Ian's giraffe meets his cousin John's giraffe. This was quite the celebration.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Beautiful Nothingness
2009's Photos from Parents House
It's amazing when you have time to literally do nothing. Here at my parents house it's a relaxing setting of just hanging out, letting the kiddos rest in the afternoon and catching up on your own thoughts. I could be ambitious and read the book I need to read, I could write to those people I've been meaning to send cards to and I could do a project for my mom...but I'd rather sit and rest and think and not do.
It's a beautiful moment to do nothing and with the intention and non-guiltness of nothing. I wish I could say that we have that built-in margin in our lives for rest and relaxation (and we somewhat do with a toddler not into activities yet) but there is still time where we could but we don't. That is something I'd like to make a priority in....creating margin to create rest times and reflection times in our home.
Non-cluttered, non "to-do's" time where you don't stare at the projects that need done but can simply be still. [It also helps being in someone else's home, you don't need to, have to or even want to change things.]
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Ian: New Phrase: Alien
Ian was playing with his Toy Story alien when he proclaimed, "I come in peace!"
Mark laughed so hard his stomach hurt.
Kara just sat there thinking "did he really say that & where did he hear that?!"
Recycled Black Friday Ads
Recycled Black Friday Ads: We repurposed them as wrapping paper. With their clear glossy colors and great texture it was actually quite cool to wrap gifts. Some duck tape was used for "ribbon". It was even more fun to cut out letters for the recipients initials.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Ian: New Phrase: Chocolates
Ian: "Mommy you want some chocolate?" Kara: "Yes. Chocolates are the bomb." Ian: "Yes. Chocolates are the boot."
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Ian: New Phrase: Big Head
Monday, December 12, 2011
Ian: New Phrase: Good Talk Daddy
Mark's Tweet:
Yesterday when I sat down after preaching my 3-year old put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Good talk daddy."
Yesterday when I sat down after preaching my 3-year old put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Good talk daddy."
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Kingdom Life - Priorities
It's true - when Mark gives a sermon, God hits me harder with its message. Today was no exception...and this ones NEEDS to stick. I distinctly remembr a Resolution List I put together back in 1999 and I found it in 2003 and was reminded how much I desired to change when I wrote it. I found that almost all had been accomplished except for the hard ones illuding to growth/wisdom/discipline.
I still struggle with discipline...obedience & following through and it does all come down to priorities...I choose to use my time to do this rather than this and now I reap the benefits or consequences. Here is my current list, a link to the sermon & the main points.
Kingdom Life: 1) Uncommon lifestyle, 2) Distinctively different Prayer life, 3) Purpose-driven Priorities
I would like to:
* not waste so much time on non-important things or hobbies (oouponing & internet surfing for deals)
* spend money only on budgeted items & necessities (stock-piling is ok at a minimal rate/depending on use)
* give sacrificially & routinely to those friends doing God's work
* focus time on Chazown things (a.k.a. use with my purpose)
- helping people (resources) & growing people (listening & running)
- making gifts
- consistently running & singing (not simultaneously)
- having a clean & non-cluttered home
* keeping those things only needed in the house:
- paper: bills, mementos in proper storage, coupons in binder, notes in boxes, announcements & cards on corkboard
- pictures on walls
- excess toys & clothes = out box
- magazines older than 6 months = out box
- notes = my Remains of the Day book
- ideas = in binder
* remind myself - I have not used it in a year and I will probably not use it - there will always be another deal & if I need it God will provide
I still struggle with discipline...obedience & following through and it does all come down to priorities...I choose to use my time to do this rather than this and now I reap the benefits or consequences. Here is my current list, a link to the sermon & the main points.
Kingdom Life: 1) Uncommon lifestyle, 2) Distinctively different Prayer life, 3) Purpose-driven Priorities
I would like to:
* not waste so much time on non-important things or hobbies (oouponing & internet surfing for deals)
* spend money only on budgeted items & necessities (stock-piling is ok at a minimal rate/depending on use)
* give sacrificially & routinely to those friends doing God's work
* focus time on Chazown things (a.k.a. use with my purpose)
- helping people (resources) & growing people (listening & running)
- making gifts
- consistently running & singing (not simultaneously)
- having a clean & non-cluttered home
* keeping those things only needed in the house:
- paper: bills, mementos in proper storage, coupons in binder, notes in boxes, announcements & cards on corkboard
- pictures on walls
- excess toys & clothes = out box
- magazines older than 6 months = out box
- notes = my Remains of the Day book
- ideas = in binder
* remind myself - I have not used it in a year and I will probably not use it - there will always be another deal & if I need it God will provide
Monday, December 5, 2011
I am Inspired by...
