Monday, December 31, 2012

Looking Back

12 Things in 2012
  1. Jonah got his driver's permit
  2. Carla went back to work for Meyer Mortgage Corporation
  3. Carla lost her gallbladder :(
  4. Both kids lettered in track
  5. We built a cement pond in our back yard, like the Clampetts
  6. Jonah got his first car
  7. Courtney made it to high school :)
  8. Jonah enrolled in his first college class
  9. Phillip transferred to BG from Franklin
  10. Enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with our special neighbors Rick and Jackie
  11. Courtney auditioned for the high school musical, Beauty and the Beast and MADE IT!!!!
  12. Jonah lettered in cross country
..whatever is true...whatever is pure...think about such things.
Philippians 4:8

Blessings to all~
Carla

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

A Few Pictures of Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful day.  We truly enjoyed our day together as a family.  I think the kids stayed in their pj's all day and with living 3 states away from family we didn't venture out of the house all day.  Even though it was sad not being with our family for the holidays. 

Every year Rascal gets a Christmas present... a gift bag of dingo bones and every year, he takes one bone out of the bag at a time until he has every bone out of the bag and they are all nice and neat in a little pile.  Then he guards them for the rest of the day, slowly chewing on then.  It's hilarious!!!  It's the first gift that we do just because it's so much fun to watch.
The kids went shopping for Phillip and I this year, they thought it would be neat for Phillip to have a electronic dart board for the bonus room.
The kids dressed in their Christmas pj's, of course always a tradition to open the night before Christmas.
I told Phillip that the only thing I wanted this year was a camcorder,
we haven't had one since the movers stole ours in 2007.
I can't get over the fact that these BIG BULKY headphones are back in style.  They were in style when I was in like middle school and that seems like forever ago.
We surprised Courtney this year with an iphone.  As she was unwrapping her present I called the new phone, which was in the box, the phone started ringing and her face was PRICELESS!!!!!  She needed a new phone, her other phone was a piece of junk!!
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father...
who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

Blessings to all ~
Carla

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!!!

From Our Family to Yours!!!


Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry "Ruff"mas

Jonah took this picture of Rascal while playing around with my camera the other night.   You gotta love the little guy, he's such a good sport but he does get he fair share of spoiling so it all works out in the end. :)  
What a "Ruff" life he has???

Blessings to all ~
Carla

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

A Few Touches of Christmas

Wrapping paper, with pretty bows, I just love it!!!  Yes, I am pretty OCD about the paper and bows.  Hobby Lobby has the BEST wrapping paper, buy it when it's 50% off and you will not regret it.  By the way if you are wondering I snapped this picture prior to placing the presents under the tree.
 I love ornaments.  I think they tell a story at least on our tree they do.  So every year I try and either buy an ornament from somewhere that we had traveled or I purchased a fun one like this one.
Poinsettias are so pretty but something makes me like them more when they are
mixed with live foliage like this one that sits on the corner of my desk.
My wonderful, talented neighbor made this advent calendar for our family....she's got way
 more talent then I could ever imagine!!!

And they were calling to one another: "Holy holy holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of His glory."
Isaiah 6:3
Blessings to all ~
Carla

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Reindeer Run

Jonah and Courtney ran their first 5k "street race" in Cadiz, KY called the Reindeer Run on Saturday.  Each runner had a flashing light to attach to their back since the race took place in the evening.  After the race started, Cadiz's Christmas parade followed the runners.  The kids thought that the experienced was awesome since the streets were lined with spectators out to watch the parade as well as cheer the runners on. 

Jonah placed third over all.

Blessings to all ~
Carla

Friday, November 16, 2012

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

This is one of Courtney's favorite desserts for Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

4 eggs
2 tsp cinnamon
2 c sugar
½ tsp salt
1 cup oil
2 cups pumpkin (16 oz can)
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda

Beat eggs with sugar until well blended. Add oil, continuing to beat. Sift dry ingredients, beat into mixture. Add pumpkin. Pour into greased and flour pan. Bake 55 minutes at 350 degrees.

Cream Cheese Icing

8 oz. cream cheese
½ cup butter
1 lb conf sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Pecans

Combine cream cheese and butter. Add other ingredients except pecans. Beat till smooth. Sprinkle pecans on top.
Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth...
Psalm 86:11
Blessing to all ~
Carla

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Trick ~ or ~ Treat

The days of holding the kids hands and walking door to door while trick ~ or ~ treating is LONG gone for Phillip and I.  Tonight he and I did not even sit at home to greet any trick ~ or ~ treaters that came by the house, sorry to any that may have paid us a visit.  No, Phillip and I enjoyed a date night, dinner for two and a little shopping, while our kids went to a Halloween Party and did a little Trick ~ or ~ Treating with their friends. 
WOW, how times change when you have teenagers! 
 
