Yesterday my baby girl turned 10!
On Saturday we had her party and as you can see it was Monster High themed.
I painted the girls' faces as their favorite character and Rob sprayed their hair.
I must say Kelly's friends are so sweet and thoughtful.

The house was jammed with family and friends and it was comical watching everyone trying to get around each other to get food or drinks. Thankfully I had a few things planned that included being outside.

Here is most of the gang minus Chelsea, Wyatt and the cousins.
We have a Ghoulia,  Draculaura, Frankie, Clawdeen and Laguna. One young lady didn't want to be painted and another was a make your own ghoul. Crack me up.

I misspoke when I told Rob and Mikey to spray Kelly with the silly string. I meant after we sang Happy Birthday, but I guess I said when we sing Happy Birthday. That was hilarious and I almost missed it because I didn't really have the camera ready.

 After the cake and ice cream we gave each kid a can of silly string to take out front. Then the girls dived into opening up the presents to play with until their parents arrived.

I'm pretty sure they all had a great time, I know I did.

Taken from Pinterest but cannot find the source.

What an amazing week and each day something new or renewed sparks more thankfulness for who I am and for who/what is around me.
Thank God I'm not perfect and that I don't have to try to be.
Certain truths are sinking in and in it there is freedom and acceptance, not only for myself but for others.
I love the line that says, I make mistakes, but I own them. There is power in owning up to the words and actions that you use. I've been trying so hard to make my words count. To lift up anyone around me.
I found this pin and when I went to like and re post, I somehow lost it and no amount of searching on Pinterest could find it, until a friend put it on Facebook. I copied it to my clip art and would love to print it out where I can look at it and remind myself daily just how awesome(in humbling terms) each one of us are.
I'm working on getting the words out of my head and onto the page, words to inspire, think, and praise. Words that have been used time and time again but the message gets pushed to the wayside by a society that screams at us with print and social media.
What would our world look like if we accepted each other as we are?
 I know from my experience that when I have gotten to sit down and get to truly know someone all the superficial crap doesn't matter. On the inside we all have similar struggles some just hide it better, some seek to understand, others just stuff it down, whatever the case may be.
Each one of us has choices to make and some of us need to be loved on and shown that there are better choices.
This past weekend I worked on the question of how much faith do I have? The bible says if you have faith the size of a mustard seed and you ask the mountain to jump it will. Me being a visual person expects to see air under the mountain when it jumps. Our world moves and shifts everyday and after much thought I have to trust that just because I didn't see Oro Valley when the mountain lifted into the air doesn't mean it didn't move.
Do I have enough faith?
After this weekend I can say for sure that I have faith bigger than a mustard seed. :)
*Carrie*

Just like this bloom that was opening for the day, so
I am too blossoming in the love and knowledge of who God has created me to be.
Pretty heavy words to start a post but they ring so true.
I'll start with yesterday, I was doing some research for my retreat course and I was looking up ideas and scripture for my course notes.
I found so many people online who are doing what
I want to do, or they have something to say on the subjects that I feel that they are doing it better than I could.
I continued on, trying to ignore my lack of confidence, but it all came to a head last night. I had found a verse for something special planned and as I read through my LLM (Learning to Love the Master) manual, I broke down into tears as I struggled through why God has put me on this journey. I took my concerns to my journal and asked God for his answer.
And he gave me one.
You are a spark, to give hope and rest to those you will serve.
I cried.
It was during my tears that my friend LaDonna texted, Hey chickadee. We ended up having a conversation that I'm still sitting in.
We truly don't realize how we inspire or whose life we have touched by just being ourselves, that even when told this, it is hard for us to accept.
This morning as I continue to reflect, I saw today's daily truth from the Brave Girls club. Brave Girls daily truths
I just love how God works in our lives, especially when we open our eyes to see the beauty that is around us and inside each of us.
Last Wednesday I was shown quite blatantly that I'm on the right course.
Rob and I were sitting at dinner and out of nowhere it felt as if someone and just rushed up into my face and started yelling at me. I almost had to gasp for breath it was that profound. I have never had anything like that happen before. The words I heard were that; I wasn't going to do this retreat, to stop now before it was too late and that I wasn't good enough to do it and that the retreat wasn't good enough.
Once everything was spewed out I just sat there for a second, really that's about how long it took before the calm set in and I just knew that I was on the right track. I didn't really give the words a second thought because it was such a blatant attack that I knew it for the lies they were. I just kept thinking, Wow, I must be doing something right.
I have been shown over and over again that I am on the path set before me by my Creator. I'm willing to walk into whatever He needs me to because I know on the other side I will be better for it. It doesn't mean that the walk is easy or not without setbacks, but as long as I cast my eyes upon my Father each time I start to stumble, then I will walk into the person and life he wants for me. Its far better than I can dream for myself.
*Carrie*

