a day in the life of abc...

Elyse's 2nd Birthday with Jesus

2011-03-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

As I write this we are headed down south to celebrate our sweet girls birthday. In just two days she would be celebrating her 2nd birthday. Oh how much I wonder what life would be like with her these days...how much of a two year old would she be, how much would she be saying and how would Elyse and Pete be getting along (or not getting along).

But, I am left to wonder these things without answers...ever. So I will focus on the fact that I've made it to this point, one year ago I honestly wasn't quite sure how that was going to happen. But here we are in March 2011 and we are doing even more than surviving we're making it and we're looking ahead to what God has planned for our family and future. Oh it doesn't mean I don't still grieve...often, but I have hope HOPE in the creator of life. Who does indeed give and take away.

Cliff is running in his third half marathon within the last nine months tomorrow. I know he's incredible and in such great shape these days. I'm hoping to jump back into the game next year, after baby comes and a little recovery time!!

Then on Sunday, the 27th Elyse's birthday we're going to Disneyland!! We went last year with my sister, brother-in-law, Sam & Ben. It was a good, mostly fun thing to do. This year it's just the three of us going and I'm looking forward to watching Peter enjoy everything even more. I think he actually knows who Mickey Mouse is this year. ;) Lots of people have ask us if this is going to be a tradition, we don't know. But, we did think that since I wasn't very far along in pregnancy and we don't have a newborn it would be a good thing to do on Elyse's birthday again...we'll see what next year holds.

We do want to invite anyone that's interested to help us celebrate her birthday by releasing a pink balloon at 1:06pm on Sunday. Some of you did this last year and it meant a TON to us. If you take pictures will you send them to us or tag us on Facebook? We would love to know that you are thinking about our sweet Elyse and us.

Thank you for walking this journey along side of us, through tears, prayer, hugs and so much more. We are so blessed and loved by each and everyone of you. And we really don't take that lightly, we covet your love and friendship.

January 6th

2011-01-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Today marks the point where Elyse has been gone longer than she was here on earth with us. Minus that sweet 9 months in my womb, which I now treasure so much more and really appreciate that I got an extra few months to know her.

I was doing okay, had a busy day lots to do (still have lots to do as I sit and write out my thoughts). I think I just wanted to push it aside and not confront what it really represents. I think I've been wanting to do that lately, just put my head down and plow through. Surely it will be better on the other side. Really? Probably not. Not if I don't learn anything from walking this road. Lord knows I never want to have to learn any of these lessons again, at least not in this same way.

And then it all came crashing down. The fast tears streaming down my face, feeling as if I might not be able to breath because it hurts so bad. Those feelings and emotions that I don't feel everyday anymore. But they still come. And they probably will a little more as February and March are drawing so near. I just wanted to be mad, I just wanted to be angry and sad and every other emotion that I keep at bay most of the time. I'm tired of having the 'right' reactions and attitudes. I just want to scream and say it's NOT OKAY!!!!! It's not okay that my sweet girl isn't here anymore. I think you got it wrong Lord, I think I still need her.

As I looked up and saw her smiling face and chubby arms, her beautiful blue eyes, those cheeks that went on and on and of course her chubby little legs that barely fit into those skinny jeans she's wearing. I thought, I didn't get enough. Not enough giggles, or smiles, or tears, or even fits (which I never really got to experience). I didn't get to feel those roles in her arms enough, or place enough zerberts on that belly, or tickle those thighs enough to elicit such joyous squeals and giggles. I was jipped. There should have been more moments, I wish I could have one of those moments right now.

But you know what? I don't, I don't have any more moments with Elyse this side of heaven. I'm really sad about that, really sad. And you know what else? That's okay that I'm sad. I want to feel this sadness for all that it is and today I felt it. Deep in my soul I feel it right now. Part of me is missing, part of my family is missing, so much of my future is missing.

So I thought, I'm just going to be upset about life and scream LIFE STINKS! Which it does, at times. My God wouldn't really have any of that...I think He's okay that I'm sad. But, He doesn't want me to live there and truth be told I don't want to live there either. It's hard work being upset about everything and it's draining, it will suck the life right out of you.

So I jumped on the treadmill because if there was one thing I really needed to do today it was run. I put on a podcast from Focus on the Family in was on Trusting God in Family Life I didn't think much of the subject. And then it started, talking about the fear of losing a child and Job and so on. I won't go into all the details, but I will tell you it was God speaking to me. More tears, I had to walk, I couldn't run with the tears that were falling. It was God reminding me that His ways are the best ways. His plan is good, He has good things for me. He's God and I'm not. I'm so glad.

