Dear Mom

As I write you this letter, the hubby and son#1 have left for church. I'm staying with son#2, who has had the flu since Thursday. He is better...thank you Lord! However, he is still considered contagious. I pray that you will have a good service and that the Lord will give you peace. Staying home with a sick child, has allowed me to have some quiet time and time of remembrance. I think back to all the times you took care of us four kids. You have devoted your whole life to us, Dad, the church, and all extended family and friends. You are a stay-at-home Mother who would greet me everyday after school with some good 'ole home cooked cookies or treat. I'll never forget what you have done for me, nor could I ever thank you enough. I don't know how you did it....raising 4 kids, taking care of the house, running errands, helping Dad on the farm and seeing to everyone's else's needs. You would just die, if you knew that I was telling everybody this, but this blogging is really good, cheap therapy;) Sometimes it just helps to write it all down. These are just some things that I want you to know.

I was up until 2 am this morning watching a Hallmark movie and bawling my eyes out, not only about the movie, but also about you. My heart breaks for you. I wish I could take all of this away, that I could take your place. But, just like in the movie, God has a plan, His Will, for your life, my life, and who are we to question it? We are human, and with that sinful nature; doubt, worry, anger, etc., sometimes gets the best of us. I want you to be able to get a new heart and feel good again. I feel selfish for asking so much of you. And my heart breaks for the life that will be lost in order for you to live. I know this is that person's wish, but it still hurts me to the core for that family. I know you have the same feelings. I wish that I had all the right words to say. When I was little you seemed to know exactly what to say when I was hurting, and you still do. It seems strange for us kids to be on the giving end where you are concerned. This too, is another challenge for you. You never want to be the center of attention and definitely not on the receiving end of anything. I want you to see, that it's your turn. We need you so much!

The movie ended like it began, with the preacher telling the love of his life, whom he never got to spend it with, that he promised her that they would accept the Will Of God...no matter what.....and they did! It wasn't easy, great pain abounded in their lives, but what blessings they received, even through the midst of their tribulations. Lives were touched! They ministered to others! Isn't that what it's all about? Yes, I know it is. So when doubt, confusion, anger, frustration, and the why's come....I will stand proclaiming....

"Though none go with me, I will follow, No turning back, No turning back"!

When I awoke this morning, I felt like maybe I had dreamed it all. The movie ministered to me in such a way and at the most needed time. Ain't God Good!! Here's the kicker: Mom you were the one who called me to tell me about another movie you were watching on the same channel, the one before the one I watched that helped me see God's Writing on the Wall! Goose bumps! Again, you were the one helping me and you didn't even know it!

Thanks Mom!

I Love You!

Works For Me Wednesday!

Here is a tip that Sister P had to remind me of, on a previous post, titled Stress Busters. It is something that I do daily to hide dark circles, and duhh why not on hickeys:) Remember from a hair cut:)

As we were visiting our Clinique counter at the mall, an associate laid on us the greatest beauty secret EVER!! I have these dark circles under my eyes and have not been able to successfully mask them until now! Hang in here with me as I try to demonstrate how to apply the following:

You will need the following items in YOUR MAKEUP basket:
1. Red Lipstick
2. Concealer
3. Concealer Brush
4. Eye Cream (not pictured)

After all makeup has been applied, eyeshadow, liner, etc., follow these 2 steps:
1. Use a concealer brush and apply red lipstick, yes red lipstick! Not too heavy just enough so when you look in the mirror, you look like a monster. Be sure to just cover the dark circles and in the corners of the eyes, wherever darkness abounds:)
2. Then, apply the concealer on top of the lipstick. I dab my brush into my eye cream, then mix it with a little of the concealer, this makes it a little creamy and easier to apply.

My Shopping Directory:

Red lipstick pictured above is Clinique Color Surge Butier Shine Lipstick in Apple Brandy; Concealer is Clinique All About Eyes Concealer in Light Natural; Concealer Brush is Clinique; Eye Cream (not pictured) is Clinique All About Eyes Cream.


I think I need to work for Clinique!

Works for me!!

Please forgive me for not posting this WFMW thing correctly! I need to enroll in Blogging 101. Somebody is going to have to sit down with me and show me how to actually get these pictures of links to actually work when you click on them:) I had to add the web address below my donating buttons because they don't work.

Happy Concealing!!

Carrie

I Love A Good Challenge!

