety measures we are taking, but we never thought that it bothered him that Marcus walked him home. So, they came up with an agreement. Marcus will wait at the end of the driveway and just watch as they walk to the house. Thankfully our house is just 5 houses from the stop ... straight shot. Faith of a Child.

Lastly, if you haven't read Angie's blog entry this week titled "The Chicken" you must do so now!(http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/) HA-LAR-IOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, one more thing. Dad returned to work on Tuesday and is doing well. He is glad to see the people on his route and I think he's getting back into his routine.

Have a great week!
Carrie

Below this post is a slide show of our new house now that we're all moved in (well, as moved in as we can be for only being here for 4 weeks). We are quite proud and loving it thus far. However, there are a few things that I cannot get used to:

*The bugs ... mainly the flies. They are everywhere. Not just outside. Everywhere in our house! I have a fly swatter in the kitchen AND our bathroom. There is this one fly that resides in the kitchen that is the Michael Phelps of flies! I cannot catch him! When I do, I swear I am going to stuff him and hang him on the wall! (The fly ... not Michael Phelps! HA!) There are also about a bizillion (yes, it's a word!) other types of bugs that like to die on our deck. Hmmm ... odd, I know.
*The rabbits. Rarely do I look out our backyard without seeing at least one rabbit. Saturday there were 5 there ALL DAY LONG! Not complaining, just find it strange. We only have 5 baby pine trees that provide no shade and that's where they like to hold their meetings. I don't get it.
*The horse poop. Yep ... you read it right. We are now near Amishville USA and quite frequently we have to dodge poop in the middle of the road. I have seen more poop than road kill in these parts.
Funny side note: Our friend, Christy, used to tease Marcus and say that he looked Amish (think about it ... yep ... it's true!) So Marcus made up this character and voice that he will ONLY do when Christy is around (which isn't often enough since she lives in TN). But, it's so funny. He calls himself Hans Graber Yoder. When we moved here I told him he'd better be careful or he may be confused for someone's long lost brother Ismel! I know ... I am horrible - but I found it ha-lar-ious!
*The neighbors. They are all so nice! They either have children or grandchildren our age. They don't care if the boys "accidentally" ride their bikes through their yard. Heck ... they don't care if you run into their Buick (although your insurance carrier does). I haven't decided if I like how much they watch over the house though. I met a neighbor today that said she watched for me to come out of the house all weekend so she could meet me (I was in bed sick all weekend). Hmmmm ... Did she have anything else to do!?!?! Also, there are 3 elementary teachers or staff and the highschool baseball coach in the neighborhood. It's a good place.
*Sidewalks. We have sidewalks! What a concept. I remember when we moved into Yule Estates when I was in 4th grade and how thrilled I was that there were no sidewalks. Fast-forward to me being a mommy ... I LOVE SIDEWALKS!

Well, there are more but this has turned into a rather wordy post. So, I'll bid you farewell for now!

OH WAIT! Many of you have asked how Aiden's first day went. I'll quote him. "Mom. School doesn't last that long." By the way, he's in all day kindergarten. Marcus and I were happy with that statement and thought this year should be a breeze! That was Thursday. Friday's statement was, "School is way boring." Back to reality.

Love,
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!

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

Lots of catching up

Hello. Sorry it's been awhile --- a lot has happened in the last week. Here we go ...