This morning He showed me this verse:
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is as work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

I'm so glad his power is at work in me. I'm so glad that he is able to do more than I can imagine, I don't have a great imagination. ;) I'm so glad that he doesn't let me sit in my muck for long. Yes, I'm sad, but this year I'm also hopeful. Trying to live in that hope today and everyday. Not ignoring the real emotions and realities that are in my life, but not living in those 24/7 either.

Thankful

2010-12-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

I know Thanksgiving was two weeks ago, but I wanted to share something from my devotional that struck so close to my heart as I read it. And then as Cliff was praying last night it made me think about it all over again.

Thankfulness takes the sting out of adversity. That is why I have instructed you to give thanks for everything. There is an element of mystery in this transaction: You give me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of you circumstances). This is a spiritual act of obedience - at times, blind obedience. To people who don't know Me intimately, it can seem irrational and even impossible to thank Me for heartrending hardships. Nonetheless, those who obey Me in this way are invariably blessed, even though difficulties may remain.

Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts. You may still be in the same place, with the same set of circumstances, but it is as if a light has been switched on, enabling you to see from My perspective. It is this Light of My Presence that removes the sting from adversity.

I am not in a place to thank my Lord for the circumstances that I am in, but I am able to thank Him for who He is. Along with what He is showing me and how He is working in my life through the current events. It's kind of a fine line of thankfulness, almost a sacrificial thankfulness, there is sadness in my soul and joy in my heart at the same time. In this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas my focus must be on who my God is, it's too much to get wrapped up in the activities and emptiness that I feel at times. My prayer is that thankfulness will fill my heart and soul each day, each moment really, and truly realize how wonderful a gift baby Jesus is, better than all the gifts I've ever received.

Pete's Tractor Party

2010-07-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Pete's 3rd Birthday Party! It was so much fun, I had a great time putting it together and all the kids and mamas had fun too! Thanks to all who helped and came to celebrate our sweet Pete!

The star of the Party, thanks Kirk!!

Drinks for the adults and kiddos

Almost all the kids in the scoop!

Yes Ben, dirt does make you cuter. ;)

Birthday boy thoroughly enjoying the tractor, dirt and a stick :)

I love GiGi hanging out on the tire in this one!

Sweet Friends

It was so many of the kids first time with a pinata, we adults had a good time telling them to give it a good whack!!


Me, with the cupcake. Can't believe my little man is three. The candy bar for favors was super fun! Thanks Johnna for all the containers and candy too! It was a bit of a candy-overload party, but hey Peter's only going to turn 3 once right? Love you sweet boy, so blessed by the little man that you are and I'm believing BIG things for you life. God has plans for you my little rock.

Blogging and Love

2010-04-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

As you are well aware I haven't blogged in a while. The problem with blogging (for me) is that when I get behind I don't know where to start from when I begin again. Should I back-blog and catch everyone up or just skip to what is happening right now. So instead of doing either of those things I debate back and forth of what I should do and in turn get farther behind. I do intend to post about our trip and Elyse's birthday, but they require a little more time and effort than I have to give right now.

So here's a short sweet story about my little man, isn't he cute?

This is Pete climbing his first tree, he loved it! I love that he is all boy. Jumping off the tree was his favorite part, he could have stayed there all day.

But, the story came from breakfast this morning. For the last month or two I've been working on getting him to say 'I Love You' and he would repeat after me (or Cliff) I - I, Love, You - You! He would not say Love, just the I and You. It was really sweet how he said and I figured we were headed in the right direction. Just this last week he started saying the Love part. I was so proud of him!

Back to breakfast, Pete and I sit next to each other at the table and he always leans over and grabs my arm and sometimes migrates to my lap. This morning he grabbed my arm and said 'I Love You'!!! SO SWEET! It is the greatest thing a parent can hear from their child. And just what this mommy needed to hear from her sweet little one. Thank you Lord for this blessing in my life!

Elyse's 1st Birthday

2010-03-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I should be staying up late tonight making cupcakes, cutting fruit and all the other last minute preporations that go into a first birthday party. Cliff hates it when I throw a party becuase it usually means we're up until at least 1am and pretty tired by the time the party starts! But, it's all worth it in the end when everyone has had a good time and most importantly the guest of honor knows they are valued and loved! And when the last guest leaves you put your feet up and know you will do it all again for the next event!

Tonight isn't like that, we're in Southern California, we went to Disneyland yesterday to celebrate our little girl and to have some time away this week. It has been really good, but a little bitter sweet too. I'd rather be at home with sore feet from standing in the kitchen instead of standing in lines all day. But, THIS is my life now and I'm trying with all that I am to still go on with each day and to make the best of what I've been handed. Including still celebrating Lysie's birthday.

