Spending Christmas With Jesus…

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!

I just wanted to stop by and thank all of you for your warm and caring comments!!

Our family is doing as best as can be expected. I just don’t think any of us would of thought that we would of had to bury two beautiful members of our family less than a week apart.

But they are both in heaven now with our Grandparents, who also passed away in the month of December, and I know they are taking good care of them. So, that brings me some peace…

As I had mentioned both of my Grandparents passed away in the month of December my Grandpa in 1986 and my Grandma in 2006.

I read this poem at my Grandma’s funeral…and I thought it very comforting. So, I thought that it may bring all of you who are having to spend Christmas without a loved one this year some peace, as well…

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this Year

I see the countless Christmas trees,
Around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven's stars,
Reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,
Please wipe away that tear.
For I'm spending Christmas,
With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs,
That people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare,
With the Christmas choir up here.

For I have no words to tell you,
The joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description,
To hear the angels sing.

I can't tell you of the splendor,
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas,
With our Savior, face to face?

I'll ask Him to light your spirit,
As I tell Him of your love.
So then pray one for another,
As I lift you eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful,
And let your spirit sing.
For I'm Spending Christmas in Heaven,
And I'm walking with the King.

~© Wanda Bencke ~

 

BIG Hugs!! ~ Carrie ~

 

 

Continued Prayers Please!!

First of all, I just wanted to thank all of you for all of the warm and caring comments. I ask for continued prayers for our family....while at my cousin's husband's wake our family received a devastating phone call that my cousin Lauren was taken to a nearby hospital and was in the ICU on life support. Lauren has since passed away. She was only 26. So, we had Sean's services on Wednesday and we will be having Lauren's tomorrow. I just ask that you all pray for our entire family, that we will all find the strength to make it thru this difficult time. It is truly more than one family should have to endure.

Prayers Please!!

I know that I haven’t posted in a very long time…but trust me when I say that I have been missing it so!! Even though, I still look at all of your blogs, almost daily. But today, I decided that I needed to come here and ask all of you for your thoughts and prayers.



My dear cousin, Kelly, lost her husband Friday night in a tragic car accident. He was hit head on and killed by an 18 YO drunk driver. And unfortunately, my cousin saw the entire accident. She was driving in her car only 3 cars behind him. She and her husband were coming home from his work Christmas party and they had taken two cars because she had come directly from work. Thankfully, she doesn’t remember much. She remembers seeing the car cross the center lane, hit Sean’s car and calling 911. After that, I am assuming shock set in.


Sean not only left behind his beloved wife but they have two beautiful boys, a 6 YO and a 3 YO. Unfortunately, my cousin is not a stranger to death, she lost her Father when she was only 15 YO. My Aunt had become a widow at the age of 38 and now her Daughter has become one at the age of 33. WAY too young!!!! And to make matters so much worse, Sean just went thru a major heart surgery for a heart defect he was born with this past year and came out of that with flying colors just to have his life taken away by a senseless drunk driver!!


So, during this Christmas season…please hug your loved ones a little tighter and please keep my cousin and her entire family in your thoughts and prayers!!

Foodie Friday

For some of you have been reading my blog for a while, you already know of my love of cooking and of this girl… But I may not have told you all about my love for this product…

So, obviously you all must of have heard me scream with excitement the other day when I was browsing my girl Paula’s website and found out she has gotten together with Philadelphia Cream Cheese and is holding this contest.

I think I have literally sat for HOURS watching all of the video entries. Not to mention, all of the recipes I have printed out….SO many ideas!!!!!

Go take a look!!

Until next time…BIG Hugs!!Carrie♥

Saturday Morning Window Shopping

Good Morning Ladies!! I don’t know about all of you but sometimes, I just get the urge to go spend a little of our hard earned $$$ on a some  good ol’ “Retail Therapy” .

But since we have to cloth and feed our children, that isn’t always possible..LOL!!

So, that is why I decided to start Saturday Morning Window Shopping. It is kinda my “Retail Therapy” fix…if you will!! LOL!!