Thursday, July 17th - We closed on our new house! A few little glitches (my driver's license was expired! OOPS) but other than that we now own two homes. EEK!
Same day about 11:15 pm - My dad calls to ask me to take him to the ER. He was having numbness in his left arm and hand. It was later confirmed that he had suffered a stroke earlier in the evening. I don't know all the technical stuff, but he is home and in great spirits. He is slowly regaining the use of his left hand. He begins therapy this week with the hopes that he is back to full usage by Christmas or sooner! Please keep him in your prayers.
Saturday, July 19th - We were supposed to head out to Missouri for my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. Mom was already out there and dad insisted that she stayed since it was her parent's. Marcus and I debated on going, but when we knew for sure that dad was doing great and in good hands with my bro-in-law, Nick (he's a dr.) we decided to head out for the festivities. I am so glad we did.
Sunday, July 20th - Sunday all day was the big celebration for my grandparent's. I will post pics later (using dial-up and would be up for hours for one picture!). Lots of people came to celebrate with our family. Good times.
Monday, July 21 & 22 - We headed to Branson with Gma and Gpa, Aunt Deb, Nathan and the boys. We had fun, but we were worn out! I will give details with the pictures I post in a day or two.
July 23 - Headed home. Took 10 hours and Mommy is tired!
July 24th ... WE START MOVING! Marcus and I will be boxes things all day tomorrow and loaded the Uhaul in the evening. We hope to pull out for our new address on Friday morning! I'll keep you posted!

Love,
Carrie

Almost time!

I finally can say with 99% confidence that we are closing on our new house tomorrow (Thursday) at 1 pm. I am taking the entire day off so that we can take the boys to the house and to their new daycare. Let's pray all goes well! OH ... and we still have that other house if anyone is interested! HINT HINT! We did lower the price last week.

Aiden story alert! This morning when I told Aiden that it was just one more day until we had our new house he sat down on the couch and took a deep breath. He finally turned to me and asked, "Are we taking our stuff from our old house to our new house?" I assured him that we were to which he replied, "Well, we'd better get it loaded into the Tahoe before tomorrow!" I hugged him and explained that Daddy and I would be doing so while he was still on vacation. He looked and me and said, "That's good because I was worried." Another crisis averted! WHEW!

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!

Ready, set, MOVE!

Above is a picture of the new Hoffman home (ok, we haven't closed on it yet, but 99% sure it will be ours). We are very excited. It all feels so real now.

I have been reflecting on the way that God has been putting this move together. It is so obvious to me now what he has set in place for this transition. It started 4 years ago!

2004 - I started a job at Burkhart Advertising where I became good friends with Tracy. Tracy's husband works for SDI (stick with me here). Sometime in '05 she was trying to convince me to get Marcus to apply up at SDI so we could hang out more. I thought nothing of it ...

2005 - Marcus and I were put into a bible study with a couple, Bart and Jami, that were HU graduates.

2006 - May 21 Marcus drives up to SDI to apply for their new division. I talk to my boss to make sure I can transfer up to the FT. Wayne branch and he agrees. All is set if and when we need to move. We hear nothing for almost a year.

2007 - Feb. I accept a position with AU. I am thrilled! The same day HR from SDI called Marcus for an interview. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?! Marcus said it would take a few months for them to hire him.

2007 - 2 weeks later ... He's hired!

2008 - Feb. I am playing around on the internet and click on the HU website to see if they offer an MBA. I decide to click on their open positions just out of curiosity ... little did I know this would change our lives! I noticed that they were hiring a recruiter for their adult programs (exactly what I do for AU). I didn't think much of it until that evening when Marcus and I were talking. I told him about it and laughed because I thought it would be perfect for me ... a year or so from then. WRONG! Marcus thought I should look into it. I ignored him (surprise surprise) but later that night I decided I would call Bart and Jami (the HU grads) and see if they knew anything about it. Turned out that one of Jami's friends had worked in the same office building as this position. She called me to let me know some info about it. I thought it sounded great, but ignored it again. The next day the HR director from HU called me!!!!!!!!! What!?!?! I did an over the phone interview with her and decided to submit my resume and here we are!!!!

Had I never worked at Burkhart and met Tracy this probably would not have happened. Had I never met Bart and Jami to have an HU connection this probably wouldn't have happened. Had I not been wasting time on the internet that day searching for an MBA ... yep ... this probably wouldn't have happened.

We are very excited for this transition. I would be lying if I didn't tell you that we are a little nervous also, but mostly excited. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us in our new little town. I wonder who we will meet that will set us up for something in our future. It's all in God's hands. Never has that been more obvious to me than this year.

Love,

Carrie