I don't know about you, but at my house, anytime we are leaving the house to go somewhere or getting ready for bed, 2 things happen: they start looking for something or start a new project! Grrrrrrrrrr! So, being the challenged person that I am, I join in for the fun:)

Hubby comes home yesterday with the Boat Certification Manual for our state. Did you catch the phrase...... HE BROUGHT IT HOME...HIS IDEA, remember that part for later. I could see the lightbulb look come on in son #1. Being that he is now the legal age to get his boating license, the challenge was on. Of course like most men, I found hubby and son #1 glued to the computer taking this online test. I asked if either of them had read the manual.....No Mom...we don't need to read it. Dad has his license already. Remember HIS IDEA part, I guess he picked it up just to get the online address? I said, "hum, let's see...I think that has been several years ago". I set back and watch and try to start looking up answers in the manual for them, seeing that they were stumped on a few....lol!!!!!! They finish the 60 questionnaire and would you believe it......THEY FAILED IT!!:) Surprise, Surprise:) By now it's way past our bedtime.

Here's where the competitor part of me begins: I take the stupid manual to bed with me and read it. Hubby said, "are you really going to read that thing"? I said, "Of course dear"! He said, "we'll just take it a few times and we'll pass it eventually"! I said, "Sure dear, whatever dear".

Guess what I did this morning? Yep, I took the online 60 question test and PASSED IT!!! I ONLY MISSED 2! Being the cheating, loving, kind of Mom that I am....I took another test for my son #1! Shame on me I know....but son #1 will have to pass Mom's questionnaire and it won't be as EASY as the online test, before he will receive his license! I will justify the cheat that way! I really do teach my children NOT TO CHEAT, so don't condemn me just yet! I hope that no one who is a Marine Police or related to one will turn me in:/ We teach our kids safety first....ALWAYS!

Now that I have my boating license, I guess my guys will have to take me with them more often, on their fishing and hunting excursions:)!!!!!!! Next time they will think twice before disregarding a manual....I hope for anything including, but not limited to: directions, assembling something, etc. MEN!!! You Gotta Love 'em!

Go Mom's!!

BTW....cabin fever is beginning to set in:)

Stress Busters

Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe!



Here is a list of some helpful hints that I read on an email this morning to help with STRESS!



1. Pray

2. Read the Bible.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed. (Mom you did a crazy thing today:)

4. Go to bed on time so you can do #3.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more.

8. Pace yourself.

9. Take one day at a time.

10. Separate worries from concerns.

11. Live within your budget.

12. Have backups. (keys:)

13. Laugh!

14. Laugh some more!

15. Sit on your ego.

16. Talk less, Listen more! (KMS...Keep Mouth Shut)

17. Rest.

18. Slow down.

19. Be kind.

20. Get organized.

21. Quiet time.

22. It's okay to say NO!



Sounds easy, right? NOT! But it reminded me of WHY I'm so STRESSED, since I'm not doing nearly all the above! Which leads me to what's STRESSING me now! I went for a haircut and color last night....yes I left my sick child at home...with his Dad. And I beat myself up for it all the way to and from. BTW he is some better today, thanks for your prayers! Anyway, when I got home my hubby who never notices little details, proclaimed..."you've got a hickey:)" lol!!!!!!! Go ahead....gasp.....and laugh....and breathe! No, it was not from mad passionate love...like who has time and feels like it....do I hear an Amen from my sisters?...my hairdresser shaved my neck. She is a great hairdresser, it's just that I have sensitive skin. I looked in the mirror and yes....IT LOOKS LIKE I HAVE A HICKEY! Hubby is walking around all proud like and aggravating the hound out of me:) So, now consider yourself family, since I've shared all that. Really people.......it is from a haircut! I guess that's what I get for going. Hopefully by the time I venture out again, oh let's say next month, IT will be gone! Does anybody have a quick remedy for Hickeys? Besides wearing a turtleneck:) Please do tell!!




Carrie

Mom.....You Did A Crazy Thing Today!

Update: Back from the Dr. and guess what......HE HAS THE FLU....POSITIVE FOR THE FLU!!! I need a whipping for not making time to get me and the kids a flu shot. Hubby got one at work, so he is the only smart one in the bunch. Yea, you know it hunney!!

I feel so bad for him...he is one sick little boy. I wish I could make it go away for him. We will be the first in line next year for the flu shot...you better believe it!!

Hubby called me from the orthodonist with the other son...."Hey Momma (that's me), which Dr. would you like son #1 to go to for his wisdom teeth to be cut out?" Whaaaaaaaaatttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!

Please pray for my son to get well soon and please pray for me to keep my sanity. The son with the flu reminded me while I was writing the check to pay the Dr., to make sure I didn't write it out to the church:)

BTW.....the flu is rampent.....mom-n-law, brother, and friend T and her child all have it!

Pray that Spring comes quick and we can GET OUT OF THIS HOUSE!!