I got to thinking, after a friend wrote that I was an inspiration by what I was writing, about what it means to be inspiring...or to be inspired by...
So this is what I'm currently inspired by:
* my blog posts here (11-30-10) and here (12-14-10) about Resolve & fitness from one year ago (wow I was motivated and so driven!)
* people who are ultramarathoners or endurance athletes (they live it daily)
* people who give of themselves in unique ways
* mothers who still pursue their own avenues in life while caring for their children
* those women who have miscarriage after miscarriage and yet still see hope and a future for their family
* Jim Brickman (Holiday) Pandora playlist
* lists...
* my husband and his honesty with me whether I desire to hear it or not
So this is what I'm currently inspired by:
* my blog posts here (11-30-10) and here (12-14-10) about Resolve & fitness from one year ago (wow I was motivated and so driven!)
* people who are ultramarathoners or endurance athletes (they live it daily)
* people who give of themselves in unique ways
* mothers who still pursue their own avenues in life while caring for their children
* those women who have miscarriage after miscarriage and yet still see hope and a future for their family
* Jim Brickman (Holiday) Pandora playlist
* lists...
* my husband and his honesty with me whether I desire to hear it or not
Sunday, December 4, 2011
December Daily - Life & Expectations
This year with everything going I'm opting to make our December daily pictures & traditions more simple and small.
We've been traveling a lot, Ian is growing up so much and although I have not exercised once since November 17th, I am somehow still able to fit into my clothes which is a blessing.
I'm having to become a list-maker again and needing to refocus life and expectations. Disappointment has been a running theme this past year in some areas of our life and yet other areas have been blessed. I'm seeing how as each year goes by that people truly do become wiser and have more opportunity to turn from their wicked, fleshly, selfish ways. New creations and renewed minds...have taken on new meanings to me. I'm no longer the teenager or 20-something who makes my mistakes over & over and then wonders why I struggle so much and there are consequences. However, I'm also not the 30-something yet who understands that quicker repentance leads to quicker restoration...or that more cautious & wise preparation leads to more wise choices.
How did I not get all of this before? I read about it, but it doesn't register until life experience fulfills it. I guess I'm more human than I think and more inclined to sin and mess up and go back to my old ways than I think I am. What foolish thinking on my part.
Allowing myself to understand...to give myself grace...to better use my time and gifts...and to keep moving...AND to reconnect with God in a new, humbling way.
We've been traveling a lot, Ian is growing up so much and although I have not exercised once since November 17th, I am somehow still able to fit into my clothes which is a blessing.
I'm having to become a list-maker again and needing to refocus life and expectations. Disappointment has been a running theme this past year in some areas of our life and yet other areas have been blessed. I'm seeing how as each year goes by that people truly do become wiser and have more opportunity to turn from their wicked, fleshly, selfish ways. New creations and renewed minds...have taken on new meanings to me. I'm no longer the teenager or 20-something who makes my mistakes over & over and then wonders why I struggle so much and there are consequences. However, I'm also not the 30-something yet who understands that quicker repentance leads to quicker restoration...or that more cautious & wise preparation leads to more wise choices.
How did I not get all of this before? I read about it, but it doesn't register until life experience fulfills it. I guess I'm more human than I think and more inclined to sin and mess up and go back to my old ways than I think I am. What foolish thinking on my part.
Allowing myself to understand...to give myself grace...to better use my time and gifts...and to keep moving...AND to reconnect with God in a new, humbling way.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
October 21st to Now....
Many things have occurred in this span of time, some of which I am going to share now and some of which I am not going to until the timing is right.
No one really needs to read this, I hope others never have to experience this but if they do I hope it helps.
