Carie Creates

I just added some real cute burp cloths to my etsy shop today....you can check them and some very handy dishcloths out at Carie Creates

My Most Recent Projects and A New Bear

First off......a New Bear:

He got his hair cut this week.  Really cut (obviously)....not just a trim.  He is thrilled.  I cried.  Such is the life of a momma with growing boys.  Now, onto my most recently completed projects:

These 1st 2 are "baby" blankets.  The wildlife one is for he "big" brother and the colorful farm patcwork is for the new baby :)  They turned out super cute.

These next 2 are the lace project I've been working on.  My FIRST lace project.  I am very pleased with how well it turned out.  The butter yellow color looks great in my living room.

And a pink apron sewn for a customer.  The little lady wanted it in pink plaid snuggle flannel so that is what she got :)

It is snowing here.  I can't hardly believe it.  Very depressing.  Especially since the temps were in the 70's early this week.  Bleh.

The appraiser is coming to look at our house on Wednesday next week.  Greg and I are packin more "non-essential" stuff.  Of course, I believe that most of my stuff is essential so it is very difficult.  LOL

I'm leaving you with a couple of pictures I ran across on the net the other day.  I love them :)  I wish I could look so beautiful while knitting.....

Need a Shot?

What do you think of when you hear the word shot?

A painful shot in the arm or elsewhere???  Keep in mind that this shot is full of healing medicine......

Or how about this -

What about a shot of coffee early in the morning?  Does that give you just the boost of energy you need to get going for the day?

How about a shot of help, encouragement or experience?  I want that!

Today, I want to introduce you to the Encouragement Membership Program.  Doesn't that sound helpful?  Developed by Lorrie Flem of Eternal Encouragment Magazine, this program was created to help you!  Each month, a subscriber to this program will receive a "Super Shot"; 4 products (audio, video or textual) that Lorrie has created to help you dig deeply into a problem or concern that you might be having.  By focusing on that one area for a short period of time, you can learn what God's will is for you in that area and learn from His leading and direction.....Lorrie just guides the way!

I had the wonderful opportunity to check out A Super Shot of Preventing Parenting Pits.  Let's just say, Oh My!  I was momentarily overwhelmed by all the great information this bundle contained.  I plugged along though and was so surprised to be learning so much; and my children were too!  Just wait till you hear the CRIJ rhyme for kids :) 

Each Super Shot contains 4 products that are exclusive to THIS program.  Nothing that you have seen before from Lorrie!  The videos are similar to the Chick Flicks for Moms but longer, more like a mini workshop.  The Super Shot I reviewed also contains a new book by Lorrie, Consistency, Consistency, Consistency.  Now remember, each month you get a different Super Shot, with 4 products each and the cost is only $7.97 a month!  Can you believe it?  I couldn't, but it is true :) AND if you subscribe to the Encouragement Membership Program before April 1, 2011 (when the site goes live) your price will only be $6.97 a month for the lifetime of you membership (NO FOOLING!). 

As I said, the site doesn't go live until April 1st so make sure to keep checking back at http://www.eternalencouragment.com/ and HERE for all the latest news and information.  This will be both healthy and energizing for you :)


***I received this product free as part of The Gabby Moms review program :)

Reflections: Power of a Praying Wife Day 7

His Mind

A successful person is almost always successful in his mind before it plays out in his life.......someone who frequently fails has probably already decided that was going to happen before the project ever started.....and after a while, they quit trying.

Confidence.  I can usually tell who the confident people are.  In a room full of people, they are at ease with the conversation, their surroundings and who they are.  The rest of us (me) are usually praying we find someone we know, can go home early or can hide in a corner.  But we've been over my dreadful social skills, so I will spare you that.  My wonderful husband is a confident person.  I think that attracted me to him.  Not afraid of anything, willing to just jump in and give something a go......even when it didn't work out, he very rarely took it personally.  Sometimes I would get tired just listening to him plan or watching him do, do, do.

That confidence has been shaken.  I really didn't think that was possible, but it is and I (as his biggest supporter and helper) should have seen it coming.  Now I am praying that God give that back to him......show him that he isn't a failure, that sometimes things just aren't in our control.  I'm asking God to give him back his spark and take away his fear (which is the topic for tomorrow). 