But I will say this, they still look adorable in their Halloween costumes.
 
Courtney my little Indian Princess
 Jonah, my BINGO, LOVIN' old man, which I will say was hilarious to watch him move his mouth.
Hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween!!!
 
Blessings to all~
Carla
 


Happy Halloween

I left a  few surprises for my spooky little goblins this morning.

Tea cookies from Riley's bakery, yum!!! If you live in the BG area, then you know just how good these little cookies are and my goblins loves them. 

Then I got a little creative, not really, but I thought this was an adorable Halloween treat using Tic Tacs?? Brilliant - and it's got it's own packaging, how simple is that!


You can get the free printable at Somewhat Simple, as you can see they have more then just the Jack-o-Lantern Seeds.

Aren't they cute??

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in Heaven.
Psalm 119:89

Blessings to all~
Carla

Sunday, October 28, 2012

A Little More Fall

I am not sure about you but September flew by for me and here we are just days away from the end of October! We had a tease of warm weather or what some people would call an Indian Summer during the middle of October.  I will say that I certainly enjoyed the warmer days but now I am afraid we are getting ready to see the temperatures that do not agree with my body, the days were the wind is chilling.  I am not my any means a cold nature person at all.  I guess old man winter in right around the corner.

At the beginning of Fall I decided to dress up my galvanized buckets that hold my mums on the front porch.  I used my cricut to cut the words "welcome fall" out of vinyl.  I love the simple touch that it added to my buckets. 
Another Halloween decoration share before Halloween comes and vanishes.

I made this Halloween plate last year, actually I've made several, between friends and gifts, it's one of my favorites.  It takes the longest to make because of the different fonts but I love the colors and how fun it is. Notice my little FAT black cat, I am not a cat person at all, even when it comes to Halloween things, but I just adore this little FAT black cat that I received in a "BOOED" packaged about 9 years from my neighbor, isn't he cute!!!
"Then you will call, and the LORD will answer. You will cry for help, and He will say, "Here I am!"
Isaiah 58:9

Blessings to all ~
Carla

Friday, October 19, 2012

Flashback Friday

I thought it would be fun to pull out a Halloween picture of when the kids were little.

Halloween 1998

Courtney, our "lil pumpkin" was 5 months old and Jonah, our "fierce lion" was 2 1/2 years old.  Seems like just yesterday.  (click on the picture to enlarge in you wish)
 
12 days til HALLOWEEN!!!

"Train up child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6

Blessings to all~
Carla

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Ticket Stub Box

Over fall break, the four of us went and saw Taken 2 at the movie theater, which was just as good as the first.  After paying for the tickets, Courtney mentioned to Phillip how she needed her ticket stub because she saved them, which I knew.  Then, like a lightning bolt it hit me, what I had seen on pinterest.  Yes, I am addicted to pinterest!!!  So that Saturday, Courtney and I decided to get a crafty and make her a shadowbox to keep her ticket stubs in.

We checked out ALL the links on pinterest and looked at the different ideas, you had your cheesy ones, the cute ones, the "REALLY" ones and the extreme ones.  They all had different sayings on them, that's when we came up, with ours....
We wanted something that she could keep forever, that would not be tacky in say 10 years if she still wanted to display it then. 

We purchased a shadowbox from Hobby Lobby and cut a 3" x 1" slot at the top of the box so that she could easily drop her ticket stubs through the slot.  I paint inside the slot black.

Then with my cricut I cut out the saying "Memories," with silver vinyl.   We thought about "Admit One," which most of the pins on pinterest say, but Courtney, being different, thought that "Memories" better suited her.  Oh and we place the word "Memories" on the outside of the box so that no matter how full her box is, you will always see the word, "Memories."

It was really and easy project, except for the cutting of the hole and Phillip helped us with that one.

everyone called by My name and created for my glory.
I have formed him; indeed, I have made him.

Isaiah 43:7

Blessing to all ~
Carla

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Random Things

  • Took Jonah to the doctor yesterday and he has bronchitis.  I should have known it was coming, about this time every year he gets some type of respiratory crud.  He looked so miserable last night laying on the couch, I hate it when my kids are sick. 

  • I heard on the radio this morning that women start worrying about aging at the age of 29, REALLY!!!  Okay, ladies, I turned 39 in August and I have to admit that I really have not worried one bit about aging and DON'T feel old at all.  Is it just me or is there other ladies out there who feel the same why as I do???

