tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87093443013446609422024-03-13T09:13:03.858-07:00Thia Karen~Thia Karen~ Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.comBlogger455125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-76374894678428497302017-05-20T08:42:00.001-07:002017-05-20T15:46:51.249-07:00Fear Not<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zNwjI2rkuV8UXQQ5iIagZIE6VUIIhMgipshzM03Y6GZl34edNgqa_tFjyaUmJu9uD0G6OOdhRuKar4EzNIZJuAW8mBl9yy7a8YefpnYg1-8BYw-nATTVsIJEF1CmzjosQ_UJ7Dwnz4E8/s1600/HappyLadyJumpingW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zNwjI2rkuV8UXQQ5iIagZIE6VUIIhMgipshzM03Y6GZl34edNgqa_tFjyaUmJu9uD0G6OOdhRuKar4EzNIZJuAW8mBl9yy7a8YefpnYg1-8BYw-nATTVsIJEF1CmzjosQ_UJ7Dwnz4E8/s640/HappyLadyJumpingW.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hello old blog, the site that holds all the memories of weddings, babies being born, and random musings of this crazy Greek girl and ALL that she is thankful for. Looking back I am so thankful that I documented so much so we will always have these beautiful memories ! <br />
I rarely post anymore but this thought keeps going in my heart and I decided to share it here...<br />
<br />
When I thought about leaving my job and taking a early retirement the fear of letting go of that security was OVERWHELMING!!<br />
What if something happened to Steve? What if I was making a huge mistake? Will I lose my medical benefits? I was such a nervous wreck about letting go of what I knew for a chance at a new beginning that I actually broke out in hives like a crazy person <br />
<br />
But now after a few months have passed I'm so incredibly THANKFUL! I often think what if that fear had kept me from making this change?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to <b>lose sight of the shore</b></span><br />
<br />
I have found this to be true !! And I am so thankful that God gently pushed me to trust Him and make the leap<br />
You learn so much about yourself when faced with uncertainty and one thing I learned was that my faith was in the security of my job when it should have been placed in my Father who has NEVER left me or forsaken me.....<br />
My fear became bigger than my faith<br />
But God lovingly kept pushing me closer to the edge until I was ready to jump<br />
My sweet husband and kids were so encouraging and the new scary unfamiliar job that made me so nervous now feels like HOME <br />
I pinch myself that I have set days, weekends off, and get paid to love and help the sweetest team of people<br />
Almost every single day they thank <span style="font-size: large;">me</span> for being there? I have never worked for someone who values their people more<br />
God is so good !! And I am so thankful for His nudging with this stubborn girl who holds onto familiar with a crazy strong grip<br />
Are you afraid to make a change? Pray and ask the Lord to show you His plan and then <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Jump in ..........</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The water feels great</span><br />
<br />
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-45283211275621456322016-01-31T13:14:00.003-08:002016-01-31T18:05:02.625-08:00My sweet mom Gera <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTV6gs9qLeU21nOoDbZ_ur7Fq4F7_7xpL6A-Uj7YvNvde9LkAM2x9FMszfUizMwaRjqXQwsP97CGgZr1ubPvZ4jX-waSp9iebDAEaFqbgHh4Sil-UaxQP1NQqrKRjE18ecf_mISVNKaOA/s1600/Mom014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTV6gs9qLeU21nOoDbZ_ur7Fq4F7_7xpL6A-Uj7YvNvde9LkAM2x9FMszfUizMwaRjqXQwsP97CGgZr1ubPvZ4jX-waSp9iebDAEaFqbgHh4Sil-UaxQP1NQqrKRjE18ecf_mISVNKaOA/s640/Mom014.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
Crazy how much Ive been thinking about my momma lately !<br />
She was so precious and such a "all in" YaYa<br />
And the more I spend time with my grand babies I have to admit I am totally becoming her !!<br />
Their joy is my utmost concern and there is nothing I wouldn't cook, buy or do to make them happy. Last week the kids were here and Beckham wanted to sit in the living room chair with a portable DVD player and watch a movie . He would occasionally holler out " yaya can I have more bacon, can I have a cup of water and I couldn't rush fast enough to deliver his wishes !<br />
I know they can become spoiled but since I'm not the mom I believe it is my job to completely smother them with love and affection<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just like my momma did </span><br />
We were talking about when the Travis Chad and Chloe all wanted something different for dinner so my mom drove to all three places so they would be happy.<br />
She never said " no you kids decide on the same" she just happily made them all happy !<br />
And you know they still remember that ! She left a lasting memory of such unselfish LOVE and complete devotion to us all<br />
Travis remembers when he ran the LA Marathon that he and a friend spent the night at her house before the race and she used every single pot and pan to cook them dinner and load them up on carbs and protein for their run. She was exhausted from it but so happy to wait on the boys <br />
<br />
Her love for people is always on my mind. She LOVED so big and treated everyone like they were family. She would call me and ask if I had any of the kids old back packs because one of her homeless friends at the beach needed one. She took her leftovers down to Santa Monica beach where she walked at night to share with her "friends" there. So often I scolded her to be more careful, I think I even said "one day mom you are going to get knocked over the head by one of "those" people" {shame on me} but she always gently reminded me that Jesus was with her and she never felt afraid .<br />
She carried her little one dollar McDonald's gift certificates with her to give away because EVERYONE deserved a hot cup of coffee .<br />
She was generous to a fault with her widows mite<br />
<br />
But mostly I find myself praying to be more like her ! To have her heart for people and treat everyone like they matter. To have her faith that you can not out-give God so to freely give knowing He will take care of you . When I saw my friend Jay with a new backpack last week I wondered who God used to bless him with that sweet gift and thought my mom would be smiling about that. And when I find myself throwing off fear or prejudice and loving people that I normally wouldn't, I feel her pleasure and know she is proud of the legacy she left behind <br />
<br />
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-13917334849964409232016-01-01T15:42:00.001-08:002016-01-01T15:42:27.036-08:00~2016~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static2.quoteswave.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Realize-deeply-that-the-present.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="343" id="yui_3_5_1_2_1451691599649_669" src="http://static2.quoteswave.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Realize-deeply-that-the-present.jpg" style="height: 343px; width: 500px;" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Its hard to believe how long I have neglected my blog...<br />
With Instagram and Facebook they seem to tell the stories of my life so I often feel this space is redundant<br />
But then I have a post in my heart that I cant seem to forget about and here I am deciding to write again<br />
I shared a speech at my brother Paul's funeral and so did his boys and my brothers<br />
And we all seemed to share almost the same thought...<br />
That when you were with Paul you had his undivided attention <br />
He was fully present <br />
Rick Warren shared this quote ...<br />
Attention is the greatest gift you can give someone, because it shows how much you value them "<br />
Paul lived out that quote...<br />
I was thinking of what my word for this year should be , I decided it will be <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"present" </span><br />
<br />
I am often a spazz, I get side tracked and even with dinner guests I am pulling things out of the oven , making sure things in place and only half listening .<br />
I want to<span style="font-size: x-large;"> be better</span>,<span style="font-size: x-large;">do better</span><br />
My desire and goal is the fully focus <br />
To give my 100 % attention to who is with me in those moments,because at the end of our lives its those moments that will matter , its those moments with him that I remember and they made me feel so loved and value. They have left a lasting impact on who I am <br />
I think Paul would love that he has left that legacy for me to carry on<br />
<br />
Check in on me in three months to see if I am holding true to my word,<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">PRESENT !! </span><br />
Yep that's my mantra this year<br />
And its the present he gave me this Christmas <br />
<br />
<br />
<b id="docs-internal-guid-64d429a0-ff76-167f-169e-f76ebc77d25a" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 32px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>present: </b></span></b><span class="hvr">Existing</span> or <span class="hvr">happening</span> <span class="hvr">now;</span> <span class="hvr">current:</span> <span class="illustration"><span class="hvr"></span></span><br />
<div class="ds-list">
<br />
<div class="sds-list">
<b>a. </b> <span class="hvr">Being</span> at <span class="hvr">hand</span> or in <span class="hvr">attendance:</span> <span class="illustration"><span class="hvr"></span></span></div>
<div class="sds-list">
<b>b. </b> <span class="hvr">Existing</span> in <span class="hvr">something</span> <span class="hvr">specified:</span><span class="illustration"><span class="hvr"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ds-list">
<b>c. </b> <span class="hvr">Now</span> <span class="hvr">being</span> <span class="hvr">considered;</span> <span class="hvr">actually</span> <span class="hvr">here</span> or <span class="hvr">involved</span></div>
Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-13422771604389353742015-05-24T10:01:00.002-07:002015-05-28T12:10:34.014-07:00Remembering ....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd3fynKW5se_UUJi738pUz0GcS0RCL_9NoTb0FRw8oN_UOVbc1ZfrfO60fs5zsXqsRaSPJnsvlO2t8yjcTyCbv3lexq5cqd3Zc7ctmv-WLWzRl8zVe_FqTBZNd4rC7RV0tGYYyztJmfW9/s1600/Mom009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd3fynKW5se_UUJi738pUz0GcS0RCL_9NoTb0FRw8oN_UOVbc1ZfrfO60fs5zsXqsRaSPJnsvlO2t8yjcTyCbv3lexq5cqd3Zc7ctmv-WLWzRl8zVe_FqTBZNd4rC7RV0tGYYyztJmfW9/s640/Mom009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE this picture of my Mom and Dad </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I was thinking the other day how much I am going to miss hearing certain phrases<br />
I was talking to my aunt Mary and she was cleaning her house but still had to<br />
"run the sweeper"<br />
<br />
No one says that anymore, and it kinda made me sad ...<br />
She and my mom both used the same great words and it always bring back memories <br />
<br />
They went to the <i>Beauty Parlor</i> to get a wash and set<br />
They did their<i> marketing</i> instead of grocery shopping<br />
They ate <i>supper</i><br />
They had <i>laundry days</i><br />
They went <i>into town </i><i></i> to buy milk <br />
They drank <i>soda pop </i><br />
They went to the <i>picture show</i><br />
They watched <i>their stories</i> on TV<br />
My mom wore <i>slacks</i> or<i> dungarees </i><br />
And <i>go aheads</i><br />
And I wore <i>tops and bottoms</i><br />
She carried a <i>pocket book</i><br />
And we wore <i>galoshes</i> when it rained <br />
We had a <i>credenza </i>by our front door that we dropped everything on <br />
My daddy would often say someone was a real nice<i> gal </i>or they were <i>slender </i><br />
And he drank <i>Sanka </i><br />
My mom wore a <i>brassiere</i><br />
And they both said " how do you do" when introduced to someone<br />
My daddy loved <i> Eyetalian </i>food <br />
When I asked him how long something had been he said "since Christ was a carpenter"<br />
And he hogged the <i>clicker </i><br />
My mom loved laying in the backyard on a<i> chaise lounge</i><br />
<br />
I wish I could remember them all, but I am <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>pleased as punch</i> </span>that I have these memories of my sweet parents<br />
Funny how a little conversation can take you down memory lane..<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have a sweet day you whipper snappers and try to stay out of mischief </span><br />
<br />
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-53746565690889957122015-04-01T17:41:00.000-07:002015-04-06T20:26:40.422-07:00Job Chapter 2 :) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxktWpLBuqPEgULEyvtmVspSLdtRj7JV-JgCU-VPo6q09QgwUf9d37aNmaP2gmVYX25Izt0VFsuuYYB6ryZN4rYTgD1Ihyou8DIWxNjIjOqjQVUUSc4vrDY5R4CB3X7cieahMJ6eqaP33/s1600/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxktWpLBuqPEgULEyvtmVspSLdtRj7JV-JgCU-VPo6q09QgwUf9d37aNmaP2gmVYX25Izt0VFsuuYYB6ryZN4rYTgD1Ihyou8DIWxNjIjOqjQVUUSc4vrDY5R4CB3X7cieahMJ6eqaP33/s1600/large.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
As most of you know , I had a really bad fall on Christmas Eve. I was told I have a severe bone bruise and now three full months later I am still limping and my leg simply wont go straight.<br />
I have spent "thousands" on rehab and therapy and have seen two specialists, had two cortisone shots.....<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And I still limp </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But I refuse to let this steal my joy !! </span><br />
So I continue to push myself and try to find the joy and lesson in all of this<br />
When I see people on crutches or with a cane its amazing the compassion that rises up in me and I pray for them right then and there. And I thank God always that my limp is temporary and that I will recover <br />
<br />
So while I was getting a new xray on my leg I asked if I could get a KUB because I thought I felt some kidney stones. I have been having pain in my back,and I have had so many stones that now I know when they are there.<br />
Well, I found out that I have TWO more BIG ONES and before I go back to work I have to have another lithotripsy<br />
<br />
After I cried in Dr Mc Dreamy's office, reminded him again that with the money I have spent on these buggers I could have gotten a tummy tuck and a new rack....<br />
I once again resolved<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I will not let this steal my joy !!</span><br />
<br />
Then today when I went to get my teeth cleaned I found out one of my wisdom teeth needs to be pulled?? So I am off to a Oral surgeon for that <br />
April fools?<br />