Cliff did a great job explaining what we're doing tomorrow, so here is a copy of what he wrote on his blog.

Saturday, for Elyse's birthday, we're starting a tradition. At 1:06pm, the time that Elyse was born a year ago, we'll be releasing balloons in her honor. April, Peter and I will be in San Diego and will have a picnic lunch, a time together to honor her, and then we'll release our balloons. We're inviting anyone who wants to join us, wherever they are, to do the same in honor of Elyse. If you are able to do this we would love to see some pictures from your time and also be able to put those in her album.

Thank you family and friends for helping us celebrate!

Perseverance

2010-03-22T23:24:00.000-07:00

The definition of perseverance:

1.steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

2.Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

This may seem like a funny or strange post, but I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who is persevering with us. In so many ways. It really means a lot right now. Life has been rough for the last five weeks or so and lately perseverance has been on my mind. For us to "stay the course", for our friends to keep asking and nudging their way into our world. I really appreciate those that keep asking things, specific things or just come over or just jump in and help or maybe don't do anything but sit with us. It's really difficult to explain, but I kind of feel like I'm in a fog A LOT!! Simple problem solving things are difficult, planning life activities more than a day in advance takes a lot of brain power. Really simple daily life things are just so different.

I thought the second definition was interesting too. I'm living in that continuing state of grace everyday and I am so thankful for salvation. Praise the Lord! Can't wait to get to heaven, for so many reasons.

Thanks for reading my random thoughts, it means a lot to have people 'follow' this journey we're on.

The Top Ten Things I Miss About My Lysie Lu

2010-03-21T00:36:00.000-07:00

10 - I miss her smile
9 - I miss her giggles
8 - I miss hearing her say 'mama' and 'dada' and 'baba'
7 - I miss watching her crawl and listening to the sound of her slapping hands on the linoleum
6 - I miss reading her stories
5 - I miss having her press against me with her feet while I fed her in the high-chair
4 - I miss her hanging out in her high-chair eating cheerios & puffs while I cooked
3 - I miss watching her face light up when she saw her brother
2 - I miss singing to her
1 - I miss feeling her in my arms; whether feeding her a bottle, just holding her, lifting her up to change her diaper, or get her dressed, putting her in the high-chair, holding her on my hip or just carrying her from place to place. I just miss feeling her.

These are certainly not all the things I miss about my sweet girl, just the ones I was thinking of now.

Trust

2010-03-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

A good friend gave us the devotional 'Jesus Calling', it's been great because there are times that I want to go to the Word and then I sit there with my bible unsure of where to turn. It's just a short devo and a few verses. I read yesterdays today (I didn't really know what day it was) and was very blessed by the truth in the words. Here is what it said:

Trust Me one day at a time. This keeps you close to Me, responsive to My will. Trust is not a natural response, especially for those who have been deeply wounded. My Spirit within you is your resident Tutor, helping you in this supernatural endeavor. Yield to His gentle touch; be sensitive to His prompting.

Exert your will to trust Me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My Presence. I will equip you to get through this day victoriously, as you live in deep dependence on Me. Tomorrow is busy worrying about itself; don't get tangeld up in its worry-webs. Trust Me one day at a time.

"O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you." Psalm 84:12

My soul needed this reminder today.

One Month

2010-03-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

It is overwhelming to think that tomorrow will be one month since our sweet Elyse went to be with Jesus. I still miss her just about every minute of every day, which will probably remain for a while. We got a pack of info from Angel Babies, a ministry in Fresno through Hinds Hospice. There is a page with some insights for friends that I wanted to share. It talks about things I have been feeling, but have been unable to communicate, at least unable to communicate them well. Okay, here is an excerpt:

To our Family & Friends: Our Grief Experience Shared.
We want to share with you some of our feelings and how you can help and support us. We have suffered a tremendous loss, and we need to grieve. Even though this may be uncomfortable for others around us, it's something we MUST do. We won't be over this in a few weeks as most people expect. We will be able to adjust to the loss of our precious child if we are given the time needed to grieve. (Avereage intense grieving is 18-24 months). However, we will not be the same people we were before our loss.

We may need to talk about our baby, how much we loved our child and the details of our experience. Even though we may not have many memories we suffer from broken dreams. During this time we need others to be there and listen to us time and time again. This is the kindest thing a person can do for us. We do not want to forget our baby and we will need to mention her in the future. It would be appreciated if you would remember our baby, especially on difficult days such as anniversary days, birthdays, Christmas, and Mother's and Father's Day.