I'm also asking God to give me a little confidence.  I am not a doormat to be pushed around.  My thoughts, plans and feelings count.  I am worth respect.  I deserve to be treated as they want to be treated.  And I always have, I just didn't know it :) 

Whether your husband is a confident man or not, pray for his mind.  Dreams die in the mind of a man before they even get to the planning stages.  Ask God to give your husband wisdom and discernment and the ability to act on his ideas (if they are also God's).  If your husband is confident, be on guard and pray about things that might attack him.....they are many.  Most of all, keep praying!

Reflections: The Power of a Praying Wife Day 6

Temptations

I know that my husband is frequently tempted by the world around him and I pray for him to be able to resist, that God would open a window for him to jump out of, every day.  But for the sake of this conversation, lets talk about the temptations that I face. :) Remember, I can only change me.  The rest is up to God.

I suppose that I am not tempted by the usual stuff......alcohol doesn't call my name (although I don't mind a good drink occassionally), never wanted to do drugs, not into porn........I suppose that my temptations are more mundane....the bowl of ice cream after dinner (when I know I had to many snacks throughout the day), facebook when I should be cleaning something, a quick internet purchase that nobody has to know about (remember to pray for financial control!).  I find my temptations to be more habit than anything.  I do things sometimes without even thinking about it.  So I pray, today, for my husband and also that I will resist the temptation of worldly things and keep my eyes on my priorities: God, husband, kids, church......everything else will fall into place :)

Praying

I used to be a news junkie.....before 9/11 it was bad, but for several years after I woud have Fox News on in the living room almost around the clock.  I just needed to know that everything was ok  in the world I guess....by my definition of ok anyway.  Sometime in the last year, I quit watching the news all the time.  I was spending my early morning ours in prayer, bible study and facebook (If there was time).  Occassionally, I would check the local news or catch a radio broadcast.  After Sept., when things got so bad here, I just needed to focus on our problems and not worry about anything else.  Facebook became my major source of news then, as I could get feeds from Fox News and friends were always commenting about local stuff. 

The stuff happening in Japan right now is unimaginable.  I just went and looked it up; Japan is smaller than California or Montana and just larger than New Mexico.  Earthquake, tsunami and possible nuclear meltdown (at 6 facilities!)......I just can't fathom the devastation, desperation of those people.  I keep praying for them, but I don't know what to pray for.......stabilize the power plants - but they don't have food or water......send them food and water - but they face radiation poisoning......What about housing, medical needs, transportation???? 

I asked at church this morning what a safe distance was from a nuclear facility facing meltdown and we all agreed that whatever it was we would go twice that far away.......but if there was a nuclear problem in California, would I consider going anywhere near the state at all?  If something like that happened in IL, do you think I'm hanging around if there are any other options?  Even if it was as far away from me as possible?  But with limited supplies, no roads, even if these people wanted to leave, could they?  (And I fully intend to find out where the nearest nuclear power station is to me)

I just keep praying, even though I can't see the answers.  I know God is over there in Japan and that they are strong resourceful people.  I am thankful that those here in the states that were affected by the tsunami are ok, and pray for the families that lost loved ones.  I just don't know what else to do.

Enough rambling.  Praying with me for those poor people, Christians or non......hug your kids and count your blessings today, as there are few with problems as great as those faced by the Japanese right now.

Reflections: Power of a Praying Wife Day 5

My parents never were overly affectionate with each other.  No lovey-dovey stuff there.  So I started married life ignoring affection all together.  It wasn't that I didn't like a quick hug or kiss, but I didn't make it a priority.  My wonderful husband comes from a very affectionate family.  He often walks on the very thin line between decent and inappropriate.  LOL  I am learning and he has backed off a little bit......and the kids frequently roll their eyes and tell us to "get a room".....so I suppose we are doing ok, now.

There were many years in there though that my poor husband felt like I was shunning him when I dodged his embrace or walked away from a kiss.  I wasn't necessarily doing it to hurt him, but couldn't he see I was busy?  I had things to do!  I have since learned that a 5 minute hug isn't going to make or break my day.  Snuggle on the couch while watching TV (difficult sometimes with 2 little ones crawling on us as well)....hold hands in the car......I try to find ways every day to show Norman that I love him a lot. 

In this department it is the little things that make the big difference :) Pray about your attitude toward affection.  Show some, even if your husband doesn't.  Our actions speak much louder than our words :)

Reflections: The Power of a Praying Wife Day 4

Sexuality.

Hmmmm.

Well, lets just say that if you are married, you should be doing it and you should probably be doing it more often than you are.  Also, attitude is important.

Prayer changes everything :) 

That's all I'm going to say about that!

Reflections: The Power of a Praying Wife Day 3

Finances.