K.T.....if you are reading this today.....I need a raincheck on Sat.:(

************************************************************************************

That's the first sentence out of son #2, after coming home from school yesterday! Not, hey Mom, I love you....no, it was Mom you did a crazy thing today:) And he was justified in saying just that. Keeping up with things, especially keys....the T's will say amen to that....is not my speciality. Now I can add to the list.....keeping lunch money for my children to the, "not keeping up pile:)". Son #2 told me on Tues. that he needed lunch money. He reminded me again Wed. morning as the bus was coming in the driveway to pick them up. I am a speed demon, at least I have one strong suit, and I quick wrote a check for the said lunch $$. Yes!! Supermom....writes a check in no time flat! I sigh with relief, the kids get on the bus and all is well for another day. Yeah right! NOT!!!!

I MADE THE CHECK PAYABLE TO: C. G. BAPTIST CHURCH!! For crying out loud people.....what is wrong with me? At least I had church on the brain...surely that counts for something. I even wrote his lunch # on the memo line of the check!!! The smart kid that #2 is, can I take credit for that...maybe....I need something to be proud of...no I guess not after this......anyway, he caught Mommy's mistake and just brought the check back home. Thank you Son, I will forever be indebited to you! Sweetie!! Darling!! Pumpkin!!! He did get to eat lunch....he know's big brothers lunch #.....did I tell you how smart he was:) lol!!!!!!! Now, son #1 is going to be short a lunch, and he will be hollering at me in a few days, as the bus is coming down the drive, and we start all over again! I hope he remembers to proof the check before handing it to the lunch lady!


Son #2 woke up with a fever, sore throat, and cough this morning. I don't know about you...but I'm ready for SPRING! He had the first cousin to the flu and missed a week of school before Christmas, and son #1 had the flu the week after Christmas! I feel so sorry for them when they are sick. All son #2 kept saying this morning was that he was going to miss the youth duck hunt this weekend. I'll save the details on these extravaganzas for a later date!! Everyone needs to know about duck hunting!

Off to the doctor we go today! I hope it is something that can be fixed speedy quick....if not, son #2 is going to be one saaaaaaaad little boy!

Enough of my rantings!!


Love to all,



Carrie

Wake Up Call

Whenever the phone rings at an unusual time....I begin to panic! My neighbor and friend S, called me this morning with the news that a tornado was heading our way and for us to take cover. Thanks S for thinking of us!! I immediately woke hubby and kids up and we jumped in our clothes and headed striaght for my parent's basement! I made several calls to siblings and friend K to make sure everyone was aware. I wished our little town had a siren! Several years ago, when hubby and I lived next to our church, no kids yet, a tornado came through one Sunday morning and blew our church away. Hubby and I anchored down in a itty bitty closet, which is no easy feat for us two giraffes, and rode it out. Next door, my sister C, her hubby and dog-Tucker, squeezed in their shower! It was the strangest thing I've ever been through. Daylight turned to complete darkness within seconds and the loudest "train" noise you've ever heard. We were screaming at each other in that little closet and couldn't hear one another. God was wathcing over us. Complete destruction all around us, but those little houses still stood! It came through before church services began, so no one was there. So anytime we hear "tornado", we take it serious!

After the 2 hour delay for school, and I get to work, I receive an email from my sis-n-law that read this: "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you." "When God takes something from your grasp; He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better."

We had a small church and now we have a new beautiful church that holds our larger congregation. See what God took from us that day, turned out to be a blessing! We were sad for the loss of our church, the one we grew up in and got married in, but that little church would have never held our congregation we have now. Sure, we could have built another or added on, but we had so much help financial wise through donations, free labor, disaster loan, that we were able to pay for this new church very quickly. God has truly blessed us!! Thank you God!!

I said all that to say this: this morning was a flash back to that day. I feel for those communities that were hit today. Two communities that are within 20 miles of my house, have been affected greatly by this tornado. Lives have been lost, homes destroyed, farms destroyed, utter destruction. Please remember these families in your prayers. I thought the statement was very timely this morning, because we know that God's Grace Is Sufficient for our every need. These people are in great need and I pray for God's loving arm to surround them!

People, we need to be ready!

Love to all,


Carrie

Update on Prayer Requests

I just got a call from my Mom. She received a call from B'ham today. They are wanting her to be getting some records, tests, etc. together before she comes to them on the 18th of this month. She will need to prepare to stay for a few days for some tests that have to be run before she can get a transplant. She had these tests done in 2006, but some need to be updated. So it looks like the ball is beginning to roll. She is doing fine....now don't think she is not...because Mom is ALWAYS fine! Sisters, you know what I'm talking about:) Mom thinks I'm portraying her as this deathly sick person and everyone is coming up to her asking how she is, thinking she is fixing to die. You have to know my Mom....that's why she is still with us...she is one tough lady and God smiled on her! This does not mean that she is worse, it is just another step towards getting a transplant. There is no telling how long this process will take. Pray for us! We love you Mom!!!