No I'm afraid not...<br />
But I am <span style="font-size: x-large;">choosing joy </span>and looking for the sunshine in these days of challenge<br />
<br />
<i>I have a Maker, He knows my name, He sees each tear that falls and He hears me when I call</i><br />
It is easy to trust when things are going well, but I will trust that the sun will come out even when I am in the clouds !<br />
If you need me to pray for you, please let me know...I will help you carry your burden no matter how heavy it feels<br />
I am thankful for family and friends who have encouraged me and helped carry mine<br />
<br />
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-48936351493195561152015-02-21T17:32:00.000-08:002015-04-02T08:21:55.959-07:00Catching Up ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjN7yFl9uVsqU71302wlvF_NgP6n5aPnPtSERDkn_MtSlzcmJllXvRry0bKEef46mnPQi_OF-bZUwx6d3vRljMOwkPa5QASnxDFTt1PUFugBHEAtkEp7rbJJ6utp_1c-YRTZzwq1OvBK1/s1600/tumblr_nhxjq3K1FW1rnchxso1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjN7yFl9uVsqU71302wlvF_NgP6n5aPnPtSERDkn_MtSlzcmJllXvRry0bKEef46mnPQi_OF-bZUwx6d3vRljMOwkPa5QASnxDFTt1PUFugBHEAtkEp7rbJJ6utp_1c-YRTZzwq1OvBK1/s1600/tumblr_nhxjq3K1FW1rnchxso1_500.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Some random<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Joys</span> and updates from the Carters ! <br />
I am working hard on getting my knee up to snuff ! Sadly it has not been easy . I got the MRI results and found out it is just " a severe bone bruise? and there is some cartilage damage but they seem to think when my knee settles down that it will settle down too?<br />
I am still in therapy trying to get my range of motion back. I still walk so horribly and just cant get that darn leg straight <br />
<br />
So while I am off I am <span style="font-size: x-large;">continuing to work </span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">like crazy </span>on closets and drawers and just today took a <span style="font-size: x-large;">HUGE</span> car load to the Salvation Army<br />
I dont know where all this "stuff" lives but I find it and off it goes<br />
It feels like we have moved and<span style="font-size: x-large;"> I LOVE IT!! </span><br />
<br />
Also....<br />
Chad had a really epic rescue last week. A guy jumped off the cliffs and Chad jumped in after him. I would covet your prayers for him, he says he prays real quick before he plunges in but when I see the situations he faces it scares me so much <br />
There was a photographer nearby and she took a couple pics<br />
Proud momma had to steal them ...this boy is my hero<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH80YTiDopHyeZI3j8ar-7J6q-YTLeDy7DxGmgjQAA4Ffa6_MOo7mpP4w9G9i_ylLr9dsLrQO9ypLaAOsVLatg4ESHmeCEiST-Orcxmqj3uvv4N2EFvmgasKVMhBv9k_8uv22TtxtyuAxg/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH80YTiDopHyeZI3j8ar-7J6q-YTLeDy7DxGmgjQAA4Ffa6_MOo7mpP4w9G9i_ylLr9dsLrQO9ypLaAOsVLatg4ESHmeCEiST-Orcxmqj3uvv4N2EFvmgasKVMhBv9k_8uv22TtxtyuAxg/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUrvLLKogAvyKWuNYn4BWD_EIExz-UzdeoJ9KDa8Uiad6cls7LpZ1GiCZu6Hi3yz1J9BO0wZdR-uT9hiVHS9Ijrlh5A4iuNW2RzIP4z6JN5VoGrVGEnVjO86m_IP81JuJw7p4VQMSsgSk/s1600/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUrvLLKogAvyKWuNYn4BWD_EIExz-UzdeoJ9KDa8Uiad6cls7LpZ1GiCZu6Hi3yz1J9BO0wZdR-uT9hiVHS9Ijrlh5A4iuNW2RzIP4z6JN5VoGrVGEnVjO86m_IP81JuJw7p4VQMSsgSk/s1600/unnamed.png" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
The kids took out their big picture window and replaced it with amazing accordion glass doors so I had to take a pic of Beckham and Pops like the one I did last year.<br />
Gosh he is so grown up now<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsDTHOgXIOVDcINACKszgPj00t1u9aQDqTL3vuRUr0uwxqroD1tdoJZgw7iBeZ6xaWbA-5RyvMIZPATjc-oejW4makaIIyXPgDD_n0OyborKvJVAIMiCOXWqGZ3h1-VXcFfuOqhdcBTg2/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsDTHOgXIOVDcINACKszgPj00t1u9aQDqTL3vuRUr0uwxqroD1tdoJZgw7iBeZ6xaWbA-5RyvMIZPATjc-oejW4makaIIyXPgDD_n0OyborKvJVAIMiCOXWqGZ3h1-VXcFfuOqhdcBTg2/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACIyswMbvox_xPEiAr-c1r56ptbAtfNQIH7Ru9VRC861sY4Y6Zd3qF4YqiXWvh-2-WBncGU22QNX-BjPr9ucKxFA59XeG0etl3T-6Vr5B-tkXVFSlRRrxU22Y6j0zbjj51FoyCthC3r_w/s1600/photo-37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACIyswMbvox_xPEiAr-c1r56ptbAtfNQIH7Ru9VRC861sY4Y6Zd3qF4YqiXWvh-2-WBncGU22QNX-BjPr9ucKxFA59XeG0etl3T-6Vr5B-tkXVFSlRRrxU22Y6j0zbjj51FoyCthC3r_w/s1600/photo-37.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week I spent a day with them and had such fun !!<br />
Beckham is a ball of energy and <span style="font-size: x-large;">Joy !! </span><br />
He is stoked on life and is so expressive and sweet. He loves to dance, loves his poppa and talks about his daddy so much. And his love for Amelie is off the charts. He kisses her constantly! He still loves to be naked with just his undies on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWhEkLwyXw83ICB-kLkkHudkV0PZfy14O9hbaAAvKGJPADuS_pu1WHbqehHGebipzofJobdmEvCEe7x3gvu3J2jO6DmZyscC489-ikf80SyrlTBALfTfJL1ZXvqbfm4xOUmlYcY2DJ6MD/s1600/-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWhEkLwyXw83ICB-kLkkHudkV0PZfy14O9hbaAAvKGJPADuS_pu1WHbqehHGebipzofJobdmEvCEe7x3gvu3J2jO6DmZyscC489-ikf80SyrlTBALfTfJL1ZXvqbfm4xOUmlYcY2DJ6MD/s1600/-3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH0b3UL_sFGYu08mqauD80VWDfg7utGPkiAUO4KcenYDab5hWulvIZUaRp6Qy6MgCz8YE5ZxPqddbEqjZhIa1uKCeM3NvXQEcSIjShomM5FNSIqyRzYU-RVk1zrhA4R0yU8bYl5WplnIG/s1600/-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH0b3UL_sFGYu08mqauD80VWDfg7utGPkiAUO4KcenYDab5hWulvIZUaRp6Qy6MgCz8YE5ZxPqddbEqjZhIa1uKCeM3NvXQEcSIjShomM5FNSIqyRzYU-RVk1zrhA4R0yU8bYl5WplnIG/s1600/-5.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
And our sweet Amelie loves to sit up and play with toys and she giggles and loves food !<br />
I think she wants pizza !!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFPO_6weCbVKAyXZY49UVfGvuWZakcF1GEeH_INtG7rScVviZlAHMK3r97iOyyXvGlfJgCCqRAGEzXu51pcgvuqOTg1h3XcLfnzmrPSbO4ELEOsYA4cdoHuKbZy1XD_vp020rvVlDdndZ/s1600/-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFPO_6weCbVKAyXZY49UVfGvuWZakcF1GEeH_INtG7rScVviZlAHMK3r97iOyyXvGlfJgCCqRAGEzXu51pcgvuqOTg1h3XcLfnzmrPSbO4ELEOsYA4cdoHuKbZy1XD_vp020rvVlDdndZ/s1600/-2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
No, she told me ...<br />
She has two teeth and is such a good sleeper! her skin is soft as silk and I love to smell her neck<br />
Ashlyn shared this pic of them last week and I adore it !!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb41_-4al1nIHNuz-C28hEeZseTztKep9AxY-9wz-X80he3SmQrHDpa8mH_ZyJwZFBNcLR5FwRyKJLaW_oiJ3g7DeNrAjaz2zeDp2s4XX8-o_7E-_SM2C8YNYAviHILkD4AvqHTjaEPI2/s1600/10987384_814359251014_5251069531779828223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb41_-4al1nIHNuz-C28hEeZseTztKep9AxY-9wz-X80he3SmQrHDpa8mH_ZyJwZFBNcLR5FwRyKJLaW_oiJ3g7DeNrAjaz2zeDp2s4XX8-o_7E-_SM2C8YNYAviHILkD4AvqHTjaEPI2/s1600/10987384_814359251014_5251069531779828223_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Wishing you days of joy and laughter....<br />
And closets with extra room and bare shelves :) <br />
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-16756461449699306322015-02-05T14:49:00.000-08:002015-02-05T18:25:23.128-08:00Simplify ~ <br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-0CSENkTX0ZP9K954dwn3Qm7b-Tl7lTxF9QiXnV8-euJrW76Da9mDoYZMRqsrcU3-5q8vteGw38TsSqXWnvNjcx3plDh0LVX9rKXBOxT3retbmbM5yiCXcB6A0b1Q2K7cJ1XRHEup6nr/s1600/WD939Simplify.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-0CSENkTX0ZP9K954dwn3Qm7b-Tl7lTxF9QiXnV8-euJrW76Da9mDoYZMRqsrcU3-5q8vteGw38TsSqXWnvNjcx3plDh0LVX9rKXBOxT3retbmbM5yiCXcB6A0b1Q2K7cJ1XRHEup6nr/s1600/WD939Simplify.jpg" height="318" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My family was here for a couple of weeks and it was FABULOUS!!! I will blog about the crazy fun we had soon, but one of the biggest blessing was having my sister in law Sandy help me organize my house ! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo4pAr6X_7nuX8RWflYZiPu47yAQNOSIOOYq32uBa5EvMEtvJWM0CplFI1xPwk3YDgHHNkAwp06jjh9oz3ZjujwgCoSIz1V0HArAefVKAKYBlPqSrzjuCrGfOgZOefBg04AYO1TSWN1U5/s1600/10420077_10205820604621252_555278967492835828_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo4pAr6X_7nuX8RWflYZiPu47yAQNOSIOOYq32uBa5EvMEtvJWM0CplFI1xPwk3YDgHHNkAwp06jjh9oz3ZjujwgCoSIz1V0HArAefVKAKYBlPqSrzjuCrGfOgZOefBg04AYO1TSWN1U5/s1600/10420077_10205820604621252_555278967492835828_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
She is the queen of organizing and she LOVES to do it? It started with her putting a casserole dish away because I still cant bend my knee and the next thing I knew 4 hours had passed and my kitchen was organized from top to bottom !<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was magic </span><br />
Even Sara got in on the "fun" because she loves to check expiration dates :)<br />
Shes a numbers girl and her ole auntie cant even see them with readers <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjXYKw4gwjaSaVxxvHlXtIB-3UDQLWpo7K-Zne-Omjo7adi9e3bkdbKmFahT7zFSmYQcFJ3gNBBvq5I22RtwWiSZAOGafsG5y6bvhGE_9iiQI-dXdpUenaWYF98hzS9Fqs_mUB3KLwC-1/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjXYKw4gwjaSaVxxvHlXtIB-3UDQLWpo7K-Zne-Omjo7adi9e3bkdbKmFahT7zFSmYQcFJ3gNBBvq5I22RtwWiSZAOGafsG5y6bvhGE_9iiQI-dXdpUenaWYF98hzS9Fqs_mUB3KLwC-1/s1600/-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
What a gift to give someone of your time and expertise !! And it was the kick in the butt I needed to keep going. I have taken four loads to the Salvation Army and threw away tons of trash<br />
Before you start thinkin this YaYa chick is a slob, I promise my house is clean...<br />
It is picked up, the beds are made and is <i>usually</i> " drop by company" ready!<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8709344301344660942" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>But its all a farce because behind the cabinet doors I am a shover ! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I just throw it all into a drawer or cabinet and when my junk drawer gets full I start a new one.<br />
So I have about 4 or 10 { I don't remember} But Sandy even organized those with baggies full of batteries and another with pens etc<br />
This week I bought some fun kitchen bins from Costco and organized my pantry even more<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I think I am a changed woman !! </span><br />
I think....<br />
Steve and I did a bunch in the garage and now I am going to tackle the guest room closet this weekend while the boys go away on a surf trip<br />
I just dont need ALL THIS STUFF !! I am over sentimental and want to save every single card and note, but I started taking pics and throwing <strike>most</strike> <strike>some</strike> a few away !<br />
I found this one and sent it to Chad from my sweet mom... and then<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPOACWkzUaHLwRo4xVEiJ-_oOwMEcGYCIiPqh0GjA8SG15DY0qPv9ckrGQXSc9d8b435u0DoNOCqNyNpbjKNw7zXDIRQiZC13B5kagrbeGzWkAX2EJ8qqgQceIhOEysI1NjqLU07mEbib/s1600/photo-73.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPOACWkzUaHLwRo4xVEiJ-_oOwMEcGYCIiPqh0GjA8SG15DY0qPv9ckrGQXSc9d8b435u0DoNOCqNyNpbjKNw7zXDIRQiZC13B5kagrbeGzWkAX2EJ8qqgQceIhOEysI1NjqLU07mEbib/s1600/photo-73.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I actually threw it away </span>!!<br />
<br />
My hoarding battles are being won little by little and it feels so good <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Simplify" </span><br />
I think that is my word for this year...my motto ...my creed ...<br />
Thank you sis for all your help !<br />
Now onto the closets...<br />
Wish me luck, I'm going in <br />
<br />
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-9918462414111962452014-12-14T21:23:00.002-08:002014-12-14T21:41:08.058-08:00Favorite Things Party <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ2Q5zJEDM1_OWatsFEj3eqVEon7s2ya8aLAmCnsC3dON9VNwja6DjU8ANnSz2n5HRsVjGS0viMHpHlh960GVyNIb0bo-WBDy1G-eJuQ7jH1_TOmZZCKRUwNktBvxSwLT5dFvnaNmqYXF/s1600/photo+1-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZ2Q5zJEDM1_OWatsFEj3eqVEon7s2ya8aLAmCnsC3dON9VNwja6DjU8ANnSz2n5HRsVjGS0viMHpHlh960GVyNIb0bo-WBDy1G-eJuQ7jH1_TOmZZCKRUwNktBvxSwLT5dFvnaNmqYXF/s1600/photo+1-6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
This party has fast become one of my favorite Christmas traditions !!<br />
We have this party with my moms group who I meet with once a month for dinner. Most of them I have known since my kids were in kindergarten, and their friendships are so treasured and faithful<br />
And once again our sweet friend Vickie <span style="font-size: x-large;">flew in from Seattle</span> to join in the fun !<br />
We miss her terribly and love that she comes "home" at Christmas to join the party<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVhjQ7EUlED4vjrVRMBGSCX5gEfMVryOIPCFQiOVmgiRmrHgPPbFuF9_yiPexeEOidI91BxaUPKKJ-GdP6PSzXi27CScYFw4hyphenhyphentIM8J7iA_c-NFLUdytl0PG-IzDGYv7n1BTLn1IXS3zS/s1600/photo+2-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVhjQ7EUlED4vjrVRMBGSCX5gEfMVryOIPCFQiOVmgiRmrHgPPbFuF9_yiPexeEOidI91BxaUPKKJ-GdP6PSzXi27CScYFw4hyphenhyphentIM8J7iA_c-NFLUdytl0PG-IzDGYv7n1BTLn1IXS3zS/s1600/photo+2-5.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Janice, Caren and Susan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVURUxoEtFe4PRnxOjwnPDECBr0zOa-6W4yza4AnIRSRqbD8MBCpfyCPboJJQ1pTi7N02sm84PQZUqrfyrHmCslyRpf09UH_hdjYm_ckitxiGtKu5HwTBcnjcll2sj7lWFOp8i7pQFhoa/s1600/photo+2-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVURUxoEtFe4PRnxOjwnPDECBr0zOa-6W4yza4AnIRSRqbD8MBCpfyCPboJJQ1pTi7N02sm84PQZUqrfyrHmCslyRpf09UH_hdjYm_ckitxiGtKu5HwTBcnjcll2sj7lWFOp8i7pQFhoa/s1600/photo+2-6.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cute Janice explaining her gift </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaXuhV_MHtMSrM3oDuGyOz-c6648t7eUDjjJahbEzA-lTnGm9S3JOwdtM34Z5PFMtv0GUUFuZH3QLDScePDZ2iLJ8eDpYJTPRikePZ7bvT6tHgn3Kb0otUOAwi3uE8giianohM4fcRXPe/s1600/photo+3-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaXuhV_MHtMSrM3oDuGyOz-c6648t7eUDjjJahbEzA-lTnGm9S3JOwdtM34Z5PFMtv0GUUFuZH3QLDScePDZ2iLJ8eDpYJTPRikePZ7bvT6tHgn3Kb0otUOAwi3uE8giianohM4fcRXPe/s1600/photo+3-6.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim and Vickie</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPNdrfFbAMklUNNt2TP3xCkcb4C58VVwr3Qg2jYJ_a3oT7kmI5NBYLunnng0_YskuW_nZ-W3tZW-j-x9GrPRnLCWhbWr-WmsLXRFR7iHHpJ7Wcxvcdq3sbWV_wJLqhX1sZ0qDUy1QgkCO/s1600/photo+4-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPNdrfFbAMklUNNt2TP3xCkcb4C58VVwr3Qg2jYJ_a3oT7kmI5NBYLunnng0_YskuW_nZ-W3tZW-j-x9GrPRnLCWhbWr-WmsLXRFR7iHHpJ7Wcxvcdq3sbWV_wJLqhX1sZ0qDUy1QgkCO/s1600/photo+4-4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjeCIz1xU7LvHxGk1F_WO0vAV2ybMmo5DxcWngpVr1jbn2fQuKA01MkuBwr396MvikY7N7E9uPXcW3AcsAfgsVaypp-bBXYRrIyABNIiLLI_jSdbqogDlosqI3DKVBX76q7PopU_YnwDd/s1600/photo+4-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjeCIz1xU7LvHxGk1F_WO0vAV2ybMmo5DxcWngpVr1jbn2fQuKA01MkuBwr396MvikY7N7E9uPXcW3AcsAfgsVaypp-bBXYRrIyABNIiLLI_jSdbqogDlosqI3DKVBX76q7PopU_YnwDd/s1600/photo+4-5.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sherie opening her gift</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We each brought five , $7.00 gifts and we each put our name in the basket five times.<br />