Bleh.

I like money (who doesn't)....I like having it, I like spending it, if there is enough I don't even mind sharing or saving it.....but I hate handling it.  Dealing with it.  Worrying about it. 

In our marriage, Norman makes the money and I deal with it.  I don't like it, but it is what it is.  So yesterday, I prayed for a better attitude about dealing with it.  I am praying that I become a better money manager.  I pray that God will give ME and my husband discernment in our spending habits. 

Starting today, I will be praying before making any extra purchase, even if I consider it a need.  Stick strictly to the budget in all areas barring an emergency.  I am also praying that God will bless my efforts to supplement my husband's income. 

Keep praying!

Reflections on Day 2: The Power of a Praying Wife

I feel my husband is blessed because he has a job that he enjoys and that pays enough for us to feel financial secure.  However, my husband is a correctional officer, and that position doesn't come without danger.  I frequently find myself praying, "Lord, please keep him safe today." 

I learned early on in his career that if I felt the Lord prompting me to pray, I prayed!  Frequently he would tell of a fight or other difficult situation at work that he had to deal with that day and the time would coincide with when I felt called to pray. 

Stay with me ladies and keep praying!

Reflections: Power of a Praying Wife Day 1

If reading chapter 1 in the book didn't open your eyes, then you must be blind!  LOL  I am ashamed at myself to think of the ways that I have been tearing my wonderful husband down.  Not intentionally, mind you, but in the little things that I have let go......or don't do.....or flat out ignore.  Shame on me!  So, after spending the day in prayer and reflection, here are a list of things I am resolving to try to do better.  With hard work and a heart open to God, I know that He can make wonderful changes in my life and that those will filter down to my precious husband.  Here goes:

1.  Daily time spent in prayer with God, giving my husband to Him.

2.  Do my very best (no half-hearted attempts here) to keep the house picked up, the laundry done and supper every day.

3.  Work more dilligently in training the children, focusing more on Bear and Abby but the other 2 as well, to instill good work habits and character in them.  Bear has some major issues that need worked on.  I was waiting for Norman to do it, but that is my responsibility!

4.  No nagging.  Ever.  About anything.  Prayer always before bringing anything up that might be construed as nagging.  ***This is the most difficult for me.  I am a nagger.  I admit it.  May God and my husband forgive me***

5.  Diligence in the financial areas that my husband has given me control over. 

6.  Try to think of something small that I can do everyday to bless him (sweets after work, a new gadget, time alone, etc.)

7.  Look around and find things that I can do daily/weekly that will relieve his burden.  Small things can add up!

I also made it a point last night to LISTEN to Norman.  He wasn't talking about anything especially important, mainly work and his coin collection, but normally I would have "tuned him out".  Last night, I listened, asked questions and made eye contact so he knew I was listening (he knows I don't always).  I even learned a few things :) 

Feel free to comment on things that you have learned - share please!  Maybe the things that you have learned will help the rest of us!

Encouraging My Husband

The last months are really starting to wear on my wonderful husband.  A person can only take so much stress.  I've been looking and praying for a way to help him.  Finally, last night, I realized that the best way that I could help him was by praying for him. 

Many, many moons ago (probably 12 years!), I picked up a copy of The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.  I can't begin to express how this book impacted me as a wife....and I think that it benefited my husband as well. 

Would any of you like to join me in spending 31 days in prayer for our husbands?  No matter your current circumstances, there isn't a husband on the planet that couldn't beneft from prayer :)  I urge you to grab a copy of the book, or pray on your own (there is a facebook page devoted to this) and begin blessing your husband through prayer.  It will be the best thing that you have ever done for your marriage, I guarantee it!

Some More Pictures

Before church this Sunday.  Aren't we cute?  See those adorable tights Abby is wearing?  I stood in line for an hour at The Children's Place in St. Louis Mill mall so that I could get the $15 tights for $1.47......yeah, I'm dedicated.  Or cheap.  I'm not sure which.

This is the only derby car race picture I got.  Daddy made Bear a Lightning McQueen car.  It did well :)  I spent the rest of the evening holding a sleeping Abby.

Bear and Abby after story-time at Helen Matthes Library.  They had a great time.  We will have to go more often.

Greg made this pillowcase for Bear today.  I gets bored in the afternoon so I am trying to keep him busy.  A yard of snuggle flannel is a small price to pay for a happy child.  The feel of that flannel makes you want to stay in bed forever! 

Ok, I think that updates pictures and such.  Have a good evening!