  • I've been keeping track of my migraines for  my neurologist appointment on Thursday, as of right now, in the last 3 months (90 days) I've had 26 migraines.  Kinda seems like a lot but then it doesn't, I know that sounds crazy but it seems like I have them all the time when you really look at the mathmatical side of it, it's less then 1/3, I know kinda geeky sounding.  I've also started having numbness and tingling in my thumbs, just started last night, also, it's freaky!  Praying that Thursday's appointment will give me relief. :)  Maybe I need to rethink the getting old part.... ha!!

  • I have so many projects turning in my head right now that I want to do and no time or motivation to do it.....  UGH!!!   I know that their is NO one else out there that is in the same boat as I am, RIGHT????

  • Some times I sit and wonder what my life and my family's would be like if my mother was still alive.  I miss her so much, she was the glue that held us together in many ways.
I pray that you...may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ...

Ephesians 3:17-18

Blessings to all ~
Carla

Friday, October 12, 2012

Sky Conference

On Tuesday the kids ran at the Sky Conference at Ephram White here in Bowling Green.  This was both of the kids first race back since injuries three weeks ago so I was on pins and needles as to how they were going to run.  Yes, I can me a nervous mom, sometimes, well, ALOT of the time!
Courtney struggled, but hopefully she will be back on the mends after this weekend, we hope!!!
Jonah ran really hard and looked really good throughout the race.  Guess a couple weeks off to recover from a hamstring injury is what he needed.  He really looked strong!! 

I wish I had a shot of Jonah crossing the finish line.  He threw his arms up, as into a victory, he had seen he time, knew he beat his old PR and was totally satisfied.  I loved it!!!!
 I am so very proud of Jonah!!! 
He set a new PR ( personal record) of 17:10 shaving, 12seconds off of his previous PR
and came in 9th place.
 Ross came in 16th place, him and Jonah are the #1 and #2 runners for SWHS.
Way to GO, boys!!!
sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4

Blessings to all ~
Carla

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Homecoming Week

This week is Homecoming week at SWHS and Wednesday was wear your favorite team gear.
Well....we may live in the bluegrass state but we still cheer for our Florida Gators!!!!
Are they not the cutest kids ever???
They are just growing up WAY toooooo Fast!!!!
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead...
Philippians 3:13

Blessing to all ~
Carla

Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Okay...let me just say this recipe ROCKS!!!! No boiling and deboning the chicken, it's all done in the crock pot with the exception of cooking your rice and the flavor, well let me just say YUMMO!!!!

I found this recipe here via pinterest a couple of weeks ago and it was a BIG hit with my family.

It is a must try if you like Chicken and Rice and EASY cooking.

Only 5 simple ingredients:
  • 2-4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese (let sit out to soften or I microwave it for about 30 seconds)
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 pkg. Italian dressing seasoning (the dried kind in the packet)
  • rice (whatever your family prefers)
Stir the cream cheese, cream of chicken, and seasoning together.  Place the frozen chicken in and cover with the mix. I cook my on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked and fall-apart-tender, you'll want to tear the chicken into small pieces. 

Last step - Cook your rice about three cups, when done smother with chicken mixture and viola.  You are done!!!!  The italian seasoning is the secret ingredient!

For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you...are not consumed.
Malachi 3:6

Blessings to all ~
Carla

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

New Shelves with Fall Decor

  Finally, I have my shelves!!! Thanks to my Hubby!!!

 I have a 5 foot wall in between my dining room and my kitchen that is basically a walkway, so you really can't put furniture there or it seems crowded.  I've had in my head for some time to hang two three foot shelves on this wall.  I didn't want floating shelves, I already have those in my living room and I really wanted something that was made out of wood, real wood, so I could paint them  and change them up if I desire and they would last.  So this past weekend my hubby made them and painted them, I was as tickled as a kid in a candy store!!!
As you can see, I mainly used my Fall and Halloween Decorations as a quick fill on the shelves, I may just change out the seasonal items until at least after Christmas.  You never know about me, I may change it up tomorrow. ha!
My owl is new to the my Halloween decor this year, I fell in love with him the moment I saw him.  He's different from the everyday jack-o-laterns, witches and ghosts.
I found this Halloween Subway Art here and printed it at my local Sam's for less then two dollars.  The cute little pumpkins my MIL made several years ago, I have several of these pumpkins in different colors, fabrics and sizes through out the house that she has made.
I like my sign and in fact I am thinking about making a December 25 for Christmas in green and red.  I really think I should :)
Prior to hanging the shelves I took down this mirror that was, well out of  it's place on this wall since the day I hung it there but I did just because I really had nothing else to put there at the time and no where else for the mirror. 
                                    