You select the five girls who will receive your gift and hand them out explaining why this is one of your favorite things.<br />
<br />
This year we did a sing along to Julie Andrews " Favorite Things" and I also had a question for each of the girls at dinner that turned out to be really fun too ! What was your favorite book this year? What was your favorite Costco purchase? What was your favorite dinner your mom made growing up ? It was fun to hear the answers and then most shared their answer too !<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Good conversations are <i>always</i> one of my favorite things </span><br />
I made two different soups, biscuits, and dessert and our friend Susan brought a yummy salad. I wish I had taken pics of all the gifts but was able to take a few of the gifts I received.<br />
<br />
Caren brought darling scarves and cute candle holders <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5YDSK5KPedSzWb_FStbeYK5UX_OBLVKBS-QDhUqXSxy28WbLjqjJ5I8F9Po_R-wziheIqq9lgL8wNIr7vuNlrB1l3gpp7mXdb_U-XhI5AoWCgdgngpm9f4E52GLhirTehwKJMvhyphenhyphenwBnj/s1600/photo+1-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5YDSK5KPedSzWb_FStbeYK5UX_OBLVKBS-QDhUqXSxy28WbLjqjJ5I8F9Po_R-wziheIqq9lgL8wNIr7vuNlrB1l3gpp7mXdb_U-XhI5AoWCgdgngpm9f4E52GLhirTehwKJMvhyphenhyphenwBnj/s1600/photo+1-7.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Sherie brought her favorite mason jar that she loves to drink out of, and yummy Dasani coconut pineapple drops <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0AldyLqpQk9nranCZEd6qMqJt0_vjAgrPOHBqCuD60XsWa6un8649zAMMsb1IZDO-b9dKL12nx7xJKNxEc_n6FpUzJ7Vqvj5iYAEaKitWnjk3S-98IUsrjtK3SwB1-ChxQVIk7p8AFYU/s1600/photo+2-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0AldyLqpQk9nranCZEd6qMqJt0_vjAgrPOHBqCuD60XsWa6un8649zAMMsb1IZDO-b9dKL12nx7xJKNxEc_n6FpUzJ7Vqvj5iYAEaKitWnjk3S-98IUsrjtK3SwB1-ChxQVIk7p8AFYU/s1600/photo+2-7.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Kim brought her favorite Mary Kay mascara and curling ribbon.</div>
She
also gave us the most amazing gift. Her son Allen plays pro baseball so
we each got a signed baseball card, So meaningful to all of us who watched him grow up ! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFU0Y1_jI255mhs13RlCItIrzab3hZtw49ebu65uQ-9Rk61UFiWwCMK0g6dE1hkRxIbFr8xYWR8HHCcrxyxg7NhNuNWIAXydn6gx_h5RZ6uT9y1F2gOEleUGlAi7cAfK43MMDsKfn0vOCI/s1600/photo+3-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFU0Y1_jI255mhs13RlCItIrzab3hZtw49ebu65uQ-9Rk61UFiWwCMK0g6dE1hkRxIbFr8xYWR8HHCcrxyxg7NhNuNWIAXydn6gx_h5RZ6uT9y1F2gOEleUGlAi7cAfK43MMDsKfn0vOCI/s1600/photo+3-8.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Janice brought her hubby's famous fudge,her favorite bees wax cream
from the farmers market, favorite floss and her favorite chips of all time Maple Bacon
...<br />
They sound so good but I haven't tried them yet { the fudge however
is gone.. ahhhmazing <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHR_f74fsQeqxPiF1dFSpRR_f1Ps9q6NVKpYbqSnaSV4V7MutqNHYXSu2zWqQlcWhkq2K0Oc4g4EGp5JGlc3QKQjSCAw2M5ww3jqIlzVuTy-AuznsA7RYeGubCCnW3H3Q6YfeJgqK3dT2/s1600/photo+4-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHR_f74fsQeqxPiF1dFSpRR_f1Ps9q6NVKpYbqSnaSV4V7MutqNHYXSu2zWqQlcWhkq2K0Oc4g4EGp5JGlc3QKQjSCAw2M5ww3jqIlzVuTy-AuznsA7RYeGubCCnW3H3Q6YfeJgqK3dT2/s1600/photo+4-6.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Vickie brought her favorite oven liner ! Such a cool idea, you put it on your
lower oven rack and it catches the spills and you simply wash it when it
gets yucky . She also made us the cutest button ornaments like
these... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurwNuE2ZNW2UkJLkbcmjeslUKUoQd1uZ6GdWEv31TsU378ODKrDf-zjohGKfKfS34x0qLwv1wra_5ilYxRb1udNCAHhc7_pq127YgqYlDvsFmdumwh93wYQTWBkgVtjIK8FUWyZFNu6aq/s1600/photo+5-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurwNuE2ZNW2UkJLkbcmjeslUKUoQd1uZ6GdWEv31TsU378ODKrDf-zjohGKfKfS34x0qLwv1wra_5ilYxRb1udNCAHhc7_pq127YgqYlDvsFmdumwh93wYQTWBkgVtjIK8FUWyZFNu6aq/s1600/photo+5-3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tXH29_1WQ-9DRUiG9Js4jfeb5EPikTxJuJtv-56YipD3V7eZpGFs1IMhQGLA33VjF6s9_uSMcrJcyLYGvAAfW2zrb0fF4G1ADBpkgOoBoC9kd5tR7wIIj6S1LSc_KSscM9mxq4fppaB6/s1600/snowman_and_christmas_tree_ornaments_set_of_4_6e27e277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tXH29_1WQ-9DRUiG9Js4jfeb5EPikTxJuJtv-56YipD3V7eZpGFs1IMhQGLA33VjF6s9_uSMcrJcyLYGvAAfW2zrb0fF4G1ADBpkgOoBoC9kd5tR7wIIj6S1LSc_KSscM9mxq4fppaB6/s1600/snowman_and_christmas_tree_ornaments_set_of_4_6e27e277.jpg" height="632" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And my gift was my favorite battery lights that you can place anywhere around your house not worrying about a cord. I love the soft glow that they cast . I also gave my favorite Crystal Light peach mango green tea and a box of tinsel ! Just for nostalgia's sake we are adding a bit of tinsel to our tree this year....While hearing my moms sweet voice asking us to be careful not to glob it on but to add a strand at a time <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLBBjKPFRHpATvRtWNSkwjhZY0OJTDoCLiNfMP6cXWi98VWDtQkTD_Oq4V8igSF93zBLq0lwZ_RhoYRcboil39s5W9PdY1Trs2rP-dOO8e34sNLDD4FyaghR4Pzpw-wDgtfrfwP5-oe6-/s1600/101_1752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLBBjKPFRHpATvRtWNSkwjhZY0OJTDoCLiNfMP6cXWi98VWDtQkTD_Oq4V8igSF93zBLq0lwZ_RhoYRcboil39s5W9PdY1Trs2rP-dOO8e34sNLDD4FyaghR4Pzpw-wDgtfrfwP5-oe6-/s1600/101_1752.JPG" height="406" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It was such a memorable night and we had a BLAST !! I think we all did so good and were quite creative on such a tight little budget <br />
I am going to start planning another for my bunco girls at the first of the yea r !<br />
Who says gifts are just for Christmas <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you joy and peace this week leading up to Christmas !!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I pray your life is filled with the gifts that matter most.....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Friends, Family and Faith...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And cozy fires to sit by </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEU0xf18VPIJv-K5iBG5Qt1jn4HxaUGBext_FWLYJkOqUj73JIu6goFTej407SRL0AGP7NDG-i1oMsla6w3eTfNoctSvMowjPBj-XzUGcg0ZTNVZuO6UtKheL_XTuEh78efi-9ugQn6lEL/s1600/photo-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEU0xf18VPIJv-K5iBG5Qt1jn4HxaUGBext_FWLYJkOqUj73JIu6goFTej407SRL0AGP7NDG-i1oMsla6w3eTfNoctSvMowjPBj-XzUGcg0ZTNVZuO6UtKheL_XTuEh78efi-9ugQn6lEL/s1600/photo-71.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-2207273698415459342014-12-06T20:21:00.000-08:002014-12-07T08:32:54.715-08:00Merry Christmas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqbMaolWv2Km3uRc7KlicxcmtzSsJx77xEgI1aEnit0OCMF5mKwxHGtQbvCp8N8WzZ9qAc3-LSmiEwPcHgrmtvoUNnHFTwCv6EsenU2qObOi1TLtMUuoh-_VAG6An6T9aPP4nIX9ABTuM/s1600/Nativity_tree2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqbMaolWv2Km3uRc7KlicxcmtzSsJx77xEgI1aEnit0OCMF5mKwxHGtQbvCp8N8WzZ9qAc3-LSmiEwPcHgrmtvoUNnHFTwCv6EsenU2qObOi1TLtMUuoh-_VAG6An6T9aPP4nIX9ABTuM/s1600/Nativity_tree2011.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
It's hard to believe Christmas is 3 weeks away<br />
It is my very favorite time of year....<br />
I have been listening to carols long before Thanksgiving and loving every decoration and ring of the Salvation Army bell<br />
My heart is so filled with love and gratitude for another year to be with my family and have sweet grand babies to love <br />
<br />
Thanksgiving was so fun !! I had to work the next day at 3am so we only had a very small group<br />
I missed the Greeks so much, but enjoyed a quiet day and a small table for 7<br />
Kenny,Lindsay and Chloe came and so did Chad and his girlfriend Gabby<br />
<i>{ who is darling by the way, and we all loved having her spend the day with us }</i><br />
I cooked and had everything done in record time, and it was all fabulous. I guess when you dont cook in bulk it's easier to dial it all in. We took a long walk in the meadow with the pups. played games, and just enjoyed a sweet Thanksgiving day<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20keLr_ycIkw572SYPetM2G1_kovVjtfqxEWBEFkHxC7XH-lhhpcT2ZcIqMzZWMqQnfeJ_x_tIMjgJTGHpPoi0T57e3M6Iaa1Fbjl_mESY-NE9m6PwjCGqiCLcn_OdDTkry0yzpNpUSpw/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20keLr_ycIkw572SYPetM2G1_kovVjtfqxEWBEFkHxC7XH-lhhpcT2ZcIqMzZWMqQnfeJ_x_tIMjgJTGHpPoi0T57e3M6Iaa1Fbjl_mESY-NE9m6PwjCGqiCLcn_OdDTkry0yzpNpUSpw/s1600/-1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And now I am planning the Big Fat Greek Christmas !!<br />
Menu planning, shopping,wrapping,hosting a couple of parties and trying to squeeze as much time as possible with my kids and darling grand babies !!<br />
Poppa and I babysat last Sunday and Travis text me that Beckham woke up the next morning yelling <span style="font-size: x-large;">"YaYa" </span><br />
My heart melted, They are the most precious, sweet babies and the joy they bring us is unmeasurable<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2fh4P2SA9z8KmiCwwtxHJzAAKDzzeX_cx_hWLl3am07o52taGxlTmG90yFIa2bmCD-LKH6MGr7nqGXY2FOMVZlrRIROYJe-igrt3i_0Lwhgwo8d89Fp22c-1h3DxkT8Jqi1sarBBXC9E/s1600/photo-8.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2fh4P2SA9z8KmiCwwtxHJzAAKDzzeX_cx_hWLl3am07o52taGxlTmG90yFIa2bmCD-LKH6MGr7nqGXY2FOMVZlrRIROYJe-igrt3i_0Lwhgwo8d89Fp22c-1h3DxkT8Jqi1sarBBXC9E/s1600/photo-8.PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What a incredible reminder of how God gave his very own son for us<br />
His sweet baby boy<br />
A savior who was born, grew up with his family, and then sacrificed his life for US<br />
<br />
<i>Oh holy night<br />The stars are brightly shining<br />It is the night of our dear savior's birth<br />Long lay the world<br />In sin and error pining<br />'Til he appeared<br />And the soul felt it's worth<br />A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices</i><br />
<br />
I dont want to spend so much time doing " Christmas" without thinking of the meaning of Christmas <br />
So even though I am busy, I am thankful for all the quiet moments to enjoy His birthday <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I wish you all a Happy Christmas !! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-42472974252333303632014-10-17T09:37:00.001-07:002014-10-17T09:42:25.521-07:00A love like no other ...Yesterday after a quick shift at work I headed down to see the kids<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I just cant stay away !! </span><br />
My arms ache to hold our little peanut<br />
And Beckham's smile when he sees me melts my heart and fills it with joy like no other <br />
We like just hanging out together,doing ordinary things ...<br />
a walk to pick lemons<br />
cracking macadamia nuts off their tree<br />
reading books<br />
wrestling<br />
singing silly songs <br />
and yesterday while Ash and Beckham were taking a little nap<br />
I held Amelie on my chest for over a hour<br />
smelling her sweet breath<br />
hearing her breathe<br />
and praying for her while trying not to cry<br />
my heart is overwhelmed with love <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkbXrTutm_z1lYMHJ-BYkcksrQbHbRjtrilGAcdzMeYUSDfnVKQF9TlC47dVgyXngBq-1XzgE0NrajfqJc93-bhb_foda1z_EiNn0oNxgkQohMn1SqYewY2sA049YQMfwwcRU3-PvhMLU/s1600/10450179_10205013905574280_5421229007366626119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkbXrTutm_z1lYMHJ-BYkcksrQbHbRjtrilGAcdzMeYUSDfnVKQF9TlC47dVgyXngBq-1XzgE0NrajfqJc93-bhb_foda1z_EiNn0oNxgkQohMn1SqYewY2sA049YQMfwwcRU3-PvhMLU/s1600/10450179_10205013905574280_5421229007366626119_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eF3sghN_WGVS6UHBjP24KhU2w0xCYSloHujkRYJXIlmGdT4SAMPMYLzXgAgeBo4IdMu7flxdFkyBI-TkPNMJWa1mJ1H39o2oxCwzF7tQIBbhDQ9If9JTF-vzNJ6sIgRkWX2t1bRspyAv/s1600/10624646_787130717214_8141045031468119776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eF3sghN_WGVS6UHBjP24KhU2w0xCYSloHujkRYJXIlmGdT4SAMPMYLzXgAgeBo4IdMu7flxdFkyBI-TkPNMJWa1mJ1H39o2oxCwzF7tQIBbhDQ9If9JTF-vzNJ6sIgRkWX2t1bRspyAv/s1600/10624646_787130717214_8141045031468119776_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZuacZlbZBj_AM78XCSYcaP2YAsprR8rJrbmsj_2nOwdR4eDMGFvbP1vA1Oh_2_pXA9gSVU7VYcIwAeqSHP-VOdTo_O4gCv_VfM_CGbpGiglkYpznBc01TsvF_ShdEu3xDaqGaB27NDaU/s1600/10730825_787725854554_314213422981636893_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZuacZlbZBj_AM78XCSYcaP2YAsprR8rJrbmsj_2nOwdR4eDMGFvbP1vA1Oh_2_pXA9gSVU7VYcIwAeqSHP-VOdTo_O4gCv_VfM_CGbpGiglkYpznBc01TsvF_ShdEu3xDaqGaB27NDaU/s1600/10730825_787725854554_314213422981636893_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Blessed !! </span>Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-17207691858032944782014-10-08T20:59:00.000-07:002015-05-01T13:00:07.900-07:00Pumpkin Aplenty !! If you know much about me, you know I am moderately obsessed with all things <span style="font-size: x-large;">PUMPKIN !! </span><br />
{ or as my boss says " Punkin" Every year for a month or two we hear it and smile, because none of us has the heart to tell him } <br />
<br />
My love is a sickness really and I try my hardest to resist but lets face it the retailers heard our cries and there are millions of pumpkin products now !<br />
So I thought I would share my " hits and misses " and help you make wise pumpkin choices<br />
That way I can honestly say I tried these for " research "<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You're welcome ! </span><br />
ps I did not buy <i>all </i>these because word has gotten out so some of these were thoughtful gifts and " you gotta try these " Ya'll are so sweet !!<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pumpkins you are </span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGGfJnXUc6_ZgGEAXo_M0Rq5mFQqoURBeKBJIXpuBCw7dehcgnNk3ntgiz1xuXAwhfGB91UC5SKyA8MhAo8Lp5gxWEqS9zCnmtf7wt1k3kYBQLq9V2sEY9bCgChqJrAB2Eyis9rHbDD0K/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGGfJnXUc6_ZgGEAXo_M0Rq5mFQqoURBeKBJIXpuBCw7dehcgnNk3ntgiz1xuXAwhfGB91UC5SKyA8MhAo8Lp5gxWEqS9zCnmtf7wt1k3kYBQLq9V2sEY9bCgChqJrAB2Eyis9rHbDD0K/s1600/-1.jpg" height="634" width="640" /></a></div>