This is like waiting for a bomb to go off...
October 21st 5:35am - Pregnancy test read very positive, very quickly. Blood test later that day said that I was "very" pregnant (high levels) and my progesterone was low so I go get a $125 prescription for progesterone (hormone) so as to minimize the chances of miscarriage. Dr. Beckman's office can't get me in until Nov. 17th.
During the next several weeks, no healthy food is eaten, only whatever I crave in anticipation of this growing baby I have in my body and so all I eat seems like carbs, comfort foods and I can barely drink water so flavored drinks & NO RUNNING. This is very different than Ian's pregnancy but that is what other people say especially if this might be a girl. We are very, very excited. I am cautiously optimistic until I see the first ultrasound and hear the heartbeat. It's taken a while to get this pregnancy...
Weeks go by and I am covering a coworker at the hospital so I'm working a lot...and am pretty well exhausted at night and just trying to keep eating b/c I'm so nauseous. People tell me, nausea is good so be thankful for it. I become thankful for it & working is a great distraction. So thankful.
Come Nov. 17th, Thursday 10:45am - I am to be working this day but clock-out for this appointment. Dr. Beckman gets called out so we wait another hour...and more time...get my lovely physical...and finally over lunch (I'm starving by now) get to sit down for this ultrasound (the only thing I am really coming for). The screen pulls up...and all we can see is what looks like a whole...black space...for where a baby should be. SHOCK.
I'm thinking..."no way...and I have to work, I can't react, this is surreal"...the more it was all processed throughout the day the more emotions would come. Anembryionic pregnancy...my body is pregnant, thinks it is pregnant but there is no baby...just fluid and a sac. I'm having nausea for nothing. Devastating, loss of hope, loss of promise, questions, no answers, now have to wait to move on until this is out of my body.
Positive perspectives: the baby might not have been a healthy baby anyway, there was no baby so we will lose no baby - just the potential of one, I won't have to see a form of a baby at any point, that I can now relate just a little more to someone who miscarries...etc...etc BUT it doesn't change the fact that this has happened, that I feel like if I get pregnant again that I might have to face something worse or be even more nauseated, that people may or may not understand, that at this very moment I absolutely HATE my body.
We contact family & friends with the news, people are encouraging and loving. I find that most comforting phrase to be "Oh Kara, I'm so sorry". That is all that needs to be said and I learn how it feels to hear it. No need to explain it to me, no need to tell me this wasn't God's plan (which I know) just simply...I'm so sorry.
It's numbing now, 3 days post discovery, after medication, no miscarry is happening, tomorrow to be scheduled for a surgery that I don't want, never wanted nor do I ever want to have to do again. It's just surreal and I'm ok, it's just the harsh voices I have towards myself and my body right now. The hateful view of my abdomen, the depressive tendencies wanting to surface and the harmful eating habits I want to re-inhabit. I won't, I can't...I will be healthy. I just have to wait.
No one really needs to read this, I hope others never have to experience this but if they do I hope it helps. It helped to speak with Kendra, Stephanie and text many people. The most emotional moments are the ones that kill...the majority of the time I'm fine but those moments, the weak ones...impression themselves on you. The image will forever stick. The lost hope will be felt especially over the holidays...won't be buying items on Black Friday for this invisible baby nor praying for him/her...no looking forward to February to know the gender...nor thinking that June will come fast.
A very different mourning period, I don't want to cry, I'm angry, I'm hurt, I'm numb...I'd rather forget this happened but it did so now it's part of our story...
No one really needs to read this, I hope others never have to experience this but if they do I hope it helps.
This is like waiting for a bomb to go off...
October 21st 5:35am - Pregnancy test read very positive, very quickly. Blood test later that day said that I was "very" pregnant (high levels) and my progesterone was low so I go get a $125 prescription for progesterone (hormone) so as to minimize the chances of miscarriage. Dr. Beckman's office can't get me in until Nov. 17th.
During the next several weeks, no healthy food is eaten, only whatever I crave in anticipation of this growing baby I have in my body and so all I eat seems like carbs, comfort foods and I can barely drink water so flavored drinks & NO RUNNING. This is very different than Ian's pregnancy but that is what other people say especially if this might be a girl. We are very, very excited. I am cautiously optimistic until I see the first ultrasound and hear the heartbeat. It's taken a while to get this pregnancy...
