1/20/13
Happy Birthday Catherine
Catherine and her sister came in for the weekend to celebrate her 22nd birthday!! I cannot imagine 23 years ago this moment in time. In this weekend was fun reminisces and jokes and shopping and eating. We so enjoyed this weekend. - I am so blessed to have this beautiful woman in my life and to have her call me mom!!
12/27/12
From Sunny Florida to a Winter Wonderland
What a wonderful break this has been for me. Caedee surprised me by coming home earlier than expected so we could start our trip to Florida 2 days sooner than planned!! I am so glad that I was able to get on the road and see my family in Florida. It was a great trip down. We made it from Sherman to Pensacola the first day. Caedee and I took turns driving until we got to Pensacola. We stayed at a nice place to get some rest and went to a nearby restaurant to get a bite. Well about 4:00 in the morning the next day Cae woke me with "Mom". I don't care how old your kids are, when you hear that certain tone in their voice, in the wee hours of the morning, you are instantly awake. She had a bit of food poisoning. Oh boy, well after Pepto and gingerale we were able to get back on the road with Caedee asleep and me driving. We made it to my folks by late afternoon and I was able to see the babies. Cody was showing me school projects and Briar showing me the tree and all the trimmings. It was really nice. Mom had an eye surgery scheduled for Thursday morning so I tried to help in the nursery so she would not worry about us. All the while keeping an eye on the weather too and trying to decide what day would be best to head back before the storm. Mom came through with flying colors and I was comfortable enough to leave Sunday morning early. Caedee, Daddy and I got some last minute shopping done Saturday and we were able to pack up the truck.
Sunday morning saw us heading out of Florida back to Texas. Again Caedee and I trading drivers every time we gassed up. Gas prices were ridiculous in Florida. We were paying from 3.19 to 3.39 in Florida and as soon as we hit the Alabama border it was 2.99 and stayed that way all the way back to Texas where it was 2.89. At first we thought we would try to drive all the way back, but by evening we were both exhausted. Our first night we stopped west of Slidell in Covington LA. We were going to stop in Slidell but there was some type of a sports event and there were no rooms available.
Christmas Eve saw us back on the road early in the morning and most of the day in LA. We stopped in Lindale, TX and had lunch with Rae and then headed back to Sherman. Just time too, there was a winter advisory for Christmas day and we would have been stuck in the middle of it trying to get home if we had delayed coming home any sooner. We were able to make it to the stores before they closed and stock up. As it was Christmas morning brought rains, then sleet, then snow almost 3" to 5" of the white stuff was our gift for Christmas.
All in all it was a nice trip with my beautiful daughter who taught me to laugh, looked out for me, needed me, and ended up becoming a very dear friend. Not bad for a road trip.
Until the next post,
SJ
Sunday morning saw us heading out of Florida back to Texas. Again Caedee and I trading drivers every time we gassed up. Gas prices were ridiculous in Florida. We were paying from 3.19 to 3.39 in Florida and as soon as we hit the Alabama border it was 2.99 and stayed that way all the way back to Texas where it was 2.89. At first we thought we would try to drive all the way back, but by evening we were both exhausted. Our first night we stopped west of Slidell in Covington LA. We were going to stop in Slidell but there was some type of a sports event and there were no rooms available.
Christmas Eve saw us back on the road early in the morning and most of the day in LA. We stopped in Lindale, TX and had lunch with Rae and then headed back to Sherman. Just time too, there was a winter advisory for Christmas day and we would have been stuck in the middle of it trying to get home if we had delayed coming home any sooner. We were able to make it to the stores before they closed and stock up. As it was Christmas morning brought rains, then sleet, then snow almost 3" to 5" of the white stuff was our gift for Christmas.
All in all it was a nice trip with my beautiful daughter who taught me to laugh, looked out for me, needed me, and ended up becoming a very dear friend. Not bad for a road trip.
Until the next post,
SJ
12/8/12
Its Cookie time!!
