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!!!????

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

Monday ~ Monday

FOR TODAY Monday, October 13, 2008
Outside My Window... is a beautiful day and I am here at work working (what a concept) and then staying late to finish up my final project for school!
I am thinking... about getting my final project for school done by the 16th. A little stressed!!!
I am thankful for... my husband. He's the best ...
From the kitchen... I am loving our open concept kitchen/dining room/living room. We spend so much time at the bar in the kitchen with the boys. Lots of memories will happen there.
I am wearing... some comfy pants today. Love that!
I am creating... a powerpoint for my project. It's slow going right now.
I am going... to keep plugging at the project (are you getting the point yet?)
I am reading... still reading the Last Lecture.
I am hoping... that this week goes fast so that I can get to my scrappin' weekend!
I am hearing... not much right now.
Around the house... we have a lot of bugs again. Marcus told me that our addition was build on a pig farm. I am starting to believe him!
One of my favorite things... Scrappin! This weekend and next!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Homework ... and my sis, bro-in-law and nephew are coming to visit! HOORAY!
Here is picture thought I am sharing... Um ... I am picture-less for once! I'll hook ya up later this week!

PS ... Logan is selling pickles for his daycare (strange, I know). We are talking pickles in every way possible! If you are remotely interested, send me an email and I'll let you know what they have. choffman@huntington.edu
~Carrie

Freaky Friday

Hello!

I had my last ethics class last night and still made it home in time to watch a classic Office episode all about ethics! TOO FUNNY! I only have my final presentation (a project I've been working on for 8 months now) to present on the 30th and I am done!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hooray for me!

Ok, I titled this Freaky Friday because I saw a girl at the gas station this morning wearing a wool coat, scarf, hat, jeans ... and flip flops! I do not understand this. Can someone help me out here? How can you be wrapped up like a snow bunny from the ankles up, but somehow think your feet can stay warm enough with just a piece of plastic between the toes? I wish I would have taken a picture with her so that she could have seen how ridiculous it was. Sorry if I've offended any of you and your 'style' but ... really????

Well, this weekend I am going to finalize that project for school and that's about it. Wish me luck!
Have a great weekend,
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

Aiden's first day of school!

He's off to kindergarten. I can hardly believe it. No tears for Mommy thus far. He did seem so little getting on that huge bus by himself.

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!