In our struggles with our grief, we may have difficulties with the following:
* Understanding our many emotions and feeling emotionally balanced.
* Coping with feelings of guilt, anger and jealousy.
* Dealing with normal daily functions due to lack of energy.
* Deciding what to do with our baby's belongings.
* Coping with the individuality of our grief as a family and as a couple.
* Sharing family celebrations.
* Seeing babies that are the same age our child would have been.
* Need to make major decisions such as subsequent pregnancies, moving, job changes, etc.
* Visiting the cemetery and purchasing a tombstone.
* Remembering our baby in special ways that are acceptable.
* Feeling different and subsequently feeling isolated.
* Dealing with physical symptoms that arise due to grieving.

Dealing with these many emotions takes a lot of courage and tedious work. It is worth it so we can have peace of mind and physical well being.
If we sound a little selfish, please understand. Only after we are able to adjust and experience the journey of grief can we reach out and help others. One day we will be able to live life in a fuller manner.
We try not to criticize others. Before our baby died, we didn't understand the full impact this loss had. We want to share this painful experience with you so others can understand our need for support. No one will be able to take our pain away, but perhaps they can be there and listen.

Reading this has been so comforting; it helps to validate some of the feelings and emotions that I have. A couple things in particular have stood out to me, the statement about grieving over broken dreams. That has been such a reality for me, you picture your family, life and future to be a certain way and then in an instant it has all changed. So not only am I missing my sweet little girl, I'm missing what I imagined her life and our life as a family would be. I'm so saddened over her and Pete not being great friends. I'm saddened over future siblings missing out on their older sis. There will always be a part of our family that is missing...

Also, the timeframe of intense grieving, 18-24 months, that seems like a long time. And yet it is hard to imagine this pain and suffering leaving us anytime soon. I think the encouraging side of that is that what we're experiencing is pretty 'normal' so to speak. I know some people expect us to be over this soon, not so much spoken expectations, but silent ones. Well we're not going to be better for a while. We know that God is good, faithful and sovereign and that we are in His hands. We trust Him with our futures, with the pain and ache and know that HE WILL complete a good work in us and through us. There is so much more on my heart and in my mind, but I think this is more than enough for right now.

Love this boy!!

2010-03-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

I really do love and I think I appreciate him in new ways these last few weeks. What a blessing he is! He LOVES looking at sissy's pictures. For almost a week now he has been asking to see her pictures, the ones around the house, on the computer, on Cliff's phone, her slideshow, anywhere he can see his sweet sis. I think it took all the commotion slowing down for him to really realize that she isn't here with us anymore. He asks for her sometimes and we usually just tell him that sissy is with Jesus now. One day he'll understand just what that means. Yesterday I was cleaning my bathroom and right outside the door is a basket left from Elyse's memorial service with a bunch of the smaller frames in it. Peter emptied the whole basket talking about each picture of her (he would say, "sis" or "feet") it was so cute! And then he put them all back just the way they were before, what a sweet type 'A' little boy I have. We have been praying that he will have supernatural memories of Elyse and I hope this is the beginning of seeing that prayer answered.

Your Hands

2010-03-09T15:18:00.000-08:00

I am loving this song by JJ Heller lately, it kind of just spells out what I am feeling. I find myself playing it and sing it often. I had just heard of her a couple months back and then a few days after Elyse died my friend mentioned this song. I had to purchase it right then! You can check her out here or download the album here. Enjoy!

I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away

I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crookedly lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave You when...

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave...
I never leave Your hands

Monterey - The Aquariam

2010-03-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

I love this one of the boys, it totally shows all of their personalities, Pete could have stayed here all day!

Oh how I love this boy, he wasn't really into posing for the picture.

The Jellyfish room was really cool. We had a good weekend all things considered, it was rough at times and good at times. We know that we are going to have so many firsts without our sweet girl and this was just one. Cliff does a way better job at writing our feelings so visit his blog for a more detailed report. Overall we were glad to "get-away" for a couple of days, yet nothing is to great these days. Thanks sissy and Eric for everything!

Saturday

2010-02-24T00:39:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to my sweet friend Jen's (one of my many sweet friends named Jen) website of a handful of amazing photos that she was able to capture from Elyse's Memorial Service and the graveside. They are so incredible, I'm so glad that someone thought to have someone take photos (thanks Johnna - I think) I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Jen, what an amazing gift you've given us - THANK YOU!!!

Sweet Elyse

2010-02-23T22:58:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I miss this sweet baby girl. God is so faithful and good, but man what I wouldn't give to have this whole last week be just a bad dream and I could still have her in my arms.

It was WILD!!

2009-07-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

We went out to the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park a couple of weeks ago just for a couple of hours, it was lots of fun. The park is huge, it's pretty spread out so we didn't get to see too much in our short visit, but I think we'll try to go back before we go home. Peter loved this play area they had, he could have stayed for hours!