Weeks go by and I am covering a coworker at the hospital so I'm working a lot...and am pretty well exhausted at night and just trying to keep eating b/c I'm so nauseous. People tell me, nausea is good so be thankful for it. I become thankful for it & working is a great distraction. So thankful.
Come Nov. 17th, Thursday 10:45am - I am to be working this day but clock-out for this appointment. Dr. Beckman gets called out so we wait another hour...and more time...get my lovely physical...and finally over lunch (I'm starving by now) get to sit down for this ultrasound (the only thing I am really coming for). The screen pulls up...and all we can see is what looks like a whole...black space...for where a baby should be. SHOCK.
I'm thinking..."no way...and I have to work, I can't react, this is surreal"...the more it was all processed throughout the day the more emotions would come. Anembryionic pregnancy...my body is pregnant, thinks it is pregnant but there is no baby...just fluid and a sac. I'm having nausea for nothing. Devastating, loss of hope, loss of promise, questions, no answers, now have to wait to move on until this is out of my body.
Positive perspectives: the baby might not have been a healthy baby anyway, there was no baby so we will lose no baby - just the potential of one, I won't have to see a form of a baby at any point, that I can now relate just a little more to someone who miscarries...etc...etc BUT it doesn't change the fact that this has happened, that I feel like if I get pregnant again that I might have to face something worse or be even more nauseated, that people may or may not understand, that at this very moment I absolutely HATE my body.
We contact family & friends with the news, people are encouraging and loving. I find that most comforting phrase to be "Oh Kara, I'm so sorry". That is all that needs to be said and I learn how it feels to hear it. No need to explain it to me, no need to tell me this wasn't God's plan (which I know) just simply...I'm so sorry.
It's numbing now, 3 days post discovery, after medication, no miscarry is happening, tomorrow to be scheduled for a surgery that I don't want, never wanted nor do I ever want to have to do again. It's just surreal and I'm ok, it's just the harsh voices I have towards myself and my body right now. The hateful view of my abdomen, the depressive tendencies wanting to surface and the harmful eating habits I want to re-inhabit. I won't, I can't...I will be healthy. I just have to wait.
No one really needs to read this, I hope others never have to experience this but if they do I hope it helps. It helped to speak with Kendra, Stephanie and text many people. The most emotional moments are the ones that kill...the majority of the time I'm fine but those moments, the weak ones...impression themselves on you. The image will forever stick. The lost hope will be felt especially over the holidays...won't be buying items on Black Friday for this invisible baby nor praying for him/her...no looking forward to February to know the gender...nor thinking that June will come fast.
A very different mourning period, I don't want to cry, I'm angry, I'm hurt, I'm numb...I'd rather forget this happened but it did so now it's part of our story...
Friday, October 21, 2011
Free 8×10 Photo Canvas + $14.95 Shipping or 40% off and Free Shipping!
The Canvas People For a limited time you can get a free 8×10 photo wrapped canvas, just pay $14.95 for shipping! These retail for $50.00 so this is an amazing deal! If you would rather get a larger size then you can get 40% off the retail amount and free shipping, but you must shop through this link for this offer.
Canvases make great Christmas presents that are personal and look great without the added expense of a frame. I gave one to my father one year, and the 8×10 size is perfect to go on a shelf in his office.
Canvases make great Christmas presents that are personal and look great without the added expense of a frame. I gave one to my father one year, and the 8×10 size is perfect to go on a shelf in his office.
Ink Garden: 9 Adorable Photo Gifts for the Cost of Shipping
Ink Garden has a great new promotion going on where you can get a $13 credit to use on their stylish and fun photo and customizable products. You can use this credit on just one item and get it for free (plus shipping) or you can buy multiple items and have it applied as a $13 credit. Shipping rates for the items included in this promotion are:
•Notebook: $3.95
•Mousepad: $5.49
•10 Holiday Cards: $3.29
•10 Invitations: $3.29
•Ceramic Mug: $5.49
•Biz Cards: $3.49
•Placemat: $3.29
•Notepad: $3.49
•Note Cards: $3.29
Use code ForFree at check out to get your discount! This is a great way to order Christmas gifts or cards for a great price!