The long stemmed real pumpkins are darling !!! I love the rustic look of these...<br />
The <span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.chobani.com/" target="_blank">Chobani </a></span>yogurt a win <br />
The rolls a loss { we actually threw them out , not good or butt worthy }<br />
The croissant is pretty darn good and kinda feels healthy with those nuts on top :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PWqw1xU83Yl-4euTBf-TUHW0T3Ebk74g7KGvVcNqapJWEo0zr39r6XYJfiRNLsg_JJLtxpGtOMA81HmRerjL9MWWuiBjZkQJuOA_ieOrelZcRlEqplKbZq1b7nFGf9HwM9AlvmmoNvzs/s1600/-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PWqw1xU83Yl-4euTBf-TUHW0T3Ebk74g7KGvVcNqapJWEo0zr39r6XYJfiRNLsg_JJLtxpGtOMA81HmRerjL9MWWuiBjZkQJuOA_ieOrelZcRlEqplKbZq1b7nFGf9HwM9AlvmmoNvzs/s1600/-3.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
Trader Joes pumpkin bread is <span style="font-size: x-large;">always a WIN!!!</span><br />
And if you add chocolate chips even better<br />
The petite scones from Traders are ok....didn't love them<br />
Pumpkin Oreos....if you generally love Oreos you might really like these but I am just not a fan of Oreos in general so for me these were a pass<br />
Pumpkin granola bars ...delish but we love all the " this ? walks into a bar" from Traders<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And the BEST treat </span>was the pumpkin almonds from World Market !!<br />
Made by Sconza they are to die for !! Just the right amount of yogurt coating and pumpkin pie flavor!! So so good !! A gift from my sweet Barbie and I ran over the same day and bought five more bags as gifts. <span style="font-size: x-large;">They are that good </span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjLy344dAXbeG0eysE0Xv8Rcm8xLN3id11mqMbBUJEkevVbI4wtAxiGlJg8WyXVbSiP6nQMY-pNw0TRa8U3N6mWaWLwQI9N5cZ4_h0DkJ3y9fLgxh88xAWK1VNteyGOoRnfA-J44SvY-w/s1600/pumpkin-body-butter450.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjLy344dAXbeG0eysE0Xv8Rcm8xLN3id11mqMbBUJEkevVbI4wtAxiGlJg8WyXVbSiP6nQMY-pNw0TRa8U3N6mWaWLwQI9N5cZ4_h0DkJ3y9fLgxh88xAWK1VNteyGOoRnfA-J44SvY-w/s1600/pumpkin-body-butter450.png" height="377" width="400" /></a></div>
And of course my favorite lotion...Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter !! Get it while its hot because this stuff sells out fast and I had to enlist my friend and sister in law to find it for me !<br />
Its amazing!!! Last year I gave it away as one of my <span style="font-size: x-large;">Favorite Things !! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6cX7Cu3-av0kdSKoJCJjlAOIt52U-640RA3kyeWyt3E2zMlzdKxLba2NM-odDxhEIO7BuE8R9gQ5HN6ZenSo-fc-8nP2TtYN323bDl0kN5kcJKuTykfVenLN9q3fwRIUou28EMI5OjTB/s1600/Soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6cX7Cu3-av0kdSKoJCJjlAOIt52U-640RA3kyeWyt3E2zMlzdKxLba2NM-odDxhEIO7BuE8R9gQ5HN6ZenSo-fc-8nP2TtYN323bDl0kN5kcJKuTykfVenLN9q3fwRIUou28EMI5OjTB/s1600/Soap.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></div>
Another fun gift was the pumpkin cupcake soap from Bath and Body works<br />
My sweet Lindsay got me some and its so yummy in the downstairs bathroom ! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEkf5LTyioQIQO82iIcQj_CGd2sWhFPmG-3ASVMQ1T5Gjq_M63Jq7C7ejFb1B4qRTuERGeaGoesDPjEQD36nPTGhCnQIlikIXB1L29pfoOwwbmDvCfwSPpOfekpq6qpLrdwV_Qwj_6uSM/s1600/-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEkf5LTyioQIQO82iIcQj_CGd2sWhFPmG-3ASVMQ1T5Gjq_M63Jq7C7ejFb1B4qRTuERGeaGoesDPjEQD36nPTGhCnQIlikIXB1L29pfoOwwbmDvCfwSPpOfekpq6qpLrdwV_Qwj_6uSM/s1600/-2.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
And my sweet friend Paula sent this darling bowl with candy corn for my birthday !!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yep words out....</span><br />
I am a <span style="font-size: x-large;">pumpkinaholic</span> and I'm thankful that the kids from my block still stop over for treats so after a bite or four I can get some of these treats out of the house !! <br />
<br />
So that's my roundup from Pumpkin central !!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you lovely days filled with things you love and a Fall that is full of wonder and JOY </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And Honeycrisp apples !!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>hey are only here for a short season so enjoy your apple a day</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We <span style="font-size: x-large;">love<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>them </span>! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-2799384165115402692014-09-28T22:40:00.001-07:002014-09-28T22:40:30.886-07:00Sweetness... A perfect time in life captured by an amazing photographer !!<br />
The sweetness is almost too much to bear<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqZ1OQ6qoc7csbnl3_-VI60yFDsYRusTAUZMcK_Eq36gVWLCctNB7ML8rPkJGP-z9jIVW9VkAXVj6OxDpglNRu_ZXIkVATloFUKl6DnFTn1OY6FFVBjeRimPFpAPwnjd2TgBDsqvwqkCX/s1600/10448420_909367342423896_7329840213717004531_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqZ1OQ6qoc7csbnl3_-VI60yFDsYRusTAUZMcK_Eq36gVWLCctNB7ML8rPkJGP-z9jIVW9VkAXVj6OxDpglNRu_ZXIkVATloFUKl6DnFTn1OY6FFVBjeRimPFpAPwnjd2TgBDsqvwqkCX/s1600/10448420_909367342423896_7329840213717004531_o.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2E_A8azyFracjLoV00DkA7g_9DHp2buA1BZNwxE6jNypa3oJwbHgfD-A1EqpDE5ZCSD00kGe8kDTpsGh-abfZ-RC7e8zTx2Vnh-K7zx0SdW_SIaywRU3VhrPIqylmmhjGfM1VFdyadUi5/s1600/10608502_909367042423926_5451599329455662923_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2E_A8azyFracjLoV00DkA7g_9DHp2buA1BZNwxE6jNypa3oJwbHgfD-A1EqpDE5ZCSD00kGe8kDTpsGh-abfZ-RC7e8zTx2Vnh-K7zx0SdW_SIaywRU3VhrPIqylmmhjGfM1VFdyadUi5/s1600/10608502_909367042423926_5451599329455662923_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oKMEyNMTVN1W9D1rAAr4ApFrb3au2SsMzmU_3NoEMhyphenhyphenHIAMRwfCsWSJmFGQpDBkAmZMVGTrqYqBHkO9hz96IpgdIT0V1NQGoCEtqYhzZr-LZNcxrCJDXQViFtFpNP2T8d-PuvJXx7ozp/s1600/10644610_909366509090646_3663422762900081879_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oKMEyNMTVN1W9D1rAAr4ApFrb3au2SsMzmU_3NoEMhyphenhyphenHIAMRwfCsWSJmFGQpDBkAmZMVGTrqYqBHkO9hz96IpgdIT0V1NQGoCEtqYhzZr-LZNcxrCJDXQViFtFpNP2T8d-PuvJXx7ozp/s1600/10644610_909366509090646_3663422762900081879_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBg9RbVuQTaNMmLz0PTvDQEABdOxWWxKc4-mmt5y6J1-NzXugq6Yj2AvjxDA2YtZ0_qDlF_Ltmq72YBTo3DoiOV6l-uF-aGLiBAJdl68HgOVWyCu1cLqbosBzp5uqrHKOYlA5-zmJGupQ/s1600/10668664_909366829090614_3154789175771256370_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBg9RbVuQTaNMmLz0PTvDQEABdOxWWxKc4-mmt5y6J1-NzXugq6Yj2AvjxDA2YtZ0_qDlF_Ltmq72YBTo3DoiOV6l-uF-aGLiBAJdl68HgOVWyCu1cLqbosBzp5uqrHKOYlA5-zmJGupQ/s1600/10668664_909366829090614_3154789175771256370_o.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FW_An8mOZ_ipdpV8zOMtTFaLqOfLjwk7BrIKTLYbU_J6603oFSLyHaBSSYYmXonU8eSb5LTfc1GsnJSKYYrtLIEYl1EowuprFhfanO0TiM9O_qSncRWnHp5504TWQmhBuxVGp7mm_wu9/s1600/photo-69.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FW_An8mOZ_ipdpV8zOMtTFaLqOfLjwk7BrIKTLYbU_J6603oFSLyHaBSSYYmXonU8eSb5LTfc1GsnJSKYYrtLIEYl1EowuprFhfanO0TiM9O_qSncRWnHp5504TWQmhBuxVGp7mm_wu9/s1600/photo-69.JPG" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfqs0bHOCMFO22_9wW3oKiH9RsEUQRoaMcrlE1TBDt4Cw2gtzXBNHovVSCednFVUrnNiO9aSi9Joi9KcrFv1YXxV1kF9kElCs-hg9rj0thyphenhyphenys8kLrFjJ2KOjEqERm0hB7wtQi0ZoFrX3y/s1600/10679569_909367305757233_3167031036172220262_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfqs0bHOCMFO22_9wW3oKiH9RsEUQRoaMcrlE1TBDt4Cw2gtzXBNHovVSCednFVUrnNiO9aSi9Joi9KcrFv1YXxV1kF9kElCs-hg9rj0thyphenhyphenys8kLrFjJ2KOjEqERm0hB7wtQi0ZoFrX3y/s1600/10679569_909367305757233_3167031036172220262_o.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
They make my heart explode with love and gratitude <br />
My sweet son has been so blessed with this family of his and we are overwhelmed with joy for us all !! <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Job 5-9 </span>Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-91680105077231885272014-09-28T22:24:00.000-07:002014-09-28T22:45:49.815-07:00Amelie Jewel <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsc9tdQxIT8VMs27bzHvifLmW6-ueco60BQynlH6E2bFrp_wwNk1YK67VAOPUGANyB5q9Rl5i2CEi1XXxE7EUX_5UI9IhayVcxyh7MV1VjAeECfnaKv-FHmMo6siyxMh7NTrTR4CPCmNb/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsc9tdQxIT8VMs27bzHvifLmW6-ueco60BQynlH6E2bFrp_wwNk1YK67VAOPUGANyB5q9Rl5i2CEi1XXxE7EUX_5UI9IhayVcxyh7MV1VjAeECfnaKv-FHmMo6siyxMh7NTrTR4CPCmNb/s1600/-1.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
Our precious new grand baby arrived August 29th at 743 am weighing 9 pounds 1 oz<br />
And she is beautiful !!!<br />
A perfect gift straight from the lap of God and we all fell in love at first sight<br />
Ashlyn is a rock star and delivered her naturally just like she did Beckham<br />
To hear Travis tell the birth story was one of the funniest things I ever heard<br />
They labored in a tub in a birthing center at UCSD, and when it came time for her to be born Ashlyn stood up and delivered her right there. Trav was wearing his board shorts and said it was way "gnarly" and they felt like hippies !<br />
I am so proud of these guys for being such a team and such a support for each other <br />
When we arrived Ashlyn looked incredible and was glowing !! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWXKl9FNaT3eYokQ2afxj71nRz3J_C5PHbyx2lAHWLldk9w5zqWUj_5nifhpNbKcuXtaES8r5LKRsepYBqIx7c5rbCWuMnMveZlhzyvIZJpT3LpZz4L-GYZ4puVpDQJxWl_kNU_qk-QuD/s1600/photo+2-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWXKl9FNaT3eYokQ2afxj71nRz3J_C5PHbyx2lAHWLldk9w5zqWUj_5nifhpNbKcuXtaES8r5LKRsepYBqIx7c5rbCWuMnMveZlhzyvIZJpT3LpZz4L-GYZ4puVpDQJxWl_kNU_qk-QuD/s1600/photo+2-4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">A hour after she had her...Gorgeous !! </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It has been the happiest month with lots of visits to help, and bond with this sweet baby !<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDN62-9JLFeSLVq0KEwqAQ1c5eCQwTBNw8uDflwRxG8pbfbpD_e6K_dBPQNAcGrQvtk6_iVv1NSg2tFnWUei-PGy_u5GXv16O1kvf_1IguhBCKce6hm0rAkZai_IJbtOdLUPXvG0s-4ru/s1600/10347708_10204615630217645_514166655602899749_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDN62-9JLFeSLVq0KEwqAQ1c5eCQwTBNw8uDflwRxG8pbfbpD_e6K_dBPQNAcGrQvtk6_iVv1NSg2tFnWUei-PGy_u5GXv16O1kvf_1IguhBCKce6hm0rAkZai_IJbtOdLUPXvG0s-4ru/s1600/10347708_10204615630217645_514166655602899749_n.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMFldHnI2b0gZbteTOHY-36z9JrOL7gkT_8gLsx9Ov3UYG2Q9iFB6hjz3DZyTiRMt3QmfjTIW142T_OZ0LvoIOAydD-uGCcyGeJCKNlTx9b36sNEJ5eksvn0N9kvlNFxRrp32f_q4CQw1/s1600/photo+4-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMFldHnI2b0gZbteTOHY-36z9JrOL7gkT_8gLsx9Ov3UYG2Q9iFB6hjz3DZyTiRMt3QmfjTIW142T_OZ0LvoIOAydD-uGCcyGeJCKNlTx9b36sNEJ5eksvn0N9kvlNFxRrp32f_q4CQw1/s1600/photo+4-2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL88do9oGxc_8z9ryQTTcce0ZJou0G3lsCdm2hkapwVaat2sZ6i5-kctLVmseNYip-N_O4duW7Nr9MiKgFlkyFW-DmMarB4XCd2B1w9cPOekkwv8S1b1z_YFxLwVjy8-tquWPzyDYj_SXg/s1600/photo-66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL88do9oGxc_8z9ryQTTcce0ZJou0G3lsCdm2hkapwVaat2sZ6i5-kctLVmseNYip-N_O4duW7Nr9MiKgFlkyFW-DmMarB4XCd2B1w9cPOekkwv8S1b1z_YFxLwVjy8-tquWPzyDYj_SXg/s1600/photo-66.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtk2WhYx-LofEVH2EiKjdsQI_o7l2HWCnFJ78bAZmSGiokIWUgNGec1rqE-6YiqXY91Tfl0cUiGm_MPA-8DRHhBALFg1pQRvrBVZUNvkNwce59ecsvaobBWS4e7pQ7_Ysw6-aCbgAo0njE/s1600/photo-67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtk2WhYx-LofEVH2EiKjdsQI_o7l2HWCnFJ78bAZmSGiokIWUgNGec1rqE-6YiqXY91Tfl0cUiGm_MPA-8DRHhBALFg1pQRvrBVZUNvkNwce59ecsvaobBWS4e7pQ7_Ysw6-aCbgAo0njE/s1600/photo-67.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqDclQFYQokk2bdu-_L4aNKdHUpjapFc5F-H3OSZTFVWRn7IBzT1umTVGVa217NvCfUa-HV1cibaVrNB7JIOLof3my8-q1pW2liBmKFH7vSi-YJ5lQRk39_uSTFQNhgPjdauwj1AkdnlV/s1600/photo-68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqDclQFYQokk2bdu-_L4aNKdHUpjapFc5F-H3OSZTFVWRn7IBzT1umTVGVa217NvCfUa-HV1cibaVrNB7JIOLof3my8-q1pW2liBmKFH7vSi-YJ5lQRk39_uSTFQNhgPjdauwj1AkdnlV/s1600/photo-68.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
We feel so incredibly blessed and love these grand babies with a <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">love like no other</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Amelie I pray you always feel this loved and cared for !! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome to the world sweet girl ...........</span><br />
<br />
And wait until you get to know your big brother !! He is the sweetest boy and loves you already<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg5xOROLmZgi_Gp80E6rOgqUc1s5TrVO1nrDFZmZl9lxvrcSdpySK7-OQvP3OSPb3ptZUBlPYs9eWt3_epIUHDIjWMXIXDWt2yUAlMXgGT51qHzU5twEEGQnVVs3k2rFDksGEEbaiUsJN/s1600/-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg5xOROLmZgi_Gp80E6rOgqUc1s5TrVO1nrDFZmZl9lxvrcSdpySK7-OQvP3OSPb3ptZUBlPYs9eWt3_epIUHDIjWMXIXDWt2yUAlMXgGT51qHzU5twEEGQnVVs3k2rFDksGEEbaiUsJN/s1600/-2.jpg" height="520" width="640" /></a></div>
Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-76364490227358865092014-08-17T09:19:00.001-07:002014-08-17T14:08:52.363-07:00Dittos and Wallabees <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEici0V8RTUtHKcxoDGNAC3gDPb5cs4a1_9OghOD0xRZnnw3E-o9rfFBUxKvelXhqcrQ6-UptuYicU7zA_4VDlt469xruxAagvvUH64M9-0rVKLlsXes8oVv80ryVjlkD27D8n2PO__Km4sr/s1600/89760f1b3c2f3498a4a920a3355f1936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEici0V8RTUtHKcxoDGNAC3gDPb5cs4a1_9OghOD0xRZnnw3E-o9rfFBUxKvelXhqcrQ6-UptuYicU7zA_4VDlt469xruxAagvvUH64M9-0rVKLlsXes8oVv80ryVjlkD27D8n2PO__Km4sr/s1600/89760f1b3c2f3498a4a920a3355f1936.jpg" height="640" width="436" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This past week my mind has been so nostalgic.<br />
It all started with a cute new top I bought, I thought it was darling and I had to have it ! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f71zbO_eqazc-wO7h2UkfUlaSi8S7Dicg2rQBkJpeQ8W-ljthsCPzJ-yIgiAoe8wDAScl_GKkdXXj8fOb9AfiMdOYAzdHCaGAu0mIK2f1-6fePFn226Nw4NT7-tCCiZiA8vMYZiG6dUu/s1600/-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f71zbO_eqazc-wO7h2UkfUlaSi8S7Dicg2rQBkJpeQ8W-ljthsCPzJ-yIgiAoe8wDAScl_GKkdXXj8fOb9AfiMdOYAzdHCaGAu0mIK2f1-6fePFn226Nw4NT7-tCCiZiA8vMYZiG6dUu/s1600/-1.png" /></a></div>
<br />
It immediately brought me back to my childhood when all I wore were " angel tops" <br />
And I wore them with my saddleback dittos which I had in almost every color<br />
I probably paired them with " Wallabies" or Dr Scholl sandals !<br />
Funny how something can trigger a memory and you are brought right back to another time<br />
I remember when my mom insisted that I have my own room and moved the boys in a room together so it could happen.<br />