The gorillas were really cool to see without any glass between us and them, just a mote!
Pete loves the Flamingos! He could also spend all day just watching them.

Bath Time

2009-07-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Elyse is enjoying her baths, I love this time with her she smiles and talks to me as I give her a bath. Wow, she's growing every day so much!

SD Living

2009-07-09T23:13:00.001-07:00

We are enjoying our time here is San Diego, actually we're about to leave, but it's been a great month down here! It has been really fun to see how much Elyse has changed in the short time since we've been here. And now we have a 2 year old, wow we still can't believe we have 2 kids at times!

Here is Pete enjoying the swing at the park and a great smile from our sweet little girl. More highlights from our time down here to come...soon.

I know, I know...

2009-07-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the hospital. I know that she's 3 months already and I will post new pics of our cute little girl soon and some of Pete, he's 2 now! Oh, how fast life goes with little ones. Enjoy some of these pictures, Elyse was just a few minutes, hours and days old.
Still in a little bit of a shock that we had a girl! Oh this is going to be a whole new adventure!You can see that Pete wasn't too sure about his sister, or maybe he just wasn't excited about taking a picture with her. He really does love her, he gives her kisses and makes her smile. I can already see that they are going to have a sweet relationship.
Here is the first picture of our little family of four. We are enjoying our little ones, life is busy but they make us smile and we are so thankful for each of them. I promise to post more pics soon!

It's a Girl!!!

2009-07-04T13:16:00.001-07:00

Lauren Elyse Carey

March 27th, 2009 @ 1:06pm

7 pounds 13 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long

I do realize that this is pretty old news, but I wanted to have a post with her stats! Everything went great with delivery, nothing was as bad as I had remembered with the c-section (well a few things were) but the most important thing was that she made it into the world safely. She is so beautiful and we sure are enjoying having a baby girl. Peter loves his little sis and we're just adjusting to life with 2. It is great fun! I love this picture and the little smile she has on her face, I hope it's a sign that she'll be one happy little girl. For those that don't know why we're calling her Elyse, it's for a couple of reasons, #1 it's the name we really love and wanted to name her in the first place, but we couldn't come up with a middle name that we liked and that flowed nicely. So the #2 reason is that Cliff goes by his middle name and why not have a cool connection with her father. So her name is Lauren Elyse, but we just call her Elyse!

2 more days!!

2009-03-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that in just 2 days from now we get to meet the newest member of our family. Wow, it does feel like it's been 9 months, but at the same time it has gone really fast too! We are really looking forward to see who this little person is, not only boy or girl, but looks, personality all the fun things you get to discover about a new baby.

I'm schedule for a 12:30pm c-section on Friday, March 27th. So we'd love your prayers as this new life makes his or her debut in the world!

We'll keep you posted...

feeling a little sentimental

2009-03-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

I've been contemplating that my baby boy isn't going to be my baby much longer. He is growing so much and is so aware of things and interactive, but when he crawls up in my lap and snuggles...well nothing is better than that right? He is such a fun little boy and I kind of feel bad to rock his world with bringing a new baby into his life. I know he will never remember life before this sibling, but I can't help but feel a little sentimental!

Here are a few pictures looking back over the last 20 months!

The hospital...just a few hours old.
3 Months, boy is he cute!About 6 months.
1 year old!
About 15 months!
18 Months!As the end of this pregnancy nears I know that the next several months are going to fly by! I look forward to watching the relationship between Pete and this little one. We pray each day for them to have a special bond and friendship. But, I think there is just something special about the child that made you a mommy for the first time. Someone told me once that her first made her a mom and the second child made them a family, I think that's a great way to look at it.

SD Vacation

2009-02-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

We got to get away to San Diego just a couple of weeks ago and here are some of our highlights! It was so nice down there, the weather was perfect. Just to be able to be outside and enjoy the warmth and have so much sunshine was really great.

We went to the zoo and the beach, went for walks by the bay, ate at all our favorite restaurants and just had a really relaxing week. Cliff had to work the first couple of days, but Peter and I enjoyed ourselves until he could join us for the family fun.
This was a really cute playgroud that was just down from our hotel right on the bay. Peter loved playing there! He looks out at the playground by our house right now and points like he wants to go and I tell him it will just be a couple of months to let all that snow melt!! So he was pretty happy to get to go down the slide and swing.

1st Haircut

2009-02-12T22:16:00.001-08:00

I took Peter to get his first haircut a few weeks ago, I couldn't get any smiles out of him, but at least he didn't cry!! He looked pretty handsome after he the cut, although I think he already needs another one.