Anyway, here is my wish list of the week…Mrs. Meyer’s Cleaning Supplies. I know kinda silly wanting cleaning supplies but I have always wanted to try these…

A rug to go under our patio table on the back deck…  

Always wanted one of these…

Would love to have an unlimited supply of these…especially in my favorite scents…

Can near have enough of my girl!! Paula Deen’s cookware…

 

So, what about you…what would be on uour “Retail Therapy” wish list!?!?!?!? 

Until Next Time…HUG!! Carrie♥

Happy Memorial Day!!

I hope you all are having a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day!!

Hugs!! Carrie♥

Rain, Rain Go Away!!

Rain

Rain

Go

Away…

Aren’t these rain boots too stinkin’ cute!?!?!?
I don’t know about all of you, but I am getting really tired of RAIN!! LOL!!

The last several weeks, we have been trying to accomplished SEVERAL outdoor projects around here. And the rain doesn’t seem to be cooperating.
I am so excited though…we have laid some new sod, torn down our old shed and are in the process of building a new one (which BTW, I am LOVIN’…looks like a little red barn!! And as you all can tell, I LOVE me some red barns). We have even poured a new front stoop and added a hand rail…the “front porch I have always wanted.)

But hubby and I have taken a few vacation days this week. And things are really starting to come together. Can’t wait to show you all pics…which will be coming soon!!

Hope you have a GREAT weekend…and I will talk to you soon.

BIG Hugs!! Carrie♥ 

Saturday Morning Window Shopping

I don’t know about all of you…but it always seems that my “wish lists” are never ending around here. So, I decided I’d share some of my recent “wishes”…all courtesy of one of my favorite online stores, Piper Classics!!

Some braided rugs…

A cute little butter churn lamp…

Can never have enough sheep…

Paper towel holder…

Star canisters…

Nine drawer chest…

Awww…now if I could just win the lottery!! LOL!!

My Deepest Gratitude!!

Sorry, I have been gone for a while. But I wanted to stop by and express my deepest gratitude to all of you that left such warm and caring comments in regards to my last post. You don't know how happy it makes me to report that all is well with my daughter!! It has been a LONG couple of months but I THANK GOD that everything came out well. Her Doctor feels confident that it is not our worst nightmare. And that she does not need surgery. To hear those words was such a relief. For the first time in months, I feel like I can breath again!!

Prayers Please!! ♥

Sorry I haven’t been around for awhile. My daughter has been having some health issues for about 2 months now. She has have several swollen Lymph Nodes in her neck and we aren’t sure of the cause. So, between work, home and doctors appointments…I haven’t been around much.

She has had a round of antibiotics, blood work, a chest x-ray so far. And then today, she had to go see an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist). Which I thought would make me feel better…but it didn’t.

You see whenever we had taken her to our Primary Care and after they ran the blood work and chest x-ray, I thought that they were able rule out Lymphoma. But according to the ENT, that is not true. He said that even though those two test came back normal, that it doesn’t mean that we can rule out Lymphoma.

So, he went ahead and ordered some more tests. So, I guess we just have to wait some more. Which is SO hard. I am telling you there is nothing worse than having to sit and wait for tests results. Especially, whenever it comes to one of your babies!!!!

Five Reasons I Am A Better Housekeeper…

 

I don’t know about all of you but I have been itching to get started on my “Spring Cleaning”. I am ready to open the windows, plant some flowers, get the deck ready for BBQ’s and getting down and dirty and getting this house spic and spanned!! But I am always looking for tips to make my job easier. So, I would love if you all shared some of the things that make you all better Housekeepers!?!? Til Next Time…Hugs!! Carrie♥

My Bucket List…the short version!!

How many of you have seen the movie ‘The Bucket List’? Well,  the other night while lying in bed, I caught the very end of the movie. All I can say is that it is such a sad…but powerful movie!! Anyway, it got me thinking…if I had to create a “Bucket List” of my own, what would be on it…

So, here it is, the short version of my '”Bucket List”…in no particular order.