Borrowing a phrase from one of my favorite movies - - however today was cookie day at the Carsten household. I was invited to a cookie exchange at a friend's house and well not wanting to bring Oreos, I decided to make some cookies I have been wanting to try for a while. They are White Chocolate thumbprint cookies. I found the recipe a while back and was itching to try it. So today was the day for cookies. What I didn't count on was the flood of memories that it would cause.
~First I pull out my stand mixer. Chris had given this to me our first Christmas on Willow Street. So it will be 30 years old this Christmas. I remembered all the times I used it to make Thanksgiving and Christmas goodies and all the friends and family that ate at my table.
~Also the fact that I could find all the pieces was in thanks to my youngest daughter for cleaning and organizing all of my appliances in my Island this past thanksgiving. It was wonderful to reach in and get just what I needed when I needed it.
~Another memory was the small spoon I used to measure just the right amount of Jam into each cookie. It was given to me by my mother and has a Ginseng root on it.
~Last but not least was the wooden spoon that I had used for making the indentions into the cookie. I wasn't happy with my thumb or spoon but this square handled spoon was perfect. It was given to me by Priscilla after Grammy died and it was her Jam spoon that she used to make her Jams with.
Good Memories kept me company today it was if I was cooking with family members.
SJ
~First I pull out my stand mixer. Chris had given this to me our first Christmas on Willow Street. So it will be 30 years old this Christmas. I remembered all the times I used it to make Thanksgiving and Christmas goodies and all the friends and family that ate at my table.
~Also the fact that I could find all the pieces was in thanks to my youngest daughter for cleaning and organizing all of my appliances in my Island this past thanksgiving. It was wonderful to reach in and get just what I needed when I needed it.
~Another memory was the small spoon I used to measure just the right amount of Jam into each cookie. It was given to me by my mother and has a Ginseng root on it.
~Last but not least was the wooden spoon that I had used for making the indentions into the cookie. I wasn't happy with my thumb or spoon but this square handled spoon was perfect. It was given to me by Priscilla after Grammy died and it was her Jam spoon that she used to make her Jams with.
Good Memories kept me company today it was if I was cooking with family members.
SJ
11/8/12
30 days of Thankfulness
In facebook several of us are doing 30 days of Thankfulness. Each day we list what we are thankful for and basically we are counting our blessings. Since many of my beloveds do not do facebook but do follow me on my blog, I thought I would add them to here also. I'll try to add pictures as I can.
Day 1: I am thankful for. . . .
Believe it or not, Facebook and other social networking sites and all the friends and family that have come back into my life. I did not know how much I missed you until you were back in my life.
Day 2:
I am thankful for AZO, cranberry juice, and my bed --
Day 3 - Three always reminds me of the Trinity and the sacrifices made to bring me to Him. I am thankful for the fact that God loved me so much that He sent His Son to take my place.
Day 4 - Today I am thankful for my beautiful daughters!! Thank you Lord for overriding the decision of doctors and the world and giving me not just one but two miracles.
Day 5: I am thankful for the Titus 2 women in my life
Owanna Dement
Margie Owens
Ruth Corzine
Margie Hill
Alice Chandler
Donna Thiele
Helen Mentzel
Emma Walker
Day 7: I am thankful for my helpmate and partner in life Chris. I am grateful that God has granted me over 30 years with this wonderful man. I am grateful even for his snoring, because it tells me he is breathing and beside me. I am also thankful for my couch.
Day 8: I am grateful for change in seasons. Growing up in Florida we have 2 seasons hot and cold. It wasn't until we moved to Texas that I saw the color change of Fall, the winter wonderland of a snow covered day, the rebirth of spring and somebody pray for rain summer. Yep, I love the change of seasons and the wonderfulness of God's beauty.
Day 11: I am thankful to any and every veteran that has served, is serving, or will serve. Thank you for your sacrifices that has allowed me my freedom and my life. I LOVE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!