1st Snow

2008-12-15T22:17:00.001-08:00

We let Peter enjoy the snow after church last night, he loved it!! It really looked like he was amazed at the snow falling from the sky.

Peter was pretty impressed with the snow! He didn't mind it coming down on him at all, of course it was a nice light snow fall too! He wasn't a big fan of the cold snow on his hands when he fell down and caught himself with his hands!

Family Photo Fun

2008-11-29T22:12:00.001-08:00

The whole Carey Family

Peter and his photo shoot with dad.This is Jake, Peter's oldest cousin. Jake will be 18 in January and Cliff and him have had a special relationship for a long time. He was at camp the week Peter was born so he was the first of the Carey family to get to see and hold Pete. We told Jake to take Peter over for the 'boys picture' and he looked at us like we were crazy and said he didn't know how to hold him. I told him if he could hold him when he was 5 days old he could hold him now! So this is how he carried him, just like when he was about a week old! Pretty cute! Peter wasn't sure what to think.

Here are the boy cousins, and Peter and Jakes bonding below. I like this one where they look like they've both got their hands in their pockets looking cool.

Peter was really taken with Jake, I think this one is very sweet!

Our little Monkey...a little late

2008-11-23T16:21:00.000-08:00

Here are our pictures from Halloween...I know it was about a month ago! Sorry for the delay!

All the kiddos of Hume, notice the cute Monkey in the front!
He wasn't so sure about his costume, and really not sure about his hat.
Here are two of Peter's girlfriends, Hannah & Ellie. And below three of his friends Isaac the Cow, Tanner the Giraffe and Jaron the Duck. Isaac was really into Tanner!!

Here is Pete at the end of the night, he figured out trick-or-treating pretty well for his first time!

This is the Banana that I made for Peter to carry and put all of his candy in, it came out pretty good if I do say so myself. This is something that is a little out of the box for me, I'm not the most crafty person! But it did look pretty cute with his Monkey costume! All in all we had a fun night!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

We took our kiddos to the pumpkin patch today! A group of us moms from Hume headed down to Hillcrest Farms in Reedley this morning. We had a great time we rode the train, went on a hayride and of course got lots of pictures with pumpkins! This is one of the best ones I got of Peter! He looks like he was having a good time!

Trying really hard to get that piece of straw in his nose! Below is a picture of our friend Ryan and Peter, they are just a month apart.

More Pics from the Wedding

2008-10-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

I got a few more pictures from the wedding I arranged the flowers for last month, so I though I would put them up. The first is the beautiful bride and her dad and you can get a glimse of her bouquet (by far the most stressful part of all the flowers)!!!

Mother of the bride and all the bridesmaids...waiting for things to get started.

This a great overall shot of the reception area, in that wagon are the caramel apples (favors) everything came together so nicely and below is a shot from inside the tent, it looked really good with the lighting!

Baby

2008-10-10T00:17:00.001-07:00

Yep it's true, in case anyone out there didn't know...we're expecting a new little one in April!! We are all very excited! I was trying to post a picture of the first ultra sound picture we got at the doctors last month, but scanning and me weren't getting along and Cliff's been a little too busy lately to show me how. I just made it to 14 weeks yesterday and it has been so nice to be out of the 1st trimester! My energy is coming back and I'm so greatful for that, we go to the doctor again next week, I can't believe how fast the weeks are flying by...and that is a good thing!

Fall

2008-09-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official today is the first day of fall! I really love this season, the weather changes, I want to make soup for dinner, things are a bit quieter around here and of course I love the decorations that come and can stay around until Thanksgiving. Here are some pictures of my decorations that I put up week before last and am enjoying! I also had to celebrate with some pumpkin bread today (of course I had to add some chocolate chips to help my chocolate craving) something really fallish just had to be made!

These are my 'country fair' silent auction purchase, I always like to bid on something each year at Hume Lake's Country Fair and these were calling me. Growing up mom always had some kind of cool (I don't know that I thought they were cool then) Pilgrim thing, so I thought I would carry on the tradition. They are pretty cool (I think) they're made out of wood if you look closely at the bottom of then you can see the wood grains. I also like that they're larger than life.

What do you like about fall?

The Wedding Flowers!!

2008-09-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

Well here they are, the much anticipated photos from the big wedding last weekend. Not sure if this will ever become a career, but so far it's a fun hobby. For those of you that don't know I did the flowers for Emily Lilley & Cody Mooney's wedding that was here at Hume on the 6th. It was a beautiful wedding with so many fun personal touches, they put in a lot of hard work and it paid off! Hope you enjoy the photos!