1) I would to see either puppies or kittens be born.

2) Can’t wait to experience the joys of being a Grandmother.

3) Look SO forward to the day that I am able to help plan my children’s weddings.

4) One day, I would love to be able to quit my job at the Bank and open up my own Prim Shop.

5) Wish that some day soon, “Big  Daddy” and I can take the Honeymoon that we never had.

So, how about all of you? what would be on YOUR “Bucket List”?

Til Next Time…Hugs!! Carrie♥

"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Think Spring…

After my last post, I decided it was time to do a little “Spring Cleaning” around here…of these “Winter Blues”, that is. With every thing that has happened in the past week, it truly has me appreciating all of the good in my life. Wanting to hug my loved ones a little longer!! And mostly, wanting to stop with the “Stinkin’ Thinkin’”.

While we are on the subject of “Spring Cleaning”, I need to do some serious cleaning of another sort. I don’t know about all of you, but I am ready to open up the windows, get out the cleaning supplies and work my magic!!

As much as I hate to admit it, I don’t really have a “Spring Cleaning” routine per se. I generally just make a list of everything that I would like to do around the house and then run around like a mad woman trying to get it all accomplished.

Which unfortunately, usually never happens. Between work, the kids, running errands, etc. This old lady tends to run out of energy. So, I ask you all this…what are your tips and/or tricks for housework? Do you generally do a “Spring Cleaning”? And if so, do you have a routine you wouldn’t mind sharing?

BTW, I have tried several attempts of dividing the housework into “Chore List” for each family member always to no avail…so, do any of you have suggestions of “Chore Lists” that seem to work?

Anyway, hope you all are having a WONDERFUL weekend!!

Til Next Time…Hugs!! Carrie♥

PLEASE Pray….

Evening all!! I know that should be in bed…5:30am will be here before I know it. But I am a buddle of nerves tonight, and can’t sleep.

So much has happen this past week that has me feeling lost. More so than normal…LOL!!

First of all, one of my closest friend’s brother got into a major car accident last Thursday night. He is doing much better now, but for a little while they weren’t sure if he’d even make it.

Then, we are playing the waiting game with some swollen Lymph Nodes my daughter has in her neck. They are treating her with a round of antibiotics but they said if they aren’t better after that, they will want to do further testing…but the swelling seems to be going down. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed!!

But the worst news of all has to do with my Primary Care Physician…I am not sure if any of you remember me telling you but my DR (who BTW is only 40 YO) has Stage 4 terminal Brain Cancer, well this past weekend his wife (who is also 40 YO) died of Cardiac Arrest.

I am telling you, how much tragedy can one family take!?!? For the past year or so, Dr. S and his wife have been preparing for his death only for him to outlive her. And to make the matter even worse, they have FOUR young children. I believe an 11 YO, 8 YO and 4 YO twins.

And as bad as this may sound, that is just a few of the things that have happened…in the past week our community has also experienced a drowning death of a Mother, her 7 YO son and his 6 YO friend. And also a tragic plane crash of a small plane that killed two.

I know when things like this happen, it should make us appreciate what we have that much more. And trust me it does!! But at the same time, I can’t help but to wonder why!?!?!? Why do terrible things like this have to happen?

So, as I close this up…I would like to ask all of you give the ones you love an ♥EXTRA♥BIG♥HUG♥ tonight. And please pray for others not so fortunate!!

 Til Next time…HUGS!! Carrie♥ 

Wood Shop Wednesday...On Thursday!!

Good evening!! I hope you all are doing well. I am glad to report that I am feeling MUCH better than I have been the last few days. I think my "Winter Blues" are starting to lift. Thanks to some very SWEET comments left on my last post. Thanks again Dan, Pam and Tonya!!

Tonight I wanted to share a few pics of my Prim Pouting Chair that my sweet HUBBY made for me a few weeks back. I finally got it painted, sanded and stained.

