Serious Note

Hello.

You may have noticed that I have placed a few new items on my sidebar. The one at the top is for a little girl named Harper. She was born just a few days ago and is having a rough time. Her family is not only asking for prayers for their little girl, but for all the babies and families in the NICU. It just amazes me how people that are hurting and in need are still willing to reach out and ask for prayer for others. Such a witness. Check it out.


Also check out the button for Abby. She's a little girl fighting cancer and receiving treatments right now. They have an amazing story too. I found their blog when I clicked on a picture of Joey and Rory (Alex folks should know who I am talking about) and found that the daddy of Abby wrote the article I was reading. Anyway, check their story out too and pray for them.

The blogger world can be so overwhelming, but I have been so touched by so many stories from blog stalking. There are some amazing families out there that make me feel like this world can be a better place. These families have gone through so much and continue to give glory to God and have really been an inspiration to me.

So, take a few minutes this week in prayer for these little girls. We believe in a healing God and these little ones need healing so badly.

~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

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

Time to Pray

I am not one to sit and talk for hours about politics, but I have to admit that Marcus and I watched the tv last night just in awe of what was happening. I am not sure yet if we are happy, sad ... I really don't know. But I read a lot of blogs and found this to sum it up for me (copied below but I encourage you to check out the site. He's a pastor in TN and I really enjoy his blog).

"Today is a new day. It’s a new era. Regardless of who you voted for or why, it’s time to switch gears. It’s time to pray for Obama as he transitions to become the President of the United States.

And furthermore, you need to know this is not a surprise to God. Before the billions of dollars were spent on this campaign, God already knew the outcome. He wasn’t sitting around the television last night ringing his hands like you were.

He doesn’t need a Republican or a Democrat, an electoral vote, or a state. He’s not red or blue. He’s God.

He’s God and I’m not. You’re Not. Obama is not. McCain is not.

So if your candidate lost. I’m sorry. If you’re worried your issues aren’t going to be being addressed. I’m sorry. But God is still God and He’s still sitting on His throne.

Let’s move on."

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!

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

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!

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!