As far as Dad is concerned, he got his stitches removed on Monday of this week. It was maglinant, but they feel sure they got it all. No treatments will be necessary, just to keep a check on it, is all that is required. He is just trying to get over a bad case of the crud now, and he should be good as new! I hope so....because we need you Dad!



Thanks for all your prayers and support!!



Carrie

Church Escapades

My Prince!

My Princess!

Webster defines escapade as "playful behavior". That describes these two angels to a tee:) They are my niece and nephew. I love them to pieces. Aren't they just the cutest things! So you ask, what does church escapades have to do with these two? Well, where do I begin? Let me just say...if we all went to church with as much enthusiasm as these two do...there is no telling what kind of revival would break out. They LOVE church! At our small country church we are blessed with lots of children. I love to see them all run up to the stage to perform for the church as they sing to the Lord. Don't you know how much he loves these little ones. They are truly a blessing. No pun intended!

So let me get to the funny part.....these two have some dancing genes let me tell you. Nephew decides it's time to...well I'm not sure what happened...all I know is he tumbled down a few steps and my sister C, being the stand-in choir director for them, picks him back up and proceeds to place (throw) him back on the stage while she is dancing around her long skirt trying to keep her balance and lo and behold, he tumbles AGAIN! Need I say more? lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!lol!!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!

BTW....all the LOL's is the congregation:) I had some people behind me asking was that sister C that fell....lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Sister P plays the piano for them and she quits playing because she's laughing hysterically. After they manage to finish singing, nephew makes it down the steps, all the while he is holding his hand over his head like he is in a daze and then lays his head down in our Pastor's lap. Our Pastor hands out Smarties after they finish singing every Sunday to each kid. Naturally nephew would stop by there first....he's got the goods! After receiving his prize he stands dazed in the aisle, then finds Mawmaw and gets some loving.

I'm telling you these two are a mess! They are 17? months apart. So my brother and sis-n-law have their hands full. Hang in there......they will be grown before you know it! I love you all dearly!!!

You never know from Sunday to Sunday which one of the kids at church are going to make us laugh or smile. What lessons we can learn from them..........to humble ourselves before Him and praise his Holy Name with song and dance!

Happy Birthday!

My niece and her new softball glove at her Birthday Party!

Today we went to my sister P's house for a birthday bash for my niece. She will turn 9 next week. It's hard to believe that she is 9. My sister's and I were all pregnant at the same time 9 years ago. I had my #2, then came my niece, then came my nephew...all within 8 months. Needless to say my Mom was a little overwhelmed. She had 4 children, all natural, with no problemo, and here she had 3 girls that couldn't birth without some kind of complication and all c-sections. We managed to survive all that and are having a good time raising them. They are more like siblings than cousins. We all live within a 5 mile radius which makes that possible. I am very thankful for that.

Okay back to the b-day bash.....she had this wonderful spread of itlaian food!! We ate like pigs and enjoyed the fellowship with the family! Oh how I love b-day's! My niece had a football cake...you know it is SuperBowl Sunday. She is all about sports. Yet, on the other hand she loves to get all girly up too! She received loads of $$ and other gifts. I don't know about you, but kids these days have more $$ than I can ever remember receiving. When I'm out of cash....I just hit the wallett of son #2, if for some sort of reason he's out..which is not likely...he's my saver...then #1 should have some hid somewhere. No I don't steal, I ask permission first, then I leave an IOU. Like they are going to let me forget....NOT!!! Anyway she had a good party and we had loads of fun.

So Happy Birthday J! I hope you have a great year! Aunt Carrie loves you!!

Carrie

Fishy Dish

Okay, let me start by saying that my 13 year old has a nose like a blood hound. He will not drink from a cup, eat from a plate or utensil, if it smells like a fish! Come on now, you know what I'm talking about...or at least I hope you do. What makes that smell!! Or am I the only one with the problem. It doesn't always happen. But occasionally I can unload, excuse me, when hubby unloads the dishwasher....another story for another day:)....and the dishes have this funky fish smell. No kidding! I'm thinking that it is from throwing more dishes in while it is already in wash mode. Yes dear...I have caught you doing that. Believe me it is becoming an issue around here. I haven't changed dishwasher tabs or anything. I even clean the thing every now and then. So what's up?

If you have any suggestions or can relate, don't be afraid to let it be known. I need some help! My #13 is having to hold his nose to even drink his favorite chocolate milk. BTW it is the best chocolate milk on the planet. Gran has spoiled my kids with this holy milk. They are addicted to it. Next time you are at Ingles, stop in and pick you up some Organic Valley Chocolate Reduced Fat Milk. You did notice the reduced fat part:) Anything reduced fat must be good for you.


Gotta go...son #2 has some friends over tonight.....5 to be exact...no wait, 2 went home...so I should have 3 now....I hope! Need I say more:) And yes Lisa, I've already bandaged one hand tonight. No ER visit required...yet:/.

Carrie