This was the jar that went down the aisle, it was a large mason jar with jute attached that hung on fence posts that Jeff built...pretty cool!

Above are the girls bouquets, they were just baby's breath it looked so pretty against the bright terra-cotta/melon color of their dresses. I don't have another picture of the bouquets, but I'm going to try to get one from the photographer. Below is the fridge where I kept everything, it was amazing how packed it got with flowers! So many flowers!!

Here are the centerpieces...I really liked how they came out!

Here is one of the tables, Eugenie made all of the napkins...they were really pretty! I think it came together, the burlap, the flowers, the candles, the jars which had a sticker with their monogram...it all looked so good!

This was a pair of ceramic boots that was in the center of the food buffet, it came out nice...and all out of leftoever flowers! Amazing!

SD ZOO

2008-09-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

For Peter's 1st birthday mom and dad took us to the zoo, it was a very fun day! I think Peter liked the people and attention more than the animals, but at least he had a good time! Here are a few of the shots from our day.

Tired from a full day, he did take a great nap for about an hour of the afternoon!

Peter's 1st Birthday

2008-08-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

I know it's been over a month since Peter turned 1, but I had to share some pictures of his big day! We were still in SD so we had a quiet morning and then went to the zoo with mom and dad and then had a small party with a few friends in the evening. He was pretty happy about turning 1!
A few of Peter's favorite gifts!
Uncle Jay & Aunt Jen gave Pete Mater (from Cars) it's his first ride-on toy and he loves it! He loved it instantly, from the first time he sat on it and started playing the music!

Jay & Jen pretty excited about their gift also!

Sunsets in SD

2008-08-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots from one of our favorite things to do in the evening, we would just walk outside and watch God's beauty. It just doesn't get old watching that sunset. Enjoy!

Early Birthday

2008-07-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago Cliff surprised me an early birthday present. I wasn't expecting anything for another month or so, but I did get something really great!! A new camera! I had given a couple hints that this is what I really wanted for the big 30! And my amazing husband came through with this great gift. Here's a look at it that I took with the old camera (of course) we've been having fun taking pictures and trying out different features!

The reason he couldn't wait until my birthday is because our other camera was dropped or something and the screen doesn't work anymore. H knew we would want to take pictures during our time down here (especially with Peter's birthday & our trip to Chicago). What a great surprise it was! Thanks babe, I love you!

Life in SD

2008-06-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

We've been in San Diego for just over 2 weeks now! It has already flown by and I can't believe that we'll be headed home in just 2 weeks. I've been meaning to post for about 2 weeks now, but life in the city is busy! We are really enjoying it down here and are getting pretty spoiled by the ocean view. The breakfasts at Con Pane (a really yummy cafe/bread shop that is just down the street). City life is fun for those of us who aren't used to it! I've been to Target several times, Costco and other local conveniences. Oh, and camp is going well too! We had over 700 high school students here this last week and several made decisions for Christ! Pretty cool! That is the real reason that we are here after all. Cliff is enjoying his active role in camp (minus the complaining sessions from the counselors) and Peter and I are enjoying supporting him and having some fun too! Here are some shots of our apartment and the view from our balcony. Enjoy! We do miss home a little bit, but are trying to enjoy the time we have here.

Peter is enjoying his room and his sleeping pretty well in the pack-n-play, although he has ended up in our bed a few nights...don't get used to it little man!

This is the view from our balcony, the field in the middle is where the kids play rec games, not a bad view we have to look at every day is it?

Peter is having a good time here! He loves all the attention from the staff and campers too!

A day on the Lake

2008-06-27T22:21:00.000-07:00

We went to Shaver for the weekend of June 6-8, Kris (Eric's sister) got married up there and so we stayed in a cabin and then went out on Eric & Sara's boat on Sunday. Peter loved it! Cliff had to work so it was just Pete and me, mom and dad and the Karlson fam. We had a great time and are looking forward to a return visit in August.

Walking the Lake

2008-06-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Each morning (Monday-Friday) there is a group of us moms from here at Hume that walk the lake, it is such a great time of exercise, social interaction/conncection and sometimes just the great need we all have of getting out of the house! We are pretty spoiled, not everyone has the opportunity to take their daily walks in such an amazing place. God's creation is magnificant and I try to not take andvantage of that fact. Notice all the BOB strollers, we started the BOB revolution at Hume! If you have one you know how great they are, if you don't have one you should think about investing!