•Notebook: $3.95
•Mousepad: $5.49
•10 Holiday Cards: $3.29
•10 Invitations: $3.29
•Ceramic Mug: $5.49
•Biz Cards: $3.49
•Placemat: $3.29
•Notepad: $3.49
•Note Cards: $3.29
Use code ForFree at check out to get your discount! This is a great way to order Christmas gifts or cards for a great price!
Make Jack O’Lantern from Baby Food Jars!
Go here to see the exact instructions!
Do you have a baby at your house? If you do, then you probably have baby food jars. Wash them out and use them for this super-cute Halloween craft. (If there is no baby at your house, ask to borrow some jars from a friend, sister, etc. These little pumpkin jars are worth the extra effort!)
Directions:
Step 1: Make sure your jar is clean and dry.
Step 2: Mix orange acrylic paint with some mod podge and paint the jar inside and out.
Step 3: Once it’s dry, use black paint to create a face for our “pumpkin”. Remember, you want it to look like a little jack o’lantern
Step 4: Place a candle inside the jar and let it shine.
Optional: You can tie raffia around the neck of the jar if you’d like.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Coupons
Truth be told I do not like the term "couponing". There are too many visions of greedy women (yes stereotyping) running up and down the aisles getting as much as possible to take home and leaving the rest of us average Joes to fend for ourselvse and pay full-price.
Well I'm trying it out and setting up a system and looking for freebies and trying to figure out the math. Is it really worth it and a good dealt to get this now? or to wait a little longer?
The Price Matching is actually quite fun just time-consuming, haven't figured that one out but I have really enjoyed getting the deals that I have and feeling like I'm saving us money in the long-run.
There are some sites and offers I am coming by that I want to remember when Christmas comes around so I'm going to document them here:
Hallmark's Holiday Recordable Books $19.95 (beg. 11/4 to 12/24) with purchase, specifically: Frosty the Snowman & the Very First Christmas
LOVE THIS: from Family Fun Magazine - don't know if you can get this or not here.
KODAK: 50 free prints & $10 off your first order. Going to enroll AFTER Halloween for those prints!
Disney Family Fun's Christmas Book: $9.99
Little People Nativity Scene @ Family Christian for $23.99 with this 40% off code and this free shipping code until
Well I'm trying it out and setting up a system and looking for freebies and trying to figure out the math. Is it really worth it and a good dealt to get this now? or to wait a little longer?
The Price Matching is actually quite fun just time-consuming, haven't figured that one out but I have really enjoyed getting the deals that I have and feeling like I'm saving us money in the long-run.
There are some sites and offers I am coming by that I want to remember when Christmas comes around so I'm going to document them here:
Hallmark's Holiday Recordable Books $19.95 (beg. 11/4 to 12/24) with purchase, specifically: Frosty the Snowman & the Very First Christmas
LOVE THIS: from Family Fun Magazine - don't know if you can get this or not here.
KODAK: 50 free prints & $10 off your first order. Going to enroll AFTER Halloween for those prints!
Disney Family Fun's Christmas Book: $9.99
Little People Nativity Scene @ Family Christian for $23.99 with this 40% off code and this free shipping code until
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Quote
Tonight,
"mommy the sun is laying down....it's time for it to go to bed"~ Ian's comment towards the sunset. :)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
{31} a Birthday
I was able to take some time through driving and through writing to reflect on year 30. It was an interesting moment to recognize that although there have been some very low times in this past year; overall (with God's strength and guidance) it was a pretty spectacular year with many achievements and changes in focus and heart.
In year 30, I took on the challenge of {Resolve} in consistently working out and moving. Some of this was part of marathon training, some of stress-relief, my own therapy and discipline and time with God.
And I'm on-call with the hospital this weekend and just got called in so.......I will finish this post later ;)
In year 30, I took on the challenge of {Resolve} in consistently working out and moving. Some of this was part of marathon training, some of stress-relief, my own therapy and discipline and time with God.
And I'm on-call with the hospital this weekend and just got called in so.......I will finish this post later ;)
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