Pictures from St. Louis Trip

I realize that I am very late in getting these up.  Sorry :)

Bear loves helicopters, so when we saw this one in Collinsville, we just had to stop!

Lee is as tall as I am so that tells you how tall that truck was.

Bear loved this Catsup bottle.  We drove past it twice that day and he just went on and on about it each time.

They forgot to take the camera to Monster Jam.  And I forgot to take the camera into the City Museum.  So those are the pictures from our trip!

Tearing Paper

This morning I was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of herbal tea and facebook......pretending really hard that I couldn't hear Abby in the living room shredding paper.....what kind of mother does that?  The didn't-get-much-sleep-do-we-have-to-get-up-at-6 a.m. mommy, that's who!  LOL

See, I finally did get up and take pictures :)  That counts for something, right?  LOL  In my defense, I had already put up the non-board books....I inadvertantly left out a word search book.....

Hiding the evidence :)  She thinks that she is being sneaky......yeah, not really.  LOL

And if we do the cute baby routine for momma she won't care that I just made a huge mess in the living room.

It really isn't my fault.  We have a queen sized bed.  Norman sleeps on half - alone.  Last night, I slept on the other half, along with Abby, Sadie and Bear.  I was squished, cramped, cold and awake. 

Last night Abby shredded a paper towel that Bear left in the living room.  Why does she like to shred things?  I could hire her out to businesses......make some side money somehow maybe. 

When not sleep deprived, I am learning to knit lace. 

When not sleep deprived, I can write blog posts that are interesting and make sense.  Oh well!  Maybe next time!  Talk later :)

The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari

I haven't been reviewing children's book for Blogging for Books program but I decided to give this one a go.  We have so many books, mainly children's books, but Bear loves dragons and dinosaurs.....and he LOVED this book.

Roger turtle and Padraig dragon are friends that are on a safari (in the backyard).  They hear noises that scare them but overcome that and even rescue a baby leopard (kitten).  Along the way they use manners, share and encourage one another. 

As I said, Bear loved this book.  In fact, when I got the copy and set it next to me for review, he spirited it away to his room.  It is HIS book :)  I believe it is written in England English (you know, with the accent) - there is a lot of "jolly good" and "cheerio".  I don't do a British accent and I find it slightly annoying.  Bear didn't know what a mum was so I switched it to mom while reading.  However, the book is very cute and it doesn't have to be read with a British accent so that is easy to overlook. 

The story at the end about Mount Sillymanborrow was super cute, even if Bear was too young to "get" it....I tried explaining and it didn't work so we will save that for later.  The last page contains questions to guide discussion with your child.  Very simple and thought provoking.  We don't always discuss books, but we did this time and Bear got more out of it than I thought.  Nice touch.

The Dragon and Turtle Go on Safari is available for $8.63 HERE.

***I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review***

Encouraging Moments Newsletter

During the wiping, washing, sweeping, cleaning, folding, diapering, reading, loving and living sometimes I just need a break.  If it is Thursday, I look for Encouraging Moments Newsletter. 

You have heard me rant on and on over the years about TEACH magazine, right?  And you read the post about the new name, Eternal Encouragement?  Well, Lorrie has more for you!  Each Thursday Lorrie will send Encouraging Moments Newsletter to your email box FREE.  Yes, I said FREE.

Encouraging Moments is short but packed FULL of all kinds of goodies to encourage a mother's heart.  The issue I just finished reading discussed spiritual strongholds.  As always, Lorrie turns to God's Word to guide, direct and encourage.  

Also, Lorrie is on Facebook (who isn't????).  Tidbits from the weeks facebook discussion are available, as well as a link to Lorrie's facebook page. 

Upcoming dates to me Lorrie LIVE are listed as well.  Be sure to check and see if she is in your area - you don't want to miss it!  That is my dream!!!!!!!

Possibly the coolest thing in the newsletter is Chick Flicks for Mom.

During a quiet moment in your day, you can sit down and listen to Lorrie talk from her heart.  Honestly, these "flicks" are just like sitting at the kitchen table with Lorrie.  You can even submit questions or topics that you would like Lorrie to discuss and she will try to cover them in the future.  I think this is the best use of YouTube so far!  Lorrie covers all the bases with topics including homemaking, mommy-hood and marriage.

In case all the above isn't enough, a Timely Tip article from another reader is included.  I was encouraged this week by the testimonal about getting out of debt from Annie Herrick.  And finally, there is a link to subscribe to Eternal Encouragment Magazine (in case you haven't done so already - what are you waiting for???)