Day 12: I am thankful to be able to have dinner with my eldest daughter and make plans with for thanksgiving. What a wonderful evening thank you Rae and Chris
Day 13: I am grateful for my group Touch of Silver and White and am awed that they have such faith in me to allow me to direct them. I am thankful that we can laugh, cry, and pray together, not only as a body of believers, but as friends. Love you guys
Day 14: Today I am thankful for my youngest daughter. She has had a bumpy road these last couple of years but now seems to be headed in the direction God wants her to go. I am so very proud of you Catherine DeeAnne -
Day 15 - I am thankful for my baby brother and sister-in-law. They love unconditionally and never judge me. They are there for me 110% even if it mandates a drive from Florida to Texas. I cannot count the times they have been there for me, with me. They help care for our parents and smooth things over for me when I have stirred it up. BUT most of all for my BABIES - Cody and Briar!!!!! Joseph andAmanda I love you both so much. Thank you so much for all you do to make this old woman's life complete.
Day 16: I am thankful that ENF HQ IT person did not talk to me like I was stupid, nor did he treat me like I was a total idiot because I didn't know why my equipment wasn't working. Ended up that I apparently at some time fried a USB port on my new tablet of less than one month. GO ME!!!!
Day 17: For the beautiful sky tonight as hubby and I were driving back to the house. It was so pretty and peaceful. Talking about nothing and everything and enjoying the scenic route.
Day 18: I am grateful for some truly awesome friends. Yes this means you!!
Day 19: I am thankful for my parents. The sacrifices that they made and all of the teachings that they instilled in me. I am forever grateful for their support and their unconditional love.
Day 20: Today I am thankful God has provided me the home that we live in and the neighborhood that the home resides. I have the bestest Neighbors ever and we have become more than friends we are almost family. They are a blessing to me and I am so very very grateful that they are part of my life. — with Cherise Pankey McCann and Heather 'Armstrong' Avila at Sherman, TX.
Day 21: I am thankful that my babies will be home tonight. Safe travel kids -see ya soon
Day 22: Today I am thankful for the beautiful weather God gave us to enjoy. I am thankful for all that has been provided to me and for me. Thank you God for your bountiful blessings. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Day 23: Today I am thankful for all my "borrowed" sons and daughters. All those beautiful young people who tolerate my hovering and mothering and allow me to love on them and then grudgingly give them back to their real parents. I love each and every one of you and you bless this old woman's heart more than you know.
Day 24: Grateful for my fireplace and firewood. Burrr it's cold tonight
Day 25: Thankful for my little neighbors who insisted that I needed to have Christmas up. AND for all their help pulling the decorations out of the garage and all the help they gave me. Yes I know I wasn't going to do anything but the decorations are not for me, its for them. Giving joy - sharing happiness. Thank you girls for all your help and yes Taylor my yard does look better now.
Day 26: Today I am grateful for my Son-in-Law, Justin. He is patient, kind, understanding and takes the time to explain things. He laughs with us, makes us smile and boldly goes where ever his crazed Mother-in-law wants to go to eat. Son, thank you for being such a wonderful blessing in our lives. One of our happiest days was the day you fell in love with our daughter.
Day 27: grateful for humor and my smoke detector. Thanksgiving morning about 6:00 a.m. the smoke detector goes off. A friend who was staying with us comes out of the guest room only to see my eldest daughter leaning over the balcony looking down stairs. Looking up she states - Its okay Mom's cooking. okay my culinary skills lack majorly - but you got to admit I'm good for a few laughs.
Day 28: Today I am grateful the the beautiful drive I had this afternoon. It was so nice having the deckled sunlight and the leaves gently falling. It was very picturesque and very peaceful.
Day 29: Today I am grateful for my cousins. They were my first friends and my best allies. I know that I could always have them with me and stand beside me. Love you guys.
Day 30: Today I am grateful for all of my Words with Friends buddies and those who take the time to play Poke with me. You bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.
Well that pretty much sums up November. There were good days and bad days mostly good days. But the daily reminder of what to be grateful / thankful for was a wonderful habit to develop. Look through the day, your life, you joys and highlight one blessing. Not a bad habit to form. Thanks for coming along with me.