Forgive me because I don't remember what site I got this photo from.
On Friday night the whole family watched Empire Strikes back and I must say it's such a hoot to hear my kids say, "I know that guy". "I'm trying to defeat Darth Vader now!"
You see for Wyatt's birthday he got the Ds game of the complete Star Wars Lego whatever. Now we are completing his training by introducing to him the story lines.
Saturday night we watched Return of the Jedi.
As I sat there and watched it brought back so many cool memories of have light saber fights in the front yard, me and a friend arguing over who got to play Leia and all sorts of adventures using the playground equipment from the elementary school next door.
I think as a young girl, Leia was someone to look up to, she was strong, smart and could kick some major butt.
I recently saw a picture on pinterest showing 6 women in today's culture that some girls idolized Kim K., Gaga, K. Stewart, Snooki and Kat VonD, below them are 6 women from various sci fi shows that they all kick major butt. I want my girls to learn that those 6 women that most girls idolize aren't worth idolizing. I want my girls to grow their strength in what God wants for them, to act with dignity, grace, service to others. I want them to use their minds and to love themselves as God loves them, with respect.
This was so not how I planned this post to go.
On Saturday morning I stole away for a couple of hours to just sit and work on my retreat. I have felt a desire to get away from all the noise so that I may hear where God is taking me. I'm hoping to have more time like this in the coming weeks until I have all the major kinks worked out.
I have finished my Walking in this World and my 5 Conversations to have with your daughter course. I'm now reading How to have a new kid by Friday, love Dr. Leman and 5 love languages of children. I hope to have both finished by this Friday. Already I'm looking into more studies just so that I can grow and understand more of how people operate. I must say it is opening my eyes and softening my heart to other peoples hurts. I don't want to try and fix them in so much as I want to understand where they are coming from.
*Carrie*

Big announcement this morning
I finished my Artists Way, Walking in this World, 12 week study!!!
So far I have never had a study meet me where I was at almost all the time. I learned so much not only about myself but how I process and sometimes avoid my one true passion. I'm so glad I did this. I kinda feel like this flower, starting to open up and bloom.
I'm making myself take a least a week off break before I jump in and begin the next book Finding Water. I would like to process and relax before diving right back in.

Another announcement this morning,
I had the craziest dream about cuttlebug folders and My little Pony.
Long story kinda short. Cuttlebug folders are embossing folders used in scrapbooking and card making and I received some for my birthday last week and have picked up a couple the other day. The My little Pony reference is because almost every morning after walking Kelly and Wyatt to school we watch a couple of episodes together on Netflix. Let's just say it was a crazily hilarious dream and I wish I could have finished it and remember more of it.

Let's see, Kelly is off her grounding and I'm beginning to read two books, Five love languages of children and Have a new kid by Friday . This momma is gonna be armed with love and discipline. New strategies to keep my heathens from becoming menaces to society. Nah, they're not that bad.
Last Friday Rob and Kelly had their first Daddy/Daughter Date. The two went bowling, enjoyed some
In-N-Out burger before going to see Madagascar 3. When Rob walked into the house that night he said that the movie is better than the first one and he wants to see it again. Awesome! They both had a great time and I hope this leads to more dates. I was home with Wyatt and Chelsea, we had pizza and watched the original Star Wars. He got the game for his DS and really had no clue about the story or who the cast of characters were, so we watched the movie. Very enlightening for him. Hopefully this weekend we can watch Empire Strikes Back.
I'm sure I could ramble on forever but I'm gonna get busy and enjoy my day.
*Carrie*

This shade of hibiscus is called Spin the Bottle, just FYI.
Have you every done a simple action that the reaction was greater (positive) than what you were expecting?
On two occasions this morning that happened to me.

Last night I cut out some vinyl for Wyatt's raingutter regatta boat to put on the sail and it turned out really well. Anyway, I also cut out a couple of crosses from the New Testament cricut cartridge. I applied one to my journal, because I kept getting the front and back confused, and the other I thought we could put it on the back of our truck. Rob saw it and said he wanted to put it on his journal. It received rave reviews from the people who saw it.

I decided to go take a quick picture of them.

Rob's cross is done in yellow and I'm in lime green.