Subscribing to this FREE resource is soooo easy.....just go to http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/ and look for the box in the right hand corner.  It just takes seconds and the benefits are very worth it.

Also, head on over to http://www.thegabbymoms.com/ to see what others are saying about this wonderful resource.

****“I am reviewing Encouraging Moments as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement magazine.  I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.



St. Louis City Museum

"Bizarre......this is really bizarre."

Those are the words I heard spoken by a young college age fellow I happened to be walking past shortly after we entered the museum.  I think that bizarre is the most fitting description for that place.  You honestly have to see it, to believe it. 

On the drive home, while reviewing the day with my husband, we discussed how City Musuem was the best place for an imagination to grow.  Living in the boonies, there isn't anything like it here.  If we lived closer, I would buy a family pass and I don't say that about many places.

Upon entering the first level, there are the caves.  Filled with "rabbit holes" as my husband called them, they would disappear in one spot and reappear in another.  Abby (in her stroller) and I were even able to walk through several paths and ended up on the M level.  There was a restaurant :)  We took the elevator to the 2nd floor.  I don't remember what was on the 2nd level.....must not have been baby oriented.  LOL  I think that is where the hampster wheel was, and the hallway of mirrors.  The 3rd floor was where it was though :)  Several rooms were filled with architectural relics, bug collections and small critter models.  Then we found the train (for little kids only), an arcade room, snack bar, "sponge" room (lots of big sponges that you could build with), block area (Abby really liked that), a toddler room with toddler sized slides, ball pit and climbing things, circus (Abby and Bear LOVED the show), "creation area" (face painting, painting, etc), a room with Japanese paper cutting and rag doll making, sock skating, trampoline jumping..........It goes on and on.  The 4th floor and roof terrace were closed when we were there.  THEN outside, there were catwalks, a larger ball pit, slides, ropes.  Plenty of places to grab a snack or drink and rest. 

The older boys just wore themselves out.  Norman followed Bear everwhere he wanted to go, even when it was questionable that he would fit.  Poor guy ended up with fluid on his knee and "road rash" on his elbows.  He is still barely moving.  I rode an elevator and pushed a stroller for most of the day so I don't feel too bad.

This was the BEST place ever.  I would totally buy a family pass if we lived closer.  They were super busy but the nice employee I rode the elevator with one trip said that they are mainly dead from Sept - Feb.  I don't know why, I would absolutely go there in the winter.....tons to do inside for kids that can't go out and play.  All ages can find something to do....even Abby played with blocks.  HERE is their website if you want to check it out.

Gone With The Wind

This is one of those cases where the movie doesn't do the book justice....but the movie is still lovely.

I REALLY need one of those dresses.  LOL

Anyway, I'm sitting here sipping echinachea tea hoping to nip the cold I am getting in the bud. We've got plans for the weekend and I really don't want to be sick.

I finished the quilt project I was working on and will get it to my customer this weekend.  Back to the tablecloth now :)  I'm still knitting swiffer cloths and hoping to maybe get a start on some dishcloths. 

My new "drool over" project book came in the mail this week......One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Projects by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins.  I would like to make just about everything.  LOL  I think I will start by making a dinosaur for Bear.....or laptop cases for the boys.....or a dress for Miss Abby.  Wherever to begin??? 

I've got some knitting needles on order and hope that they show up by the first of next week.  I've got lots of yarn sitting here waiting to be knit up.  Oh the projects to do!  There really needs to be more time!

Well, I think I shall head to bed and get a little extra rest.  I hope to rest, anyway.  Goodnight all!

I Smell Spring

I think it might be coming.  It can't get here quick enough for me!  It's been a long, hard winter, physically and emotionally for me and I am ready for spring and the promise of a new start. 

Because I don't really have anything else useful to say and because I have pictures that are dying to be shared, here ya go:

Bear has it made.  He leads a charmed life.  It doesn't get any better than making your 9 month old sister push you around in your dump truck.

Abby says she can do it....she's a big girl!

Yes, she did move him, but just a little.  It was actually in her best interest for him to be in the truck when she pulled up to it, otherwise it would have slipped out from under her.  She's not walking....quite....but she pulls up to everything and cruises around.  She didn't win the prize for earliest walker.....Bear walked at 8 months, Greg at 9 months and Lee at 10 months......She is just a hair over 9 months :)

That is my super informative post for the day.  Stay tuned for more interesting updates at a later time!  LOL