Stel
Day 1: I am thankful for. . . .
Believe it or not, Facebook and other social networking sites and all the friends and family that have come back into my life. I did not know how much I missed you until you were back in my life.
Day 2:
I am thankful for AZO, cranberry juice, and my bed --
Day 3 - Three always reminds me of the Trinity and the sacrifices made to bring me to Him. I am thankful for the fact that God loved me so much that He sent His Son to take my place.
Day 4 - Today I am thankful for my beautiful daughters!! Thank you Lord for overriding the decision of doctors and the world and giving me not just one but two miracles.
Day 5: I am thankful for the Titus 2 women in my life
Owanna Dement
Margie Owens
Ruth Corzine
Margie Hill
Alice Chandler
Donna Thiele
Helen Mentzel
Emma Walker
Evelyn Hulsey
Eileen Hughes
and those who have gone home to their reward:
Earline Alexander
Betty Dedrick
Wynona Gibbs
Thank you God for bringing me to their paths and allowing me to walk with them for a little while.
Eileen Hughes
and those who have gone home to their reward:
Earline Alexander
Betty Dedrick
Wynona Gibbs
Thank you God for bringing me to their paths and allowing me to walk with them for a little while.
Day 6: I am thankful that all the election commercials will be over after today
Day 8: I am grateful for change in seasons. Growing up in Florida we have 2 seasons hot and cold. It wasn't until we moved to Texas that I saw the color change of Fall, the winter wonderland of a snow covered day, the rebirth of spring and somebody pray for rain summer. Yep, I love the change of seasons and the wonderfulness of God's beauty.
Day 12: I am thankful to be able to have dinner with my eldest daughter and make plans with for thanksgiving. What a wonderful evening thank you Rae and Chris
Day 13: I am grateful for my group Touch of Silver and White and am awed that they have such faith in me to allow me to direct them. I am thankful that we can laugh, cry, and pray together, not only as a body of believers, but as friends. Love you guys
Day 14: Today I am thankful for my youngest daughter. She has had a bumpy road these last couple of years but now seems to be headed in the direction God wants her to go. I am so very proud of you Catherine DeeAnne -
Day 15 - I am thankful for my baby brother and sister-in-law. They love unconditionally and never judge me. They are there for me 110% even if it mandates a drive from Florida to Texas. I cannot count the times they have been there for me, with me. They help care for our parents and smooth things over for me when I have stirred it up. BUT most of all for my BABIES - Cody and Briar!!!!! Joseph andAmanda I love you both so much. Thank you so much for all you do to make this old woman's life complete.
Day 16: I am thankful that ENF HQ IT person did not talk to me like I was stupid, nor did he treat me like I was a total idiot because I didn't know why my equipment wasn't working. Ended up that I apparently at some time fried a USB port on my new tablet of less than one month. GO ME!!!!
Day 17: For the beautiful sky tonight as hubby and I were driving back to the house. It was so pretty and peaceful. Talking about nothing and everything and enjoying the scenic route.
Day 18: I am grateful for some truly awesome friends. Yes this means you!!
Day 19: I am thankful for my parents. The sacrifices that they made and all of the teachings that they instilled in me. I am forever grateful for their support and their unconditional love.
Day 20: Today I am thankful God has provided me the home that we live in and the neighborhood that the home resides. I have the bestest Neighbors ever and we have become more than friends we are almost family. They are a blessing to me and I am so very very grateful that they are part of my life. — with Cherise Pankey McCann and Heather 'Armstrong' Avila at Sherman, TX.
Day 21: I am thankful that my babies will be home tonight. Safe travel kids -see ya soon
Day 22: Today I am thankful for the beautiful weather God gave us to enjoy. I am thankful for all that has been provided to me and for me. Thank you God for your bountiful blessings. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Day 23: Today I am thankful for all my "borrowed" sons and daughters. All those beautiful young people who tolerate my hovering and mothering and allow me to love on them and then grudgingly give them back to their real parents. I love each and every one of you and you bless this old woman's heart more than you know.