Sorry for the pics...they aren't the best quailty. But I think you get the idea.

Hubby and I have been thinking about trying to sell a few of his wood projects. SO if you were us, how much would you charge for something like this!?!?




Til next time...HUGS!! Carrie ♥

What Kind Of Glass Are You!?!?!?

Evening follow bloggers!! Hope you are all having a nice and relaxing evening at home!! I know I am. Work has been so stressful lately, that I feel like doing nothing BUT relaxing the last few evenings. LOL!!

I would love to say that my mood has improved since my “Moody Monday” post..but not so much!!

But as I was sitting at work today, I was thinking about some of my fellow bloggers that always seem to have the most encouraging posts. And also a co-worker of mine, who has to be the most upbeat and positive person I know.

You see a few years ago, this woman was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. And not even thru the Chemo or Radiation did she lose her bubbly personality.

And that got me thinking how negative of a person I really am.  Not for the lack of trying..but I guess as the saying goes bad habits really are hard to break.

So, I ask you all of this..what are you? A 1/2 glass full person? Or 1/2 glass empty?

And if you are a 1/2 glass full have you always been that way? Or were able to break that “stinkn’ thinkn’” cycle? And if so, how did you do it?

Til Next Time..Hugs!! Carrie♥

 

Moody Monday

***UPDATE-PLEASE GO OVER AND READ DAN’S POST AT YESTERDAY ONCE MORE-HE HAS THE MOST UPBEAT AND ENCOURAGING POSTS-EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED TO READ ON THIS MOODY MONDAY***

I don’t know about any of you..but I have to admit I am starting to feel a little emotional lately. I don’t know if it is because of the weather. Or being stuck in this house the last few days (besides church yesterday morning) due to hubby’s surgery.  Or the fact that I have to go back to work tomorrow after being off the last 5 days. Or the fact that I think I am getting a cavity and my fear of dentists. LOL!! But I have been feeling a little emotional lately. How about you?

Just to let you all know, hubby is doing well. Recovering right on track...hopefully!! BTW, I wanted to share something that really moved me this past week. As some of you may know, this was my husband’s 18th surgery in 5 years. And another thing that some of you may know, is that my family just started going to church about 4 months ago.

So, when our new Pastor called Wednesday night to see if he could come sit with me during Ed’s surgery..I wasn’t quite sure what to say. I insisted he didn’t have to but when there was a knock on the door only minutes after they rolled Ed back, I was moved.

You see, after 18 surgeries..that was the FIRST time I ever had anybody come sit with me. You see, I am not very close to my family. So, moral support isn’t something I am used to.

So, when I say I am been feeling emotional I don’t think it has been all a BAD feelings. Because honestly, even though life can throw us some curveballs sometimes, it is people like our Pastor that seem to be restoring my faith!!

The real ironic thing is that the last few sermons at church have been about learning to trust others..something I need ALOT of work on. LOL!!

Anyway, thanks again for this journey that I am on...

Til Next Time..BIG Hugs!! Carrie♥

Happy Valentine’s Day…Silent Sunday Style!!

Love is patient, love is kind...It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4, 7-8

FOOD FRIDAY – CUBE STEAKS WITH GRAVY

Good Morning!! First off, I wanted to thank each of you for your warm thoughts and prayers regarding my hubby’s surgery. He seems to be doing pretty well today. In a lot of pain..but well!! But I am off work until next Tuesday so, I am trying to take care of the best I can. Since we are homebound today, I figured I would make an awesome slow-cooker recipe that is a tried and true in our house.

CUBE STEAKS WITH GRAVY:

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 beef cubed steaks (4 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 large onion, sliced and separated into rings
• 3 cups water, divided
• 1 envelope brown gravy mix
• 1 envelope mushroom gravy mix
• 1 envelope onion gravy mix
• Hot mashed potatoes or cooked noodles

Directions

• Place flour in a large resealable plastic bag. Add steaks, a few at a time, and shake until completely coated. In a skillet, cook steaks in oil until lightly browned on each side. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker. Add the onion and 2 cups water. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until meat is tender.
• In a bowl, whisk together gravy mixes with remaining water. Add to slow cooker; cook 30 minutes longer. Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles.