What I had not realized though was that everyone seem to use it, so I found this cute round mirror to hang with the shelves. I love the color, however it's not really the right color for this area. I think I made tone it down just a little with some white paint but still let some of turquoise show through.
Happy October!!

In Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
Colossians 2:3

Blessings to all ~
Carla

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Choir Concert

A couple of weeks ago, we attended Courtney's first of probably many High School Choir Concerts.  This was the beginning Choir was mainly consists on freshman.  Courtney sings alto and sings very well, she is definitely our singing bee. 
If you can't spot her she is the pretty blonde on the top row. 
Love that GIRL!!!
"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy."
Job 8:21


Blessings to all ~
Carla

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Jonah's New Ride

Jonah's new ride!  A Schwinn, a bike, that is.
  I love that my kids are so athletic and enjoy being outdoors.  Jonah enjoys going for LOOOONG bike rides and when I say LONG, I mean LONG, usually 5 to 10 miles, easily.  Yesterday, he rode 11 miles to practice, just to run and then he would have rode back home but since it was rainy and getting dark we decided it was best to pick him up.  Funny thing is, this is the kid who just got a car and can drive anywhere, but he loves to be in shape and is trying to overcome a hamstring injury.
Sharp looking bike!!
 He deserved it since his sister went to Destin for fall break and he was stuck at home,
also he needed a new bike.
He will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37:24

Blessings to all ~
Carla

Sunday, September 30, 2012

A Little Organization

It's been a while since my last post and I won't go into all the reasons why I haven't posted but the MAJOR one has been the increase of my migraines.  For the ones of you that don't know, I've battle with migraines since a car wreck in 2006. I average one migraine every 7-9 days and it usually last about 3 days with meds.  Recently I have had two within the last month that last 7 days and now they are occurring every couple of days.  So I really haven't gotten a whole lot done and have been well let's just say depressed.  I see my neurologist on the 18th, that's the earliest he could see me.   Anyway enough about that!!!

Let me just say I love to organize and if I had the time and the money, I probably spend it reorganizing my whole house, but for now I will settle of finding things like this one at my friends yard sale on Saturday.  I even told her what she could do with it before I bought it.
 I think I may have to splurge and purchase at least one more for our Kool-aid, unfortunately it will not be a $1.00.  Ha!! It feels so good when I declutter an area, I love it!!
I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name forever and ever.
Psalm 145:1

Blessings to all~
Carla


Sunday, September 16, 2012

Mums

Can you believe that it is the middle of September???
When we moved into our house in 2009 these two mums were already
planted, one of each side of the front walk in front of the porch and
every year they come back.  Each year they are this HUGE, this year they measure
3 feet across.  I would love to replant them but I'm afraid that I'll kill them and
I would hate to do that since that have last so long, but I would really
like to plant some evergreens in front of our porch.
 I think this one looks "gappy" because its been so dry,
that's just my thought, I'm not a green thumb gardener.  Ha!

Hope everyone is enjoying the cooler days.  I'm just hoping that we have
plenty of cool days before the cold ones come.
 

You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:14
Blessings to all~
Carla

Friday, September 14, 2012

Purple Striders Invitational

Just a few pictures from last weeks Purple Striders Invitational and let me just say it was a rainy, wet day, but in the eyes of my son, the BEST kind of weather to run in.

Two of our youngest team members, Lucy and Owen.  Coach wrote Owen's numbers on his forehead and he thought that was the coolest!!
Courtney and Brooke stretching while Phillip, Russell, and Dana
stand at the Finish line and cheer on the middle schoolers.
The Varsity girls warming up at the starting line.  Can you spot Courtney, the one in the neon stripped knee socks???  I love it!!!
Courtney ran an AWESOME race, she PR with a time of 23:40. 
Way to GO!!!
Jonah ran a strong race for this course, coming in at 17:30, he took 6th place.
Courtney, Caroline, and Brooke after the rain had passed and the sun was out.
Jake told the girls to hold him up.....this is as far as that got. Ha! Love it!
 The varsity girls takes second place.
Chelby, Paige, Brooke, Caroline, Courtney, and Sydney
 The varsity boys took third place.
Timothy, Simon, Jake, Jonah, Ross, Colby
This Saturday we travel to Mead County for the Fairground Frenzy and then next Saturday the top
 7 Varsity runners get to sit the race out so maybe I can sleep in.

For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37

Blessings to all ~
Carla