I got a beautiful canopy bed with a yellow bedspread<br />
I LOVED it !! I would sit on my bed for hours and dream and read<br />
I felt like a princess and she had so much joy that she was able to make it happen<br />
With four kids such luxuries were not the norm, and I know how much she saved to get me my new room<br />
I wish that I could find a picture of it, but I am thankful the picture in my mind is so clear. <br />
<br />
We lived in a very simple house with a "Osborne6-0626" phone number. I remember having to make emergency breakthroughs because she was on the phone too long with her family<br />
We would call the<i> operator</i> to make a "break through" or a "collect call" if you were somewhere without a dime <br />
We would often get a party line and my mom would make us hang up but I loved to secretly listen in. I begged to have a "jack" put in my room so the boys wouldn't listen to my conversations from the kitchen phone <br />
Funny how operators and busy signals are things our kids will never know ?<br />
Or Blue Chip Stamps ! Pasting them to take to the " Blue Chip" store to pick out a new ironing board or toaster and maybe a "bean bag" ashtray with the leftovers <br />
I used to ride my bike to Food Giant with my friend Renee with a note from her mom to buy her a pack of cigarettes { we were maybe all of 12? }<br />
Dr Pepper Bonne Bell ...Ice cream cups with wooden spoons...My Holly Hobbie lunchbox with hopefully a space food stick inside !<br />
I always had a "Frito Bandito" eraser on my pencil that was tucked into my Pee Chee folder. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhof0qDrOjkVVDe9M7mZpoTgcpqqEEXzttv9iHe0lN-gFPVaTlwa-NrxZkLz_6WOL2DL5vzAZ2cPgWplDRYmphaZdsvbetHSmvhWctIz0cmTUusJb_PCremhxPH5gcjZtlLeytEdVZ45v7W/s1600/68e06976c9477547ce1f3c5c4dda6895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhof0qDrOjkVVDe9M7mZpoTgcpqqEEXzttv9iHe0lN-gFPVaTlwa-NrxZkLz_6WOL2DL5vzAZ2cPgWplDRYmphaZdsvbetHSmvhWctIz0cmTUusJb_PCremhxPH5gcjZtlLeytEdVZ45v7W/s1600/68e06976c9477547ce1f3c5c4dda6895.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
And I hated to have to dry my hair with this , so I would just sit in front of the wall heater in the bathroom until it dried <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNImUnBL2_NA-6hstofxkl5fvwjIWpZDi0u4BARHvsayw1luZ3dOBAr4iiC7AQhLtJ9Y0chTzbzSrWiNy2OguwGOlSb4mDCadmG1KyO9GE9qNmqddJB5ijhFkdeMFw8OR12uj1tnhWR9GJ/s1600/37bf4185151302aec01dccf79d58d1f6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNImUnBL2_NA-6hstofxkl5fvwjIWpZDi0u4BARHvsayw1luZ3dOBAr4iiC7AQhLtJ9Y0chTzbzSrWiNy2OguwGOlSb4mDCadmG1KyO9GE9qNmqddJB5ijhFkdeMFw8OR12uj1tnhWR9GJ/s1600/37bf4185151302aec01dccf79d58d1f6.jpg" height="400" width="396" /></a></div>
<br />
All these thoughts from a simple trip to Macys ......<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a week of joy &<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>giggles and a memory that takes you back and makes you smile !!! </span>Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-29236790393252182542014-07-14T09:31:00.003-07:002014-08-17T14:22:36.981-07:00With a grateful heart <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5W5wpP12kj8qsMlVARhpAvn0Zc8uv7k3nf5GG-n7GacXTsECqHH7VGMLdjVN6PSk5heh-pYPf67JIqbvNDcjKreDRvdPBVeeWoAXCHdOSWc4I9SawF2lqoZ79bUTV_PwqR3nGT7l1uSp/s1600/large-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5W5wpP12kj8qsMlVARhpAvn0Zc8uv7k3nf5GG-n7GacXTsECqHH7VGMLdjVN6PSk5heh-pYPf67JIqbvNDcjKreDRvdPBVeeWoAXCHdOSWc4I9SawF2lqoZ79bUTV_PwqR3nGT7l1uSp/s1600/large-2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you know me , you know I am a horrible, ugly crier and if there was a pill to keep me from crying at every single thing happy or sad I would take it! Just last week I was telling my boss a story and the tears flowed and I was stuck there trying to swallow and recover</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">{<span style="font-size: large;"> a</span>lthough he is so sweet his own eyes filled with tears }</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But I'm also <span style="font-size: large;">t</span>hankful that my heart is</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">overwhelmed with gratitude</span> <span style="font-size: large;">for so many things in my life. <i>When you look at things with a heart of thankfulness it changes the way you live and you always feel like you have more than enough and way more than you ever deserve ! </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was telling him about my sweet Chad.....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't share too much about this situation but kept it close to my heart and we simply prayed our hearts out over it. Steve was asked to join a new company with a guy he worked with for years and they knew each other well. This man offered him a great job with less driving and Steve decided to take it. He gave his notice and was going to start the following week. But instead he got news that the job was postponed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It could be as long as three months. We felt sucker punched and kept wondering " did we step out without knowing Gods will ? He couldn't file for unemployment because he quit so there was zero money coming in. I was so ANGRY that someone would do this, to <span style="font-size: large;">h</span>ave him leave a good job if it wasn't 100% certain. Steve said the guy felt bad enough and he couldn't add any pressure to speed up the process { he is a much better person than I am , I was beyond angry } </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Well in the interim of job searching he took on a remodel of a home in Solana Beach. Mind you he has been a project manager and has not done physical labor in years. He didn't even have a truck. He drives a Chrysler 300 "pimp daddy" car. So he needed to switch cars with Chad so he could get materials. So Chad came to the job site to let his dad use his truck</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And Chad came to the job site every week after that !! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">He would just "show up" to help</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Steve was overwhelmed with <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">gratitude</span> </span>to have his help but more than anything he was blown away that after working a full week ,he would drive up on his days off to hang with his pop and help in any way he could</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Steve told Chad he would <span style="font-size: x-large;">never</span> forget that in one of the darkest times in his life Chad reached out that way. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He made him laugh and kept him company and worked his butt off ! When I asked Chad why he kept going he said he couldn't let him do it alone, <span style="font-size: large;">t</span>hat it broke his heart to see his dad working so dang hard </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This boy of ours has a heart of pure gold !! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6FJxyFfD_QdNY6LqYzh3g-nt0-bszd5Gc6dzyTGnioabq9qx1vlHjOmxLNennNJwrxZZ6t2jq6MKG06pOp_B3YyRhTHdiBO99bFSyOZYOAgA29wed-4qM26XTQzJYMShOw7q_SOvvQUY/s1600/-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6FJxyFfD_QdNY6LqYzh3g-nt0-bszd5Gc6dzyTGnioabq9qx1vlHjOmxLNennNJwrxZZ6t2jq6MKG06pOp_B3YyRhTHdiBO99bFSyOZYOAgA29wed-4qM26XTQzJYMShOw7q_SOvvQUY/s1600/-1.png" height="640" width="358" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So fast forward a month, Steve thankfully has a great new job, the remodel is done,he sold the Chrysler and found a <span style="font-size: large;">nice<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span> "used" truck</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG_Zoi5IBP_x4ZCBAnxfHWEfdr8rowZYPe9pihOGNps3Sv0XDXOkJ12oQISvtSnzOycTKcJK58U-t-zKt5WN89sBieQsJls9cJsSY1l1QtN13_2dPHRTYTC2xggisUhhhxi3ne6DZOxFx/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG_Zoi5IBP_x4ZCBAnxfHWEfdr8rowZYPe9pihOGNps3Sv0XDXOkJ12oQISvtSnzOycTKcJK58U-t-zKt5WN89sBieQsJls9cJsSY1l1QtN13_2dPHRTYTC2xggisUhhhxi3ne6DZOxFx/s1600/-1.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">B</span>ut mostly he still wells up with pride when he talks about the incredible man his boy has become ! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are truly successful with the things that matter </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our kids and Ashlyn make us proud every single day of our life </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">God is good and He often has lessons to teach us that cant be learned in the sunshine but <span style="font-size: large;">H</span>e uses the storms to change us, to draw us close to him and to trust Him !!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And I am so proud of my husband for being such a great provider and being humble to do whatever is needed to provide for us ! Those "rainy days" your parents tell you to save for really do come, and thankfully<i> one</i> of us is a good saver and shares <i>his</i> umbrella</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you all days of joy and enough days of challenge that you can only survive by clinging to your faith and each other.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am so thankful we have each other to cl<span style="font-size: x-large;">i</span>ng to and that they <span style="font-size: x-large;">lovingly c</span>ling to us !! </span><br />
Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-58440820888458622212014-06-19T16:00:00.000-07:002014-06-19T20:54:40.008-07:00Summer 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyRuElKIdnmD4aBoJD40wnVfkYAD3pxbkKjHDvUhHrxFER7D2PgWbMFF5P3ZNdtDIOQCkbgdD1ifAk5FI2lFHCUXWWnvjL9InhkYHQwtJkXhGEb1YzhK1ioJc_neHBUAEnVShFwRfsKOl/s1600/large-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyRuElKIdnmD4aBoJD40wnVfkYAD3pxbkKjHDvUhHrxFER7D2PgWbMFF5P3ZNdtDIOQCkbgdD1ifAk5FI2lFHCUXWWnvjL9InhkYHQwtJkXhGEb1YzhK1ioJc_neHBUAEnVShFwRfsKOl/s1600/large-2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
I dont love Summer...<br />
I <span style="font-size: x-large;">LOVE</span> Winter, Spring and Fall<br />
But Summer... not so much<br />
But I remember loving summer when the kids were home and we had long lazy days ! The pool, beach , staying out late, smores and camping in the back yard. <br />
Or when I was a kid just knowing you had those three months to play !<br />
Nothing better than being carefree and doing <span style="font-size: x-large;">whatever</span><br />
Well guess what?<br />
I am going to have that kind of Summer this year<br />
I decided to make a list of all the fun things I want to do and be deliberate about filling the days and making great memories<br />
We dont have any "vacations" on the books but who says we cant have fun right here ! <br />
So Carter and I both wrote down some ideas and put them up on the fridge and hopefully will be checking them off <br />
<br />
We started yesterday off right with a spontaneous trip to Carlsbad ! We packed a lunch, some drinks and our boogie boards. And it was such a blast ! <br />
One of my favorite episodes of "Friends" is when Phoebe runs with Rachel .She runs like a dork with such abandon and joy !<br />
Well that's kinda like me when I swim. I feel like a big dork and I love the freedom of knowing I can have fun without always being self conscious and nervous. I do handstands, I twirl and I dive to the bottom then float to the top !<br />
I'm just <span style="font-size: x-large;">not going to listen</span> to that voice that says " you're too chubby" or "you're too old" "people might think you're nuts" <br />
Yesterday it felt so good to get in the salt water and <span style="font-size: x-large;">play !</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVdZoI-CHuN80QYGcT2OFS60L45mP_OFUYfbEBQlSW23tv9KGlUih1isZianZ50TXaAy5pISgH40GerCevgWNcXumzTbaUVEV-lkvePFsxO61VKE83zKaU2tPLPwoibTsIak_y_B-ccJ7/s1600/large-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVdZoI-CHuN80QYGcT2OFS60L45mP_OFUYfbEBQlSW23tv9KGlUih1isZianZ50TXaAy5pISgH40GerCevgWNcXumzTbaUVEV-lkvePFsxO61VKE83zKaU2tPLPwoibTsIak_y_B-ccJ7/s1600/large-1.jpg" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yep thats my summer tag phrase</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"<span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>ets go somewhere"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's a <span style="font-size: x-large;">peek at </span>some of our list~ </span><br />
Knotts Berry Farm<br />
Reagan Museum <br />
Rose Bowl swap meet<br />
Swim in the ocean at least once a month<br />
Attempt Paddle boarding { Travis thinks we can do it? } <br />
Take Beckham to Sea World<br />
Read three books <br />
Kayak Mission Bay<br />
Have The Greeks for a family Crab Boil<br />
Getty Museum<br />
Have my friend Sandy out for a sleepover <br />
Rent a camper for a weekend and go to the Lake<br />
Play a golf game or two with my hubby<br />
Fly my niece Sara out for a few days of pedicures, movies, swimming and fun !<br />
<br />
Whats on your summer bucket list?<br />
Any fun ideas ? Let me know...<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have lots of room to add more fun ! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-17120277045845237232014-05-18T11:17:00.000-07:002014-05-18T11:30:25.033-07:00Just thinkin ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlc4lQYJqs3e-Bsdad1kj1jOUt4niadr-eeTa9fVcueKkmgqhYx-PmT7aOmnH7kPRj5eRSpFVeAo7-OORKf0Qh04Q1zFYPvVQUgdViKa7YnOzCS49jQnmp9cfyFHcRQTFWxdRHPrWJndt/s1600/tumblr_lvbuygCX2a1r70otoo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlc4lQYJqs3e-Bsdad1kj1jOUt4niadr-eeTa9fVcueKkmgqhYx-PmT7aOmnH7kPRj5eRSpFVeAo7-OORKf0Qh04Q1zFYPvVQUgdViKa7YnOzCS49jQnmp9cfyFHcRQTFWxdRHPrWJndt/s1600/tumblr_lvbuygCX2a1r70otoo1_500_large.jpg" height="508" width="640" /></a></div>
I stumbled upon a blog of a fun, young writer who is the daughter of a friend of mine<br />
And she did this cool post " If we were on a coffee date with you " and shared what she would be filling you in on if she was sitting across from you sharing a coffee.<br />
I just liked the concept so much that I decided to try it too <br />
<br />
If I were on a coffee date with you ....<br />
I would be drinking a Apricot Ceylon iced tea from Coffee Bean because it is by far MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE ! It has been for years, and I don't get to enjoy them near enough<br />
I have them brew it fresh for me and then ice it because it is extra strong that way<br />
And I love their crunch ice ...perfection<br />
<br />