I was thinking about crafting and time this morning and I was doing my best not to berate myself because I didn't do all that I wanted yesterday. I made a choice to watch Storm Chasers on Netflix instead. I started to think about my goal from over a year ago where I said I wanted to use each of my cricut cartridges. I haven't done very well with that goal and I have accumulated more cartridges since, go figure, huh!

I'm issuing myself another challenge. One to use my time more wisely and two, use these darn carts! I have some awesome images that can produce some beautiful home decor, cards, scrapbook pages, etc. Also I have bought some back issues of Cricut magazine and they have inspired me to craft more. Now I just need to break through and get busy.
I feel like I say this every few months but now its more of you HAVE to do this, and its not in a negative way at all. This is said in a more, this is who you are, amazing things happen when you create, and its part of your path.

Well hell, when you put it that way... (this needs to be a mantra)

Oh and as I was re reading this post I didn't mention the second thing.

My husband has always been the spiritual leader in our family, but he is very thankful for this new Carrie that has been emerging. I still look to him but I'm a better helpmate in spiritual matters than I have been before. We had an awesome talk at lunch today about how we are so in tuned to each other and how we define that biblical principle that we are one. We respect each other, we are the best of friends and we enjoy being together. We lift each other up when the other is struggling and right now he is the one that needs support. God knows he has done it for me so much over the last few years. I love the fact that we are both authentic about who we are whether we are together or apart, I just love us.

OK, enough of the gushy stuff, but I will say this, it was just one of those talks today that reaffirmed us. We're in this together. I couldn't have asked for a better partner.

*Carrie*

This will probably be a lot of rambling because I haven't posted in so long but if you love me, you'll forgive me.
As a family we've been dealing with one of our own and stealing. Stealing money from my wallet, books from school, you get the drift. We are going through our first grounding which in detail is being shut up in the persons room with no TV, ds or music. Your only companion is books. The duration of this grounding is two weeks. We are almost a week into it and have had more problems. We've done what the parenting books suggested. I'm praying we've made a turn in a better direction.
Tonight I had a serious heart to heart with my oldest. We talked about becoming the person God created us to be and knowing right from wrong and listening to our heart. We talked about what beauty is and what really matters.
All I can do is pray that she heard me. She seemed receptive and even offered up examples. I just need to continue to reinforce it. Growing up is so hard to do, and it seems so much harder now.
In our conversation we even began the birds and bees talk. Gulp. I tried to be as cool as my mom was with me; or at least I think she was cool. I guess the more we talk about it the more comfortable we will both get. I did praise my girl for the change in her attitude, she's no longer as negative as she used to be. I also did my best to reinforce her wonderful worth and how what she has to offer to the family is important.
I now have eyes that see and a heart that wants to see and make changes. With God's guidance that is all I can ask for.
On a continued, happier note, I'm about to finish a study for the first time. By myself. No one to hold me accountable but me. I feel awesome about that. A couple of years ago I did the Artists Way 12 week course and I never completed it (I think I stopped around week 8 or 10). Now I'm about to finish the second book, Walking in this World.  This book has really spoken to me right where I am right now. I realize now how much I have grown since I first started Artists Way almost three years ago. I was looking at my book the other day and saw how much I have put into practice what I thought I had forgotten.
After I finish Walking in this world I plan on happily starting the last book, Finding Water.
 I'm taking steps that will continue to grow me into a better person, the person God created me to be. I'm using all the potential people said they have always seen in me. And you know what? Its not scary at all. Its so freakin freeing. Once I stopped fighting it and went where my heart lead and is leading me, I'm happier and in a better place emotionally than ever.
I discovered over the weekend that the one thing I was/am struggling with is confidence. I can fake it til I make it but I was doubting my abilities and I found two verses in my bible that just hammered home. The first is from 2 Corinthians 3:5, Its not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own, our qualification comes from God.(NLT) and then second verse is Romans 15:13, I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.(NLT)
I'm working on a women's retreat course. I finally said it. This is for almost everyone.
You don't have to go to church to attend, you just have to believe in God.
It is something that has consumed my time, but in a happy way. This will be a course that combines some of my favorite things; journaling, art, food and pampering. I have huge dreams but I'm going to give this a test run in the spring of next year. When I have discussed the premise of this course, every woman has shown interest. I'm hammering out the details now. I dream of it being a weekend that will not only lift you up but show you how amazing you are and how much you have to offer yourself and those around you.
*Carrie*