Day 24: Grateful for my fireplace and firewood. Burrr it's cold tonight
Day 25: Thankful for my little neighbors who insisted that I needed to have Christmas up. AND for all their help pulling the decorations out of the garage and all the help they gave me. Yes I know I wasn't going to do anything but the decorations are not for me, its for them. Giving joy - sharing happiness. Thank you girls for all your help and yes Taylor my yard does look better now.
Day 26: Today I am grateful for my Son-in-Law, Justin. He is patient, kind, understanding and takes the time to explain things. He laughs with us, makes us smile and boldly goes where ever his crazed Mother-in-law wants to go to eat. Son, thank you for being such a wonderful blessing in our lives. One of our happiest days was the day you fell in love with our daughter.
Day 27: grateful for humor and my smoke detector. Thanksgiving morning about 6:00 a.m. the smoke detector goes off. A friend who was staying with us comes out of the guest room only to see my eldest daughter leaning over the balcony looking down stairs. Looking up she states - Its okay Mom's cooking. okay my culinary skills lack majorly - but you got to admit I'm good for a few laughs.
Day 28: Today I am grateful the the beautiful drive I had this afternoon. It was so nice having the deckled sunlight and the leaves gently falling. It was very picturesque and very peaceful.
Day 29: Today I am grateful for my cousins. They were my first friends and my best allies. I know that I could always have them with me and stand beside me. Love you guys.
Day 30: Today I am grateful for all of my Words with Friends buddies and those who take the time to play Poke with me. You bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.
Well that pretty much sums up November. There were good days and bad days mostly good days. But the daily reminder of what to be grateful / thankful for was a wonderful habit to develop. Look through the day, your life, you joys and highlight one blessing. Not a bad habit to form. Thanks for coming along with me.
Stel
11/2/12
November?? What Happened to October?
Halloween is always a little weird for me. I don't have little ones and I don't party because I'm old and tired most of the time. However, I have the best neighbors ever and they allow me to share their children and spoil them rotten from time to time. My special little friend is Hannah - she has been my knock at the door, come on in neighbor, since she toddled over from her parents house to mine and asked if I had cookies. I have loved her since before she was born. Now she has a baby brother I get to spoil also. They have some awesome parents who indulge this old woman and bring them over for me to love on. Here is a picture of them in my front yard under my maple tree. I am so blessed to have such wonderful neighbors who allow me to love on my borrowed babies.
And since I can't leave them out here are my other babies in Florida:
And since I can't leave them out here are my other babies in Florida:
Have a great weekend -- SJ
10/22/12
Happy Anniversary to Rae and Justin
A year ago today were were running around like chickens trying to get all the last minute details completed for Rae and Justin's day. It was crazy and exciting. I remember it as beautiful. Here are some pictures from a year ago. Congratulations you two. Wish you all the best.
10/19/12
Rather Proud of Myself
Good Morning everyone!
Well the alarm went off at 4:16 for me to go to the gym.
At 4:37 My friend texted me and states that she wouldn't be able to meet me there.
At 4:40 I head out the door to go by myself!!
Yep I did, I went to the gym and worked out by myself! It was so tempting to crawl back into bed and stay there until 7:30 but I got up anyway. I also came home made myself a healthy breakfast and am fixing to hit the shower. Not sure how many more times I can get myself there without prompting but I can at least say, I did once!!!
Well the alarm went off at 4:16 for me to go to the gym.
At 4:37 My friend texted me and states that she wouldn't be able to meet me there.
At 4:40 I head out the door to go by myself!!
Yep I did, I went to the gym and worked out by myself! It was so tempting to crawl back into bed and stay there until 7:30 but I got up anyway. I also came home made myself a healthy breakfast and am fixing to hit the shower. Not sure how many more times I can get myself there without prompting but I can at least say, I did once!!!
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