PLEASE GIVE THIS ONE A TRY..SO EASY AND IT’S TRUE “COMFORT” FOOD!!!

TIL NEXT TIME..HUGS!! CARRIE♥

7 Years Ago Today….

Isn’t it kinrda funny how one split second can change your life forever!?!? Well, 7 years ago today my family’s life changed quite drastically.

As some of you may already know from some of my previous posts..7 years ago today my husband crushed his leg in a accident at work.

During these last 7 years (I guess I need to mention he was out of work for 6 of those 7 years due to his injury..) our family has experienced many different emotions. 

We have endured stress due to finances. My children have missed out on so many Father / Child experiences, especially our son. Just something as simple as playing catch in the yard, was extremely painful.  (Even though I have to admit that hubby is a real trooper. I have seen him sitting on a bucket with a cast on after one of his MANY surgeries, just to throw our son some pop-flies!! ) We have supported each other thru bouts of depression and lose of hope.

But worst of all my husband has had to endure so much pain. And with every surgery he still has found the strength to continue to hope this will be the last for a while. And his pain will be lessened.

So, in saying all of this..I ask the you all pray for him. Today..on the 7th Anniversary of the date of his accident, my husband got his 18th surgery!!!!!!! Which, BTW he did well with but YES, that was number 18!!!! Poor guy. Even though he is one though cookie, I know this takes a toll on him.

I just feel SO bad for him. Helpless if you will..

Anyway, if you all could say a prayer. I would GREATLY appreciate it!!

Hugs!! Carrie♥

Maine

Just wondering if anybody out there in blog land is familiar with the state of Maine.?!?!? My MIL was born and raised there and her family is having a family reunion this coming August., which my husband and all of his siblings have been invited too. And with my MIL passing away a couple of years ago, we all thought it would be nice for all of us to go (in her honor) since none of us have ever met most of her family. The reunion is in Fort Fairfield, ME. (which I believe is right on the Canadian border..) Anyway, if anybody would be willing to give me a little bit more info on this beautiful state, I would greatly appreciate it!!

Hugs!! Carrie♥

Food Friday

Back in Monday’s post, I shared last week’s menu for my family. And one of the sides that mentioned was Green Been Bundles.

I first heard about these little bundles of PURE YUMMINESS over HERE. And let me just tell your ever since..they have been a stable in our weekly menus.

Not are they super easy. They are, like I said..YUMMO!!

Green Bean Bundles

Ingredients:

2 or 3 cans of whole green beans

bacon slices

1 stick of butter

1 cup brown sugar

tsp garlic salt

Wrap a handful of the green beans in half of bacon slice. That makes one bundle-keep going for as many bundles as you like. Melt the stick of butter. Now stir in the cup of brown sugar and tsp of garlic salt. Pour mixture over green bean bundles. Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes. Then put under the broiler for about 4 or 5 minutes at the end.

 

Tour My Home Thursday

Ok, I have to admit..the pics for today’s “Tour My Home Thursday” are not only Christmas pics (I know, a little late..LOL!!) BUT they are also from LAST year.

In the past month or so, I have had to replace the hard drive in my laptop, so I have lost most of my house pics. Some of the decorating changed this Christmas BUT a lot of it stayed the same. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy, just the same..

Wood Shop Wednesdays

Welcome to “Wood Shop Wednesday”!! This is where I will be sharing with all of you the wonderful Prim creations that my husband makes for me. (And that we have been considering trying to sell.wink, wink!! LOL!!)

Here is a little “Pouting Chair” that he made for me this past week. Granted, it isn’t totally completed. It still needs  a little extra TLC (i.e.  sanding and staining). But whenever this baby is finished, I have the perfect stop for it. The colors are an Olive Green and Rust. And it will look “Perfectly Prim” in my living room.