I would tell you how much I have LOVED reading lately ! I devour one book and move onto the next with such excitement. I am on <span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a></span> </span></i></span>so come find me ! I love this site so much because it keeps you organized and allows you to see what your friends are reading and loving ! I can spend hours browsing for new books and getting excited about what to read next. This morning I found the 2014 Beach Read guide and already added a few to my list. I am currently reading " The invention of wings " and so enjoying it <br />
<br />
<br />
I would also tell you about my day with my best friends. Last week I spent a belated Mothers Day with the boys and Ashlyn. We had such a nice day. Ashlyn had gotten us all lunch from my favorite place in San Diego " Con Pane" {The Turkey club is the bomb} And they all gave me the sweetest , most tender cards. And Travlyn gave me a beautiful framed pic of Beckham and I and some amazing Meyer lemon olive oil. I have been obsessed with Meyer Lemons this year ! It was a fun day and I always drive away with the happiest heart and a smile that lasts for days. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaxObK26479kpUPFYOT9ocvDBshLSs76cAlUE6mrI4bZbQ5js3ihvTai_lsz3w3ii6ALtF8H8SVYA6BeQTUWSYmDND_jsTPjNEqHtf3o5QShX4YdXYQ4xjhOU6js_d97PXPuttilLX5d8/s1600/photo+4-1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaxObK26479kpUPFYOT9ocvDBshLSs76cAlUE6mrI4bZbQ5js3ihvTai_lsz3w3ii6ALtF8H8SVYA6BeQTUWSYmDND_jsTPjNEqHtf3o5QShX4YdXYQ4xjhOU6js_d97PXPuttilLX5d8/s1600/photo+4-1.PNG" height="640" width="444" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIiM-CGlMNSslL4YF79U-35Vj5DbFBH49n9vpAlqjAGQX6o_5FkxEhecIQv8qmwxZNMmqw5JU-uWFqaGbYSp6kVOsBmdOXpbVHgqPgET6xLVk1Yi-6KBuMSjLFllcxGt_Wf3BuK4M3UDo/s1600/photo+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIiM-CGlMNSslL4YF79U-35Vj5DbFBH49n9vpAlqjAGQX6o_5FkxEhecIQv8qmwxZNMmqw5JU-uWFqaGbYSp6kVOsBmdOXpbVHgqPgET6xLVk1Yi-6KBuMSjLFllcxGt_Wf3BuK4M3UDo/s1600/photo+1.PNG" height="640" width="440" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlrO7zKI8TPMLIOQXYugypgTEzCdCVb3rkZthD4J3Bv9rvY4S3tlnA50I-uqdH06wEcfCAtVR4hu84-xUvZrbocl67B531YkdTMFw9YoGLRNYjf9fH50UTeY2JnkAFr9KFBEcspuZG-cr/s1600/photo+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlrO7zKI8TPMLIOQXYugypgTEzCdCVb3rkZthD4J3Bv9rvY4S3tlnA50I-uqdH06wEcfCAtVR4hu84-xUvZrbocl67B531YkdTMFw9YoGLRNYjf9fH50UTeY2JnkAFr9KFBEcspuZG-cr/s1600/photo+2.PNG" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
And lastly I would tell you how much I love Tim McGraws new song " meanwhile back at mommas" There is something about that song that makes me happy ! If you haven't heard it click<a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1mq54f_download-mp3-tim-mcgraw-meanwhile-back-at-mama-s-feat-faith-hill-itunesrip_music"> <span style="color: #660000;"><i>here </i></span></a>and give it a listen. So sweet, and nostalgic <br />
<br />
Well thanks for meeting me for coffee<br />
I am off to go float in the pool and swim ! I feel terrible for ditching out on church today but am wiped out and needing a little bit of quiet time. My sweet hubby just left without me. I love that he is such a Godly man who will go alone even if I dont. Please forgive me Lord<br />
But I will chat with Him while I float and thank Him for all the blessings in my life. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness !<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing you all a beautiful week filled with love and giggles!! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And speaking of giggles, sadly this reminded me of me .... </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXO2O-JTN0-Oa4iS0_rE3hiTsp-_d-1mNbIVGM1k5P5ZIeZdLNUB_2XWYqj0GHNz3BATG6QvPRMj6KU2uFKgA0oUNiHckn0Bk_MPPyOdWH7UOJGFW8sbsMYoT7otFRzX6Wbq1BNGLBgXs/s1600/2802de0b3a699db5bbe0b1c8b8009c6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXO2O-JTN0-Oa4iS0_rE3hiTsp-_d-1mNbIVGM1k5P5ZIeZdLNUB_2XWYqj0GHNz3BATG6QvPRMj6KU2uFKgA0oUNiHckn0Bk_MPPyOdWH7UOJGFW8sbsMYoT7otFRzX6Wbq1BNGLBgXs/s1600/2802de0b3a699db5bbe0b1c8b8009c6a.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-90326192950922448612014-05-11T18:25:00.000-07:002014-05-15T15:40:10.109-07:00Bunco Joys ! We had a bunco wedding !!<br />
And<span style="font-size: x-large;"> wowowow</span> was it incredible !<br />
<br />
Sweet Katie and Dan have a daughter Bridget who married a great guy Cameron<br />
And we all were so blessed to attend this fabulous event ! It was a bit emotional as we have all known Bridget since she was 3 or 4 and watched her grow up into this lovely young lady<br />
It was such a meaningful service by their sweet pastor <br />
And lets face it ...the Atwoods know how to throw a party.<br />
Complete with Dom Perignon at every table and the best food and drinks I have ever had ! <br />
They were the most stunning couple and Katie was a vision as mother of the bride. I only have a couple snaps from my phone but am anxiously awaiting the professional pics from The <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.stonecrandall.com/">Crandalls</a></span> </span></span></span> {Who I think are the BEST photographers ever} <br />
I love these ladies so much and feel like I have sisters when we are all together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ91JcQ6YRpTw_OloJf1RtLe4ptyC6EU3uIW2w-vrlL6d-MJo6-Ce0nc5bAjWdQ23kWQqGD4Y1Gtq08FL2hCAtReF1ssWWJbAVMbcVQv9dL8n9THxs9ZQfvJQ5etk76vVdbym9GOhIJRzX/s1600/photo-3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ91JcQ6YRpTw_OloJf1RtLe4ptyC6EU3uIW2w-vrlL6d-MJo6-Ce0nc5bAjWdQ23kWQqGD4Y1Gtq08FL2hCAtReF1ssWWJbAVMbcVQv9dL8n9THxs9ZQfvJQ5etk76vVdbym9GOhIJRzX/s1600/photo-3.PNG" height="640" width="430" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_XEspiaEcTRIJ-QRrMhHkLcOnqxVdR_cUZnGe_bE-xi2JSQlx0TzqceN-4JgKiEoaZ5_Y4Xxolg9TpHHiOj3sHmUbid9f3HcsCdBoLCLVctuuSR0Nh2N1mEM9ECRTsDNjgDWhLHGfsEa/s1600/photo+2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_XEspiaEcTRIJ-QRrMhHkLcOnqxVdR_cUZnGe_bE-xi2JSQlx0TzqceN-4JgKiEoaZ5_Y4Xxolg9TpHHiOj3sHmUbid9f3HcsCdBoLCLVctuuSR0Nh2N1mEM9ECRTsDNjgDWhLHGfsEa/s1600/photo+2-2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8-VuFUomkJHQ4e1o7uae6aGvEacO7feVavBV55AFCNHV_TtlSCEBffwe8JfcKEd3mDQSCiW1uE6lF6wL1GNGOKweA2bpX0-9SEcrxH2ciJ66qX_B2su_ylEC37ygPl2TMSQXVI_tpAbf/s1600/photo+3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8-VuFUomkJHQ4e1o7uae6aGvEacO7feVavBV55AFCNHV_TtlSCEBffwe8JfcKEd3mDQSCiW1uE6lF6wL1GNGOKweA2bpX0-9SEcrxH2ciJ66qX_B2su_ylEC37ygPl2TMSQXVI_tpAbf/s1600/photo+3-2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc6V4KHTCysP6z1aysYaDn9flqHoLRUx-_lCoYVsAU5CovNYBouDM-tGLhK0BWULtx005Ky4FUkZG1xmw6w-wtyZheZGKVDLYkLztD2G9vsCgl_4eA7jVHc1z3lf6zc2p4n5siHPA5JDO/s1600/photo+3-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc6V4KHTCysP6z1aysYaDn9flqHoLRUx-_lCoYVsAU5CovNYBouDM-tGLhK0BWULtx005Ky4FUkZG1xmw6w-wtyZheZGKVDLYkLztD2G9vsCgl_4eA7jVHc1z3lf6zc2p4n5siHPA5JDO/s1600/photo+3-3.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-phmShE4skQCYKF7oD5CFo2ErtNLMQFp-KCz0CNS94DyPupUkTe2KpezvV4pO0PzlpfTAxMqb-cj6rx0VfOdvow5F0OZf9ffVxeyeNhkSiesvHgEv62KuU29v5o3OOFCJWqO1CgZm5HV6/s1600/photo+4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-phmShE4skQCYKF7oD5CFo2ErtNLMQFp-KCz0CNS94DyPupUkTe2KpezvV4pO0PzlpfTAxMqb-cj6rx0VfOdvow5F0OZf9ffVxeyeNhkSiesvHgEv62KuU29v5o3OOFCJWqO1CgZm5HV6/s1600/photo+4-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT557r26OwU9CiKvPJ-Ttzq-Fiu051NdUBjaU5ebIy790fSwYgYvXB1144WF6w8hvE0d5riZWu8ADm980gYjz6esRq0J9l0mPQlF2Rq13Sd7utFfUGx1F5kp1gFGKlBY5zfeFkpFnzfwG/s1600/10246620_4103939573897_165752620020022395_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT557r26OwU9CiKvPJ-Ttzq-Fiu051NdUBjaU5ebIy790fSwYgYvXB1144WF6w8hvE0d5riZWu8ADm980gYjz6esRq0J9l0mPQlF2Rq13Sd7utFfUGx1F5kp1gFGKlBY5zfeFkpFnzfwG/s1600/10246620_4103939573897_165752620020022395_n.jpg" height="640" width="358" /></a></div>
There is nothing more tender than a daddy daughter dance, and yes this beautiful bride rode in on her horse<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOtSZJjzvGQnOFlXZvIeuSbYTIZ-E9t2JfBOzguDEtqyGzF0bjtbFfdRn-mHwhke54xg3rEbCmNCSnekIKZpECHLSwsbfPEDN8AKXYv6HW67E8b8uStY_58LZ-qvjEth_g8PzSI1O5p24/s1600/10299588_4103942693975_2893063685535489456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOtSZJjzvGQnOFlXZvIeuSbYTIZ-E9t2JfBOzguDEtqyGzF0bjtbFfdRn-mHwhke54xg3rEbCmNCSnekIKZpECHLSwsbfPEDN8AKXYv6HW67E8b8uStY_58LZ-qvjEth_g8PzSI1O5p24/s1600/10299588_4103942693975_2893063685535489456_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
It was all right out of a movie and we felt so blessed to share this day with them ....<br />
Wishing you kids a lifetime of joy and love !! We love you<br />
<br />
Then the following Thursday I hosted bunco at my house ! Of course we never played. We just ate and chatted about the wedding! It was all we could talk about<br />
I decided to have breakfast for dinner and it was so yummy !<br />
We had yogurt parfaits, mini BLT sandwiches, a donut tower, egg casserole and potatoes, fresh berries and banana pudding. It was so fun and I loved designing the menu and cooking for my friends.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKwfQAOfCDMCNN6Z2zuAVy_MxmAl4AaeCRuHzLwt_Y1RbTNc2fenJnbzXTSL84VVNSOUM_vquyrMC3WRQf8l_pimsowt9zONYh8ui2C613j_hnrQOGTvP9pvwxnxCTecNoKJtWZWJ9mVG/s1600/photo+1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKwfQAOfCDMCNN6Z2zuAVy_MxmAl4AaeCRuHzLwt_Y1RbTNc2fenJnbzXTSL84VVNSOUM_vquyrMC3WRQf8l_pimsowt9zONYh8ui2C613j_hnrQOGTvP9pvwxnxCTecNoKJtWZWJ9mVG/s1600/photo+1-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
We also celebrated Jodies birthday !! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7_gc104B2M4yrOg7YgTUH8Xqr3LX_mNxhIjOZeN67hI4ihyphenhyphenEbFwNgHG6dlN6b1AW7Zz1sT0hN4b8lFY042G18ebqxVNYxkb-URN-hBWS-d37BzRU46jfKzlUThyiKh7wxZEPqb96xDvm/s1600/photo+2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7_gc104B2M4yrOg7YgTUH8Xqr3LX_mNxhIjOZeN67hI4ihyphenhyphenEbFwNgHG6dlN6b1AW7Zz1sT0hN4b8lFY042G18ebqxVNYxkb-URN-hBWS-d37BzRU46jfKzlUThyiKh7wxZEPqb96xDvm/s1600/photo+2-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV35ZJ6ohCzyKRzbPLU9wghzxVTiB3JTcF4a4XANLNqaaX0c6XQEDCA6cefS03GeEG3qFRgwjtbpRgy50xzxTffFymDWQvlBYQZgevy70-BGewYdoj_F6IUQM9dYbXgCEOOTEAW-TiN6rd/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV35ZJ6ohCzyKRzbPLU9wghzxVTiB3JTcF4a4XANLNqaaX0c6XQEDCA6cefS03GeEG3qFRgwjtbpRgy50xzxTffFymDWQvlBYQZgevy70-BGewYdoj_F6IUQM9dYbXgCEOOTEAW-TiN6rd/s1600/photo+2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWDLRWp_fcWq4KCkjRxVgnr8ySwzEjBOIbeb27GeNqKV91cRBMvG38RNlcjveFuknhSlm7Ngl71iORUy4yN6tJ4HFJusBRS9TW2mlR8YJfxoY4OdR9UlOhLStnYw8ptZLrhSlcn0zNJAc/s1600/photo+3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWDLRWp_fcWq4KCkjRxVgnr8ySwzEjBOIbeb27GeNqKV91cRBMvG38RNlcjveFuknhSlm7Ngl71iORUy4yN6tJ4HFJusBRS9TW2mlR8YJfxoY4OdR9UlOhLStnYw8ptZLrhSlcn0zNJAc/s1600/photo+3-1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAUkgL9JitKuvMzQNS9uMCoegmmcM8XjetF5FwY2fLCHQUnWczw1i4yjVRbYLNLWLynWHtMv7kY2Pc2_QSypkf0piaxDqWSSawCRgFxQkkAYM4gMLKmvRFcBAAPsTPA1c08VEtHkkQflc/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAUkgL9JitKuvMzQNS9uMCoegmmcM8XjetF5FwY2fLCHQUnWczw1i4yjVRbYLNLWLynWHtMv7kY2Pc2_QSypkf0piaxDqWSSawCRgFxQkkAYM4gMLKmvRFcBAAPsTPA1c08VEtHkkQflc/s1600/photo+3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3www8rOH4n2vbqaTkoJInCkBLTOxl3p3DtnzuMVtMkQBllNAULM4yj_AcgTZQcvx-5zScydx11AKakG28Etlt_7TFCkyvD2QB_WX257Cb8IBc55SN94DQnsqP2f4noquRnV3p5KpekpQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3www8rOH4n2vbqaTkoJInCkBLTOxl3p3DtnzuMVtMkQBllNAULM4yj_AcgTZQcvx-5zScydx11AKakG28Etlt_7TFCkyvD2QB_WX257Cb8IBc55SN94DQnsqP2f4noquRnV3p5KpekpQ/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Paula Deens banana puddin </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqssR0OzFZRLtCihlnHvKK8iAxc05uiK355UIhvVqsrswT4Sa49zqQpcuh8KdLOFqHCIAmlxXWWRsbvL1D0cLj9rXwCW168MaxdEjfBy8BsDc-AXTPEABzg9XnJ4A7N_Nimpp87n53ntg6/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqssR0OzFZRLtCihlnHvKK8iAxc05uiK355UIhvVqsrswT4Sa49zqQpcuh8KdLOFqHCIAmlxXWWRsbvL1D0cLj9rXwCW168MaxdEjfBy8BsDc-AXTPEABzg9XnJ4A7N_Nimpp87n53ntg6/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
It was a wonderful night sitting aorund my dining room table sharing life stories and being friends<br />
I am so blessed by these girls and their friendships !<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's to the friends who became family !! </span><br />
Who knew my life would be forever changed and blessed by dice ! <br />
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-968091127162298452014-04-06T19:17:00.002-07:002014-04-06T19:42:47.333-07:00Catching up,,, I just hate when I fall behind on blogging and so much has happened that I haven't written about. <br />
Of course first thing is <span style="font-size: x-large;">Beckham is 2 ! </span><br />
Ashlyn had the most darling brunch/ party for him with a pancake bar, donut tower and lots of beautiful details. That girl amazes me with what she can put together. Even though it poured rain and she had to move the whole thing inside it was picture perfect and he of course was darling !<br />
And we found out that day when they popped the balloons and pink confetti came out that they are having a GIRL!!<br />
YaYa is in heaven with the idea of that !!! God is so good and I love her so much already <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVffEoSflOz9HpnFjWgZE4Nl_E09vJzkUVvmGVGa8tnfdiH75APPkwLXbU9TJd3L6METAg05Mmrd325dRDXK3jRxi5t-uvg_wpDW_pnijRLMOVzNWZzRdrBi31QcSDv7fz8ig73dMQ75Ph/s1600/1618476_10203280116550638_982821160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVffEoSflOz9HpnFjWgZE4Nl_E09vJzkUVvmGVGa8tnfdiH75APPkwLXbU9TJd3L6METAg05Mmrd325dRDXK3jRxi5t-uvg_wpDW_pnijRLMOVzNWZzRdrBi31QcSDv7fz8ig73dMQ75Ph/s1600/1618476_10203280116550638_982821160_n.jpg" height="640" width="626" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon91U0ZkxDc-YvqFhMwYbwbWVT9-GbXQUlO-ezL8yaakGkgJ9CvFgKY37R0QiIvg6KJn2YsIlGDM4YNK9DLCe4gCRp_VRr68QZrpAqInBzhs9AiIkL12-Rr9vZfqWX5fEV3r241lbckPA/s1600/1800451_10203280082229780_100053861_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhon91U0ZkxDc-YvqFhMwYbwbWVT9-GbXQUlO-ezL8yaakGkgJ9CvFgKY37R0QiIvg6KJn2YsIlGDM4YNK9DLCe4gCRp_VRr68QZrpAqInBzhs9AiIkL12-Rr9vZfqWX5fEV3r241lbckPA/s1600/1800451_10203280082229780_100053861_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGl0QRjBrUR2DwWJhh1fcaHRDMVHocU6D6GLMTxeaAIJw5co6vzb1Hm1fInbRQiaDcCIdmS2InWkpmwK3KrhSPxqFZtJFY-Y3jWSVYLS7OWnmcL5viayC9993ZGn40F9-q2JoR3Ddbij6s/s1600/1969349_10203280083669816_665919237_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGl0QRjBrUR2DwWJhh1fcaHRDMVHocU6D6GLMTxeaAIJw5co6vzb1Hm1fInbRQiaDcCIdmS2InWkpmwK3KrhSPxqFZtJFY-Y3jWSVYLS7OWnmcL5viayC9993ZGn40F9-q2JoR3Ddbij6s/s1600/1969349_10203280083669816_665919237_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