Spring Cleaning

2008-06-05T14:48:00.001-07:00

I know it's a dirty word for some, but I do have quite a bit of my mother in me! I've had the bug for quite a while now and finally we got to it this last weekend. Since it was our last weekend here for awhile we decided to actually be productive! I cleaned all the blinds in the house and everything that is on top of my kitchen cabinets. Wow!!! It is amazing how shiny and nice everything looks now. We put some new lights up in the kitchen a couple of months ago and they really spotlighted the dust, grease and grime! So here are a few pictures to show off how great it looks! Cliff also deep cleaned both the cars inside and out, they look great! It does feel good at the end of the weekend to feel like you accomplished something. Hopefully that will inspire some of you and not make you feel guilty!

Colorado

2008-06-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

Back in the middle of April we went to visit Cliff's family and some friends in Colorado. It was Peter's first trip on an airplane, I was pretty nervous about flying with him...but he did great! We were so proud of how well he did during the flight. He'll probably be just like his dad and love each we go on!

Peter got to meet several of his cousins, including Stephanie (top right), Laura (middle) and his closest cousin in age Anne Elise (bottom) she is just under four months younger than Pete, we're glad he has so many couins who love him!

Peter and Cole playing together, we love our friends Dan and Sarah that we usually stay with and always try to see when we're in Colorado. They just had another little boy named Grant last week, we can't wait to meet him. Next time we visit there will be boys everywhere!

New Floors

2008-06-01T12:10:00.001-07:00

Back in the first weekend of April we took on the project of putting laminate flooring in our kitchen and living room. It was 4 long days of work, well Cliff did all the flooring while I found other projects like painting and getting Peter out of the way!
This is the half wall that separated the dining area and the living area we knocked it out!
Peter enjoying the newly patched wall and extra space!

Here it is on it's way to completion! It is beautiful! All of our furniture looks better on the new floor, it actually looks clean after I clean it all around I am so happy we put it in!

Staff Retreat

2008-05-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

Once again I'm catching up on my blogging...trying to complete my March posts before May ends! Sometimes I feel like I do this in all aspects of my life! Back in the middle of March we went to Pismo for staff retreat with all of the full-time staff of Hume. It is always a good time, this year with a little one we weren't sure what to expect. Mom and dad came along and had the room right next to us, it was so nice because we could put Peter down to bed/nap and they could be right there next to him and we didn't have to worry about him being quiet and still during the meetings and he could get his naps and sleep too! What a blessing to have them there! Thank you, thank you and thank you! This was our last morning we went to Avila and had breakfast at Lenny's shop. It was very yummy!

Baby Einstein

2008-05-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

Peter's first time watching baby einstein...not his last anymore! I took these pictures about 2 months ago! Just trying to catch up on my blogging! Don't you just love the exer-saucer & video for showering purposes!

Riding

2008-04-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

Peter really like Ben's birthday present! Maybe he's ready for one of his own...

Ben's 2nd Birthday!

2008-04-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that Ben is 2 years old! It seems like yesterday we were at the hospital anxiously awaiting his arrival.

Happy Birthday Ben!

We all enjoyed the 'george' party, especially Peter!

Peter might have a new girlfriend, that Ellie is pretty cute!

A Whole New World

2008-04-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

Peter has been standing for about a month now (I know, I'm not a very 'current' blogger). Here are some shots of the first day I found him holding onto the ottomon.

He is very proud of his new accomplishment!

A Very Cute Boy!

2008-02-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

Peter loves playing in his little area of the living room. He climbed under his exer-saucer and I had to take a picture! He likes it when we are close and watching how much fun he is having. He is one a fun boy!

He is better at backing up that going forward for some reason, so he ends up backing into things and getting stuck...here is an example!

Our Snow

2008-02-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

Here are some shots of snow right outside our back door, if you can tell you actually have to step up off of the porch on to the snow! It's crazy how much snow we've gotten already this year!

Snowy Days

2008-02-21T22:27:00.000-08:00

It's February and around here that usually means snow! Well, the last couple of days have been a little cloudy, dreary and snowy. After having the miserable flu for the last several days I've been ready to get out and about, but it looks like it will be a few more days as the storms keep coming. It is beautiful I will admit, today I took the video camera outside and filmed some of the most perfect snowflakes that I've seen in a while. If I could figure out how to upload video I'd probably post it for you...but since I don't you'll just have to imagine.

Okay, the funny thing about this picture, it's actually from Germany from 2 years ago! I needed a snow picture and that's all I could find...I know just go outside and take a picture April! I will tomorrow.

Welcome!

2008-01-17T13:21:00.001-08:00

Happy January 17th! We are 17 days into the new year and here I am with a new blog. I'm not sure what this is going to include. Pictures I'm sure of my sweet baby boy, wonderful husband and our many adventures together. Maybe a few deep insights, if my new mommy brain has any to offer. Enjoy, glad you're along for the ride.