BTW, please don’t mind the quality of pics. I just ran down to the garage to take these and lets just say..it is a little COLD out there!! LOL!!

Taking Care Of Myself Tuesday

So, in Saturday’s post I had mentioned that the reason for my absence was due to some never-ending drama with our 18 YO. Basically, just her thinking so knows it all because she is 18. And her not wanting to follow the house rules.

But, I am very glad to say that things are MUCH better. After a couple of bumpy weeks, and MANY ♥ to ♥’s. I think we FINALLY got a few things figured out.  Let’s just hope it stays that way..

Another thing that has really been bothering me is my relationship with my so-called BFF. I think I told all of in a few posts back how I felt that her and my friendship was “off” some how. And how after some tests I was supposed to get, she never called to see how they went..

Well, here it is almost THREE months later and still no word from her!! I have tried texting, emailing and calling her. All to no avail. She is TOTALLY avoiding me and I have NO idea why..and it is KILLING me!!

Obviously, there is more to this story. You see, this particular friend tends to have LOTS of drama. And personally I think she may have drinking problem. So needless to say, we have had our differences before but for her to totally ignore me is very out of the ordinary.

But in trying to stay true to taking care of myself, (vice “Taking Care Of Myself Tuesday”) I decided to just keep trying to make the positive changes within myself and not let these two incidents bring me down.

So, Saturday   I treated myself a trip to the nail salon. And I think I found a new favorite. OPI Bubble Bath..

 

Isn’t that all us overwhelmed Moms need? A little pampering?!?!? Till next time...remember to take of YOURSELF!!! Cuz if Momma ain’t happy..NOBODY is happy!! LOL!!

Hugs!! Carrie♥

Menu Planning Mondays

I am not sure about all of you but with the economy being what it is. Not to mention the fact the being a working Mom, I need to be as organized as I can. Both to help save $$$ and to keep my sanity…LOL!! So, that is why I decided to start joining in over at The Organizing Junkie for her “Menu Planning Mondays”  So, here is our menu for this week..

 

Monday- Cube Steaks with Gravy / Mashed Pots / Spinach-Artichoke Casserole

Tuesdays- Tacos / Spanish Rice

Wednesdays- Chili with Fixins’

Thursdays- Smothered Pork Chops / Mashed Pots / Green Been Bundles

Friday- Gumbo / Cornbread

Saturday- Vegetable Beef Soup  

Silent Sunday

As some of you may already know, my family just started going back to church about four months ago.

Being born and raised Catholic (even went to a Catholic school for eight years) but taking a  VERY long absence from going to church (but always feeling like something was missing) I  decided one day, that it was time for a MAJOR change. And that change was Christ..

So, about four months ago my family found the church for us. Now being born and raised Catholic,  I have never gone to a non-domination church. But with the rest of feeling uncomfortable in your traditional Catholic church/mass. We decided to try something different.

In my opinion, it wasn’t important what domination we found..it was Christ we were searching for.

So, in honor of my family’s journey in finding Christ. I am going to reserve Sundays as my “Silent Sunday” and I will only be posting some sort of Scripture.

 

“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17

Sewing Room Saturday

Sorry I have been missing in action again ladies, just been busy and having some never-ending drama with our 18 YO. But I will post vent more on that topic in  my “Taking Care Of Myself Tuesday” post.

Tonight is “Sewing Room Saturday”. So, I wanted to share with all of you something that didn’t necessarily come out of my sewing room. But somebody else’s….

You see, ever since moved into our home 8 years ago, the French doors in our dining room have been bare. But since our  backyard is nothing but woods. And all we may get is the occasional raccoon or deer peeking in, I hadn’t thought much of it.

But as time as gone on, I have found myself feeling a little bit weird about  nothing being on those windows. So, I have been looking for either pre-made curtains or some cute fabric. Always to no avail. Either they were too pricey or….

But when I saw the sale that Piper Classics was having, I decided to go ahead and order these…