We also had such a fun family dinner down in La Jolla ! We all met at Chads house and walked to a restaurant nearby and laughed and ate. Beckham kept leaning into me and hugging me so tight. I couldn't help myself and started crying with the sheer joy of his love for me ! He truly loves his YaYa and Papou ......We are putty in his hands I tell ya<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggawpyw9O_B8tWmPKFp51U1T8rCCmVEzJe_2XFufDFAyxYGiA_chvJ_-Y9GLR4FPMKIuuLg56iDFu6VcI7rT_YOGSF9N7KoXpDMzAdck22QlsitKwf53tO45mMfdE_Yeh8dollE9PhAkqS/s1600/1979888_10203414971841936_726869223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggawpyw9O_B8tWmPKFp51U1T8rCCmVEzJe_2XFufDFAyxYGiA_chvJ_-Y9GLR4FPMKIuuLg56iDFu6VcI7rT_YOGSF9N7KoXpDMzAdck22QlsitKwf53tO45mMfdE_Yeh8dollE9PhAkqS/s1600/1979888_10203414971841936_726869223_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOsX5MbwX_3fOgdCY-_YkvEPixeN1xAIzdPwnmq-7NSju79XvmBrXbsgus50gj2NXSyLLhuGiJRNNx69sLPUukP-OpOQiBCg3rdgQ9nqVL2xCnYzDkuZwEc1lY7Rv6k1-TFaurt4uQxif/s1600/1601497_10203414977362074_8546454_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOsX5MbwX_3fOgdCY-_YkvEPixeN1xAIzdPwnmq-7NSju79XvmBrXbsgus50gj2NXSyLLhuGiJRNNx69sLPUukP-OpOQiBCg3rdgQ9nqVL2xCnYzDkuZwEc1lY7Rv6k1-TFaurt4uQxif/s1600/1601497_10203414977362074_8546454_n.jpg" height="640" width="438" /></a></div>
This family of mine is my biggest joy and every minute spent with them are my<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">very favorites </span><br />
<br />
And in other big news guess who is potty trained?<br />
At two !!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYCjsZbR_9eedR299Rq2D9EE8tK8m1LXn3SFWCAYMFvjD485ca9ddd2U8of5edORJpkjN1JzsGbU9LM-nq1gKAfEMym70IR5SYwR7OgPd8N5yuZg6fMNfTUNXDBfBp9hjcjGm6TljVRr2/s1600/photo-2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYCjsZbR_9eedR299Rq2D9EE8tK8m1LXn3SFWCAYMFvjD485ca9ddd2U8of5edORJpkjN1JzsGbU9LM-nq1gKAfEMym70IR5SYwR7OgPd8N5yuZg6fMNfTUNXDBfBp9hjcjGm6TljVRr2/s1600/photo-2.PNG" height="640" width="430" /></a></div>
Gosh I think my kids were almost three? But this sweet boy is rockin his super hero underwear and telling his Momma " pee pee momma" Good Job Becks ! <br />
<br />
We also had a fun moms dinner night with the girls and our sweet friend Vickie flew in for a wedding and was able to join us. It was so fun to all be together and it makes me realize how much I miss seeing her every month. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o6hWJssOmGKpRVp8HXddInYJTKXdFMylQMbDf5HkuZkpE7VbsEc-xu2IvZNzyxq9xbqvEEpQg3XWlmAEffAta2nlA3lEjmfXmYSTTETIbyMGgd08f37YJMGPqHhmiR2TLCeU5aZPQa6i/s1600/1978762_10203492444058693_587198377_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o6hWJssOmGKpRVp8HXddInYJTKXdFMylQMbDf5HkuZkpE7VbsEc-xu2IvZNzyxq9xbqvEEpQg3XWlmAEffAta2nlA3lEjmfXmYSTTETIbyMGgd08f37YJMGPqHhmiR2TLCeU5aZPQa6i/s1600/1978762_10203492444058693_587198377_n-1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
I still have so much to share !! A trip to Kentucky and Nashville with my sis and niece that was a absolute blast is next up on the blog !<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But I will end with this....</span><br />
As some of you know I had a really sad parting with my best friend Sandy<br />
It was a hurt in my heart that never ever went away and I missed her in my life more than I ever admitted. I thought being away would be easier, but when you love someone and have shared such a long history and so much of your lives it just felt like I had lost such a big piece of my heart. We had both text each other "happy birthdays" and then she one day text " can we meet for lunch " Of course I said yes and was a nervous wreck.It had been more than two years. We met at a restaurant half way between our houses and laughed, cried, prayed, and talked for five hours.<br />
We left there wondering how our friendship would be from that point forward ? Could we pick back up and be good friends again? But we were happy that at least we had settled things and truly forgave each other.<br />
It has been a month and I cant tell you how happy I am that she is back in my life !<br />
<br />
We both were wrong, and stubborn and thought the best thing was to let it go<br />
But I am so thankful for a God who wants us to work things out and give grace and love to people in our lives and restore fellowship even though we may be hurt. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was so sorry </span>and so was she...<br />
And I cant tell you how happy we are that us crazy Greek/ Portuguese girls are back burning up the phone lines and texting our crazy random thoughts<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This precious , long time friendship was worth fighting for </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bKFeaGuRfJDxqMs6ZR8HjgTCjuc06Lph-9Hyp1gwwelJqlpI6jD7NizuP6IpZyyq_mfCgMS-bstaQdA5ajPSfTIEsgqsKHzXhMarYNi4qnCL4ygk3xmKkg1tTPZfLRIMAG4q9g8mLgIZ/s1600/photo-63.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bKFeaGuRfJDxqMs6ZR8HjgTCjuc06Lph-9Hyp1gwwelJqlpI6jD7NizuP6IpZyyq_mfCgMS-bstaQdA5ajPSfTIEsgqsKHzXhMarYNi4qnCL4ygk3xmKkg1tTPZfLRIMAG4q9g8mLgIZ/s1600/photo-63.JPG" height="640" width="588" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">True friendship isn't being inseparable, it's being separated, and nothing changes</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
So I end this post with a encouragement to reach out to someone if you are estranged from them. Call or text and make a move to love even though you may be right or justified not to. Life is so short and we may be <i>right</i> but being<i> loving</i> is what God calls us to do !<br />
And who knows that restored relationship might be such a huge blessing to your life !!
Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-8283313635823122242014-03-02T12:57:00.002-08:002014-05-04T20:39:59.628-07:00Things are changin around here And not in a good way !<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Its my house ! </span><br />
It used to always be CLEAN!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Like who's coming over clean ? </span><br />
But lately.....<br />
Not so much<br />
The other night we had some fur balls so big I thought we had a possum in the house !<br />
Brody has been shedding so much and I really need to vacuum every single day , but some days I simply pretend I don't see it <br />
And today behind my cute white hamper in the laundry room I reached behind for a sock and it was ensnared in dust. I used to clean behind the washer and dryer and now I just kinda dustbuster around it and pretend its not that bad. But after seeing it today I busted out the rags and scrubbed probably a year of grime off the floor<br />
<br />
Its a cry for help I tell ya....I used to Windex the counters and mirrors <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>every single morning </i></span>before work and today you could grow guppies behind my bathroom sink<br />
<br />
I would always hang all our clean laundry and put it away and now we are back to "stacks" in the hallway. I just tell Steve to check his "stack" when he asks where a shirt is <br />
What the heck? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPKCCUF_n2hTY3PwoDAK8HhoZl6QurXf0MKW05hgg1EuXCQrrtNOJZEqnw_R0PMt91cmx5hFUb59erQIcfhRX2DlbOCTuKhqmxbEfKYxtSek2NuWawrzKzTsUyW0aIm-4gctf_EbMmX9H/s1600/large.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPKCCUF_n2hTY3PwoDAK8HhoZl6QurXf0MKW05hgg1EuXCQrrtNOJZEqnw_R0PMt91cmx5hFUb59erQIcfhRX2DlbOCTuKhqmxbEfKYxtSek2NuWawrzKzTsUyW0aIm-4gctf_EbMmX9H/s1600/large.gif" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
It was a slippery slope I tell ya, but as I always say I will drop everything to go play or to be with Beckham or to read a great book. And somehow even my imaginary maid quit showing up ? { her name is Consuela and I call for her all the time to no avail } <br />
So on this rainy Sunday I am going to tackle this mess !<br />
I am hooked on Fabulouso cleaner in lavender that my sister in law Sandy turned me onto so I fill sinks with hot water and pour some of that in and go to town. It makes it seem even cleaner when it has that fresh smell. <br />
Pray for me that my joy of having a clean house returns and once again I look like her !<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiDJt9o8yMXdcWlZWlYuBNhDCc7DM-Dm1U-KnAZzwV3k-pjuu1vYFBFZO_1IR7Lt1m2aj9qO-OPY9qExbBkwuta10kVK8dT0yq8SR9eiueZYU-88PXNKYChUWkeiptTm6006B0btUaBPp/s1600/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiDJt9o8yMXdcWlZWlYuBNhDCc7DM-Dm1U-KnAZzwV3k-pjuu1vYFBFZO_1IR7Lt1m2aj9qO-OPY9qExbBkwuta10kVK8dT0yq8SR9eiueZYU-88PXNKYChUWkeiptTm6006B0btUaBPp/s1600/large.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
But lets be honest she never had to take her turn on words with friends, or answer email or wipe up dirty paws on a dog who loves to go out in the rain. She is never distracted by Facebook and instagram or the Bachelor just waiting to be watched. Also Survivor started this week and its a GREAT season So its going to be a miracle if I can find the time I had before!<br />
These dust bunnies just might need to be named and become part of the family !<br />
<br />
Post Script....I swear no sooner than I hit Publish and Carter said "come on lets get out of the house for a bit , so we went and got pedicures and had lunch at his favorite spot Temecula Pizza Co "<br />
See what I mean?? Who can say no to that?? At least when my housework does get done my toes will look pretty on the hard wood floors Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-73386559715490484622014-02-17T17:28:00.001-08:002014-02-19T09:48:05.675-08:00I am lovin....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMfkS0wQHh6arxAe9tYYw7v-cQRDa93QyaiIbM66R6AvhNfJNHy1ggaVFHUK3M-DRrqkuAq1LiUyoFoH2s_LsrAiZFwpm6h-3BBlqx1dMRQoeYb7duJjK8g5vlvJ0WfTTKooSzA4LcSSh/s1600/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMfkS0wQHh6arxAe9tYYw7v-cQRDa93QyaiIbM66R6AvhNfJNHy1ggaVFHUK3M-DRrqkuAq1LiUyoFoH2s_LsrAiZFwpm6h-3BBlqx1dMRQoeYb7duJjK8g5vlvJ0WfTTKooSzA4LcSSh/s1600/large.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Sometimes I just really love things and want you to know !<br />
{ because maybe you will love them too }<br />
I get way over excited about things <span style="font-size: x-large;">and</span> food <span style="font-size: x-large;">and</span> books <span style="font-size: x-large;">and</span> music<br />
And I assume everyone wants to know....<br />
So here are a few of my favorite things lately <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29HiMQ1WO1Xe-WX0vZGMpEDsxrn9bzUFppmxlp9oOuktpJlE5e6mNg9PB1Q-rwezgxHYDLTDEqhEsgptLWqcZVRAgkmgaGnsiDcL9R5VXjVX5zLv-4s4fk6YA2N__GH5iZtaJzBp_6ulH/s1600/14384805_201308201533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29HiMQ1WO1Xe-WX0vZGMpEDsxrn9bzUFppmxlp9oOuktpJlE5e6mNg9PB1Q-rwezgxHYDLTDEqhEsgptLWqcZVRAgkmgaGnsiDcL9R5VXjVX5zLv-4s4fk6YA2N__GH5iZtaJzBp_6ulH/s1600/14384805_201308201533.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Boom Chicka Pop ~<br />
I had this at the kids house and went nuts over it ! I text Ashlyn and asked where she gets it and she said Target ! So I stopped on the way home and bought 4 bags ! It is so delish and pretty healthy<br />
{ unless you eat the whole bag in one sitting,but who would do that?? }<br />
Do yourself a "flavor" and get a bag or seven<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHo8rD4xMYqNUFe42gv1sNkLzAxTgoQxlgCy-q2lxHTwQaCKnxoWMOUYFdb3N-yXulpkBP0WWT0a_59-4X13c7LLKOEZ0qZe_HbGsiDrD1rzpG0GbuiZG96iZGrOXgyJmM0QN4eDHkN_gW/s1600/d316f467eb17b60dd7fed304e84253f6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHo8rD4xMYqNUFe42gv1sNkLzAxTgoQxlgCy-q2lxHTwQaCKnxoWMOUYFdb3N-yXulpkBP0WWT0a_59-4X13c7LLKOEZ0qZe_HbGsiDrD1rzpG0GbuiZG96iZGrOXgyJmM0QN4eDHkN_gW/s1600/d316f467eb17b60dd7fed304e84253f6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
On Valentines I wanted to make Carter a special dinner. He is a meat
and potato guy so I usually make a heart shape meatloaf with ketchup
on the top. But I wanted to make something more fun. I usually never
make Sandra Lee recipes but saw her make this Salisbury Steak one day
and it was rated 5 stars!<br />
<br />
So I tried it with mashed potatoes and corn and he LOVED it ! It was pretty darn tasty and we will for sure have it again. I even used the cognac it called for and it added great flavor.<br />
So retro ...but yummy<br />
So if you want to try a new recipe click <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/salisbury-steak-with-mushroom-gravy-recipe.html"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">here</span></span></a> and give it a whirl. You will be wanting to eat it on TV trays next to the lava lamps !<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC5mmOPyMh0ks4DFLj4tV_n-RFjfWaRbR31WK4a0tpkJ7_leSqHzNyxrSXlh7Y6S66RJzLKmdncyTnktce_tbnUwApVAPDWY2FBNRqycanuT0SA-xUGD83mpBWtH4lOScn8wHOi37CR_V/s1600/41UkGo6kjjL._SY300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC5mmOPyMh0ks4DFLj4tV_n-RFjfWaRbR31WK4a0tpkJ7_leSqHzNyxrSXlh7Y6S66RJzLKmdncyTnktce_tbnUwApVAPDWY2FBNRqycanuT0SA-xUGD83mpBWtH4lOScn8wHOi37CR_V/s1600/41UkGo6kjjL._SY300_.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I got this great hair stuff from my sweet daughter in law for Christmas and I LOOOOVVVEEE it!<br />
It smells so good and makes your hair so soft and healthy. I spray a bit on while my hair is damp and then dry as usual. It is magic ! Another one of the fun reasons I love having a daughter in my life. She gives the best gifts !<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAr_L_FtnyyroWMMDbVmwG2UOYngQdEw0HvXy5NsZ2Nafm-J5GEQycw2fc-ANEpRPiCh2xNO3JFW-Do3WGbPtF_VtE1_DfEQEX8cbJ5LyBgv4FaNf6GL4vVl67l-L10s-goN7t5sJXpnu/s1600/1450138_589517334441699_165686459_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAr_L_FtnyyroWMMDbVmwG2UOYngQdEw0HvXy5NsZ2Nafm-J5GEQycw2fc-ANEpRPiCh2xNO3JFW-Do3WGbPtF_VtE1_DfEQEX8cbJ5LyBgv4FaNf6GL4vVl67l-L10s-goN7t5sJXpnu/s1600/1450138_589517334441699_165686459_n.jpg" height="377" width="640" /></a></div>
If you like Greek yogurt you will love this one ! I am hooked on the Vanilla with almonds.<br />
It is creamy and flavorful and they give you just the right amount of yummy toasty almonds to add in. It is 200 calories but with all the ones you save by eating the popcorn you can indulge :)<br />
<br />
<br />
And of course no post of what I love is complete without this guy !<br />
He knows his YaYa so well now and I love the way he says my name. He is the
cutest kid with the sweetest heart. I am headed down to see him
tomorrow so Ash can get her hair done and I am counting the minutes
until I can squeeze him to bits. On March 1 he will be 2 ! Crazy how
fast it went. They are having a brunch and the invites were darling.
They were tied with a little yellow string so that's why it is showing,
but just look at this cutie with his pancakes ! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyDIATX30ItKu9ujIUj3fc2GMyEoC4EdnV-JXeCZd8juWc5MYJT_yjoFkX1Vg0rl3p-seJCigHLkK_jZUzp0GN74aoLxQ-c7C0I2WNBO7iGP3ZY29MmIelsiMHFnizF4n57b4eW1Nqcmu/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyDIATX30ItKu9ujIUj3fc2GMyEoC4EdnV-JXeCZd8juWc5MYJT_yjoFkX1Vg0rl3p-seJCigHLkK_jZUzp0GN74aoLxQ-c7C0I2WNBO7iGP3ZY29MmIelsiMHFnizF4n57b4eW1Nqcmu/s1600/-1.jpg" height="640" width="472" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I love you all and wish you a happy week filled with things that delight you !<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And lots and lots of giggles ! </span>Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-27469067526262040582014-02-06T12:25:00.004-08:002014-02-06T12:39:22.419-08:00Bragging rights ...I know....<br />
I already put it on Facebook and told everyone I know about Chads rescue but I want to make sure I blog it too! <br />
This sweet boy of mine is worthy of it..<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Somewhere there is a momma who still has her son because of mine ! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">That dawns on me often</span><br />
This particular day the waves were huge! We were all down at the beach watching the surfers since I was in San Diego watching Beckham for a couple days . I had met up with my sweet friend Brian from Albertsons and we were watching the huge surf. Chad had already made one rescue of a surfer who got caught in the waves. Chad was bandaged up because he had cut his leg on the reef.<br />
And an hour later he got this call. A guy was unconscious in the water and Chad was the first responder.<br />
We were at Travs having dinner and he was telling us the story and mentioned " yeah I might be on the news tonight "<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwZf6lpYr7GLezwpkBDJcl77Ga7V5CLLWsXa7d2cI7bYPLFT7FbLkxYnTYhfCKGezM4y9PQ-vCz9DYVqujVTQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then his phone started getting texts and people saying "I think we saw you on TV"<br />
Here is the<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.cbs8.com/story/24542856/big-waves-expected-this-weekend?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9767652&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9767652"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">link</span></span>.</a>...to the news story! ..<br />
I am so proud of this boy of mine for so many reasons but this day I am extra thankful God placed him where he needed to be ! Chad never has fear of these circumstances and just jumps right in knowing he is capable of it <br />
He is going to hate this post but this momma cant help herself.<br />
The Cleavers are so proud of you Beaver :) <br />
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-78931919900634462512014-01-06T18:09:00.001-08:002014-01-10T08:42:44.187-08:00New Beginnings !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQX8F5-Vjb5LMwTMVjNJR5Z_klGgJZBg4hcMU1Oo87piZdWaVnkec5E2pRpbuU_t47r9ojjoBOOkXpO8kTvxTpFETJ3dHS7tb6co7GKyo3gRFBV2Vxtiq-YY4UVBZPlgoEhorN_Y0Zzdd/s1600/HD-happy-new-year-wallpapers-2014-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQX8F5-Vjb5LMwTMVjNJR5Z_klGgJZBg4hcMU1Oo87piZdWaVnkec5E2pRpbuU_t47r9ojjoBOOkXpO8kTvxTpFETJ3dHS7tb6co7GKyo3gRFBV2Vxtiq-YY4UVBZPlgoEhorN_Y0Zzdd/s1600/HD-happy-new-year-wallpapers-2014-b.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
Another saying my mom LOVED was " New beginnings "<br />
I have shared before how much I love a new month, a new calendar, a flip of the page and a fresh start !<br />
I am thankful for Gods amazing grace because He truly does make all things new<br />
No matter how far we go in the wrong direction it is always just one step back in the right direction<br />
<br />
And I am always mindful of His grace and forgiveness to us and a chance again and again for a new beginning <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am not a resolution person ! </span><br />
As I sit here...<br />
I'm in jammies although it is only 5 pm. It was a long day and I was so cold so I climbed into my flannels and am happy as a clam.I am drinking a Bargs diet root beer with lots of ice and a straw<br />
I should resolve to not drink diet soda and not to eat sugar although I must have had at least ten "King Leo" soft mints that were in my purse while I was out running errands today <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But its ok....</span><br />
I am not only going to give grace to others but I am going to give it to myself as well.<br />
I made a note on my iphone titled<br />
" Twenty Fourteen"<br />
And I have been jotting down ideas and goals for this new year<br />
I have areas in my life that I truly want to work on<br />
But I know I will fail....<br />
And I am going to let myself and other people down<br />
But my heart is right and my motive is to <span style="font-size: x-large;">be better</span> and have more days that I can look back and see improvement <br />
Here are some of my ideas that I jotted down~ <br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Find more time for reading</span> </i> { I LOVE to read and often do not carve out enough time}<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Give away more...Simplify my life and house</i> </span>{ this has been fun! I hate to throw things away so I have been taking things to work and posting a note saying if you can use this please take it! And I swear at the end of my shift its gone! Cookbooks, candles, purses, candy, you name it ! People seem to love my stuff and it is way more fun that trying to sell it for a few dollars}<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Send Sara more mail </span></i> { she LOVES mail like her auntie and I am going to send more cards and notes. Such a small thing that brings her such joy }<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Walk the meadow three times a week with Brody</i> </span>{ we both love it so much and it's so good for us }<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">No cell phone while in public!</span> </i>{ no checking it while with people at lunch. I have been guilty of the thing I truly resent, so time to put myself on check and keep it away } <br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Pay off all debt!</span></i> { almost there but determined to wipe it all out this year! }<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFY0l_kwIIMRc0xONUeMI1rCU3wyQkIKzjorMRke1uH9z6MKQ9MPTTx1PaVd_4HlsZHCVmHXp4ba8cVX1uIsqbLLViWjsR3MIHM4pUEzV68Kz77_IOq7x94QQqtnaYwnSFyIzHHidML1BP/s1600/Screen-Shot-2013-10-27-at-4.38.25-PM-550x422.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFY0l_kwIIMRc0xONUeMI1rCU3wyQkIKzjorMRke1uH9z6MKQ9MPTTx1PaVd_4HlsZHCVmHXp4ba8cVX1uIsqbLLViWjsR3MIHM4pUEzV68Kz77_IOq7x94QQqtnaYwnSFyIzHHidML1BP/s1600/Screen-Shot-2013-10-27-at-4.38.25-PM-550x422.png" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This is my mantra for the year.....</span><br />
I saw this graphic on a blog somewhere and forgive me for not giving credit but I truly cant remember where it was. It was a few months ago and it struck a cord!<br />
I am going to simply BE , spend more of my time content to simply BE<br />
I can often be a spazz, and get wound up with plans and packing more than I should into my days to give them "meaning" But this year I am going to try to be more still<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">To Be Simple and Simply Be !</span><br />
What are your dreams this year? I would love to know! I will be praying they come true for you!<br />
And if they dont ...I will be praying you will be ok with it<br />
Walk in Grace and give yourself a little slack<br />
Swing on the swings, have a donut, stay up late watching movies, let the dust be<br />
Life goes way too fast ! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-21855721650038314002013-12-15T08:27:00.001-08:002013-12-15T18:20:01.889-08:00Happy Christmas !! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwKnX_ZLTarJmHHfVIaZOey5VwqQW7T32XJ7JhZvzxAFen7NMbow3grF7K4XxDGe_KrOzG9IgPypZJCnjGSNz70Nx_ZQeIGBoffNCIuyTtjgqdnqDUnnXnx65k_IuyJu7MbKvzKZPlAvD/s1600/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwKnX_ZLTarJmHHfVIaZOey5VwqQW7T32XJ7JhZvzxAFen7NMbow3grF7K4XxDGe_KrOzG9IgPypZJCnjGSNz70Nx_ZQeIGBoffNCIuyTtjgqdnqDUnnXnx65k_IuyJu7MbKvzKZPlAvD/s640/large.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Today is the 15th which means just ten more days until Christmas !!<br />
And I'm ready...<br />
And so happy about that<br />
Most of our gifts are wrapped,and under the tree with cute little homemade pom poms <br />
My "thing" this year<br />
Its been a busy, fun season and I have loved it so much<br />
I hosted our second annual "Favorite Things" party and we had a blast!<br />
I made lentil soup, tortilla soup with all the fixins, and a big delicious spinach salad.<br />
There was going to be 7 of us and our dear friend Vickie who moved away was going to face time with us and send her gifts ahead of time<br />
Well I went to answer the door and who was there? <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yep she flew in for the fun ! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCcW5TJx8xEQ5OXAqj77rXuR4z7Zl1dEKiBePFRAzxvK1yD-HPyyl8Cz5uQzunQL2UDnXb4_TyeSpR4rL4u17YUM0FDrYbrXGcLFd-7E9kp_gR5QeQ_uwr4CtU83UBCUA27Y0xUaw0K4Z/s1600/IMG_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCcW5TJx8xEQ5OXAqj77rXuR4z7Zl1dEKiBePFRAzxvK1yD-HPyyl8Cz5uQzunQL2UDnXb4_TyeSpR4rL4u17YUM0FDrYbrXGcLFd-7E9kp_gR5QeQ_uwr4CtU83UBCUA27Y0xUaw0K4Z/s640/IMG_0505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We were all so shocked!</span><br />
We had the best time and were so blessed with lots of fun gifts!!<br />
Some of our "favorite" things were<br />
Soft lips mint chapstick {which is fabulous} Soft cozy socks,Candles and a cute vase,Frozen Yogurt gift certificate,Tea, and Christmas Kleenex, wine chillers, Homemade Christmas wreaths {which were to die for cute and I got one! Thanks Vickie} A cozy "red" blanket, and I gave my favorite scalloped cake plate.<br />
Hilarious Janice wanted to include a piece of Sees candy but was over her $7.00 limit so she made her hubby meet her at Sees and they stood in line twice to get samples !<br />
We all cracked up because only she would go to so much trouble to bless her friends and still follow the rules<br />
We had lots of laughter and fun and decided we are going to have another Summer Favorite Things party because we dont want to wait another year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufzFho6hYY_IyrJZ9S-fweOP09u7Zld-PTS6isyWcipJ4iAhDANIW8jqp23T5uYz4twmcNZydhqW1suXj3QWtlBJ7Zsyw6fWvYynnG_OWzo1wQfJbUwo8LFyT0B1D2IlxWWvTmy653jTa/s1600/IMG_0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufzFho6hYY_IyrJZ9S-fweOP09u7Zld-PTS6isyWcipJ4iAhDANIW8jqp23T5uYz4twmcNZydhqW1suXj3QWtlBJ7Zsyw6fWvYynnG_OWzo1wQfJbUwo8LFyT0B1D2IlxWWvTmy653jTa/s640/IMG_0504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlZxDg4AELo9t66onHfrs5R4Oq8mkeguIErdykqwaTXQiD7xAGhysvlXx_JA35uvdbhDMwkc4ksP8xxcTbYWo12OsWBfOZ_vsluodRxfWo5ZXBKU564eRFsK-uYH12JlQmMZWkAuT8n3b/s1600/IMG_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlZxDg4AELo9t66onHfrs5R4Oq8mkeguIErdykqwaTXQiD7xAGhysvlXx_JA35uvdbhDMwkc4ksP8xxcTbYWo12OsWBfOZ_vsluodRxfWo5ZXBKU564eRFsK-uYH12JlQmMZWkAuT8n3b/s640/IMG_0506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjLKg55jCzYP0RoU6O3uvxLt6Lry_uyfAjCsGCcanrQ4-ZSedEfYzwXRCqbV8pgeQ4AJW6TeQ_2ljOoJxGNr3xCj3iDK4cD-9OQFIM8x-dKhBWt76A0dFPTlDCONMzxI_HY-EHv8BFmZZ/s1600/IMG_0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjLKg55jCzYP0RoU6O3uvxLt6Lry_uyfAjCsGCcanrQ4-ZSedEfYzwXRCqbV8pgeQ4AJW6TeQ_2ljOoJxGNr3xCj3iDK4cD-9OQFIM8x-dKhBWt76A0dFPTlDCONMzxI_HY-EHv8BFmZZ/s640/IMG_0524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEhP-lHR5J1wS2PQ1mrKtxcUUZzzeIaC_kHKBdEYe8ncvM2bdzVUJJDMAgPpg6phfYBg6lsYfG5fT8-8iJ-0eVSnECv6LmkNjpkBx7amuH3Vi6c1nW3RJkVqievvPFvETcr4fBuAm2rMF/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEhP-lHR5J1wS2PQ1mrKtxcUUZzzeIaC_kHKBdEYe8ncvM2bdzVUJJDMAgPpg6phfYBg6lsYfG5fT8-8iJ-0eVSnECv6LmkNjpkBx7amuH3Vi6c1nW3RJkVqievvPFvETcr4fBuAm2rMF/s640/IMG_0530.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhDKSfa_Gw7aJdBeL50NLrLUfnitnAKzWP_tkXVmWQL6aIIZWIa3O1K-X4QP9YwYqIPlYrKwGk9CF2apP1cxz-KJqHekZ1xd4tvwpLHXmkxNiZcqEGg-_ddU4fQ3p-1XSXEnHy7JMkWlB/s1600/IMG_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhDKSfa_Gw7aJdBeL50NLrLUfnitnAKzWP_tkXVmWQL6aIIZWIa3O1K-X4QP9YwYqIPlYrKwGk9CF2apP1cxz-KJqHekZ1xd4tvwpLHXmkxNiZcqEGg-_ddU4fQ3p-1XSXEnHy7JMkWlB/s640/IMG_0532.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n9qALoCFIP2AXn8IRmATfdGmmMu9Mf3We4gNcDSBoHF-s99PQqyp818ZxiQEh8Vh-9EQnsO_MYYFnLohY00R6Ncu23IEEXsLu_JyGWjCIvFCrfjcTnUYeufTgXWbdYhN79zg_l4b-_Ga/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n9qALoCFIP2AXn8IRmATfdGmmMu9Mf3We4gNcDSBoHF-s99PQqyp818ZxiQEh8Vh-9EQnsO_MYYFnLohY00R6Ncu23IEEXsLu_JyGWjCIvFCrfjcTnUYeufTgXWbdYhN79zg_l4b-_Ga/s640/IMG_0534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Good friends, great conversations, giggles and hot cocoa ....<br />
I cant think of anything more perfect !<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The gift of friendship is the very best of all ! </span><br />
ps<br />
If I could have given a perishable gift it would be these!!! Do yourself a favor and try these.<br />
It is my new favorite thing and I am addicted. They pop in your mouth and are so juicy and fresh<br />
Trust me ...... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd17PEMiV_idaardRGkX2F5SupoISlrRn3uc25jz75NqKG7dGP1WT_lVLD74zfhW4t5N4yBsPm2il_-BOPkxKBIG3fvBJC_vOnrf6Y26THclg9ErICnEvDAuZ0IIujoe0_z06QYAuQwyl/s1600/294755-POM_Wonderful_Fresh_Arils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd17PEMiV_idaardRGkX2F5SupoISlrRn3uc25jz75NqKG7dGP1WT_lVLD74zfhW4t5N4yBsPm2il_-BOPkxKBIG3fvBJC_vOnrf6Y26THclg9ErICnEvDAuZ0IIujoe0_z06QYAuQwyl/s400/294755-POM_Wonderful_Fresh_Arils.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8709344301344660942.post-73065623340436822562013-11-19T18:19:00.002-08:002013-11-22T09:03:58.089-08:00We love fighting over gifts ! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5Wpi38ewDoAs_m-IgNxuD7UObL_OI-vMRhefbao973S_ZGloltN1E6IwNLtShqZv6Wxar1In_fkDGCZAJ0TgsRP_BN_HZajCaKPpuLdCpaCOpssIYoPkNkcZ-sNoOMGVFz60PviEpYjT/s1600/large-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5Wpi38ewDoAs_m-IgNxuD7UObL_OI-vMRhefbao973S_ZGloltN1E6IwNLtShqZv6Wxar1In_fkDGCZAJ0TgsRP_BN_HZajCaKPpuLdCpaCOpssIYoPkNkcZ-sNoOMGVFz60PviEpYjT/s640/large-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My bunco group is soon having our annual Christmas Party !<br />
We always have so much fun, and include the guys for a night of merriment and cheer!<br />
There is much laughter and always great food <br />
Then us girls have a gift exchange with a $30.00 dollar limit <br />
We draw names, open the gifts and steal like crazy to get the one everyone wants <br />
Its all such good fun, and <i>most </i>of the time no one gets hurt <br />
<br />
So I try like crazy to find that one terrific gift that will be the hit of the party and everyone will scratch and claw for!<br />
<br />
So I am asking you, My sweet readers to help me find the perfect present !<br />
What has been a gift that was so fun to receive ?<br />
No gift cards...<br />
A real gift...<br />
One worth getting ghetto "get me some of that" crazy over <br />
My tree is up<br />
My mantle is done<br />
The stockings are hung !<br />
I have been a busy elf , and this one gift has me stumped<br />
Send me your thoughts elves <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I Love you ~ Mrs Claus </span>Karen Carterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908048867897193812noreply@blogger.com4