Last night, Kelly and I walked out of Girls Scouts and so a cloud flash, by the time we got home we had seen a bolt or two so I set up the gear in the driveway. I sent this one into channel 9 and they posted it on their Facebook page. So far as I type this 260 people have "liked" the photo and 71 have shared it, but then 29,000 people like their page so I have the opportunity to reach that many.
But that isn't why I blogging today.
Really Carrie, its not all about lightning?
Heck no!
Last Thursday afternoon my kids asked if on Friday they could walk to school all by themselves. That they were getting to be big kids and wanted to walk alone. So I let them walk to school. I prayed for their protection and put the fear of God into them before they went. Yesterday after I picked them up from school and only day 2 of walking without me, Kelly asked if I would walk with them today. As we set off this morning I asked them how far did they want me to walk with them, Kelly says until the crosswalk. So I walked to the crosswalk with them. The crosswalk is where I normally say goodbye, but I was willing to go as far as they wanted me to.
I gave them a bit of freedom and they realized that they felt better with me along. My babies are not such big kids after all, and I am happy about that, because I know my time is short lived where they will want me to walk with them.
*Carrie*

 On Sunday the mother of all storms blew through Tucson. It knocked out power poles and left us in the dark for about 4 hours. The kids ended up spending the night at grandmas while Rob and I braved the powerless house. Thankfully the power came back on at 10pm.
After the kids left for grandmas Rob and I took a ride. I was determined to just enjoy the light show and it was Broadway worthy.
Rob and I kept oohing and ahhing over some of Gods light show and a couple of times you could overhear us say, "did you see that!"

We looked at the radar on my phone and noticed that another storm was about to come over the mountain. We drove home to get my camera and went to my favorite spot. I had two bolts that were soooo bright for the camera that they blurred like this second photo, but the top was my favorite for the night.
It is again that yearly want to have a wide angle lens. Which would be awesome because I sometimes miss a part of a bolt because it spread out so wide. I missed one big bolt that when it hit the air turned green and pulsed so I'm sure it hit a transformer or something, it was kind of eerie.
I love being able to go out with someone to take pictures, It gives me someone to talk to and I feel safer. When I'm by myself I feel like I'm always looking over my shoulder expecting to be jumped. No matter what though I'm not going to stop going out and I'm smart enough to be prepared, at least I hope so.
Tonight's weatherman is calling for more storms but it sounds like its going to be this afternoon. I'm thinking of trying to get some afternoon weather shots this time. Wish me luck if the storms come through.
*Carrie*

At about 8:30 last night I was dozing on the couch when I heard thunder.
I got up to check the skies and saw some beautiful cloud lightning to the north and to the northeast was some crazy bolts of lightning.
Since I was in my jammies and had no desire to go racing over to that side of town I decided to just sit back and watch the show.
After a few minutes I saw a bright flash on the northeast side. I went inside to get my camera just in case anything started to happen.
Oh and happen it did. I had my long lens on and just hoped a bolt would come into my view.
This monster came down and startled me. I knew I had gotten a piece of the bolts but wasn't sure how much.
This is what came into view after 30 seconds. Wowsers.
After this bolt there were a few more, but all just out of reach or I would catch a piece of it.
The pure joy of shooting lightning.
Whenever I have the chance to go out with Rob to shoot lightning, we talk about one day building a house with a  tower where I can get a 360 degree view of the city to take all the shots that I want. Imagine the sunrise and sunset photos, the clouds with rain. The amazing possibilities. We can dream.
I'll have to do another post of the shots that I got on Sunday night.
*Carrie*

First day of school!!
We have entered the 5th and 3rd grades. Whoo hooo!
As per tradition I do a head shot and a full body pose of each kid.
Guess who wasn't paying attention until we are walking to school and notice that I don't have a memory card in my camera?
Me.
Are you surprised? I'm not.
Thankfully I was only a few houses away so I could run back and grab the card. So, instead of my nice pictures I got this morning I snapped off these quickies. I just hope I can try and get better ones when they get out of school.
Also being the first day of school we have our traditional DQ treat tonight.
Once we got to school, it took us about 20-25 minutes to walk there we checked out the classroom assignments and discovered that Wyatt was placed into second grade instead of third.
Got that switched around and found out that one of Wy's cub scout buddies was going to be in his class. That is a huge relief because Wyatt didn't sleep well last night because he was nervous.

Kelly is in good shape because her best friend Madison is in her class and another former student from Tag that was in their class in now going to Ford. This brings it up to 4 or 5 kids that Kelly already knows and if I include mutual knowledge Wyatt knows about 4.
This is a huge weight off our shoulders because we didn't think they would know anyone and its always hard to be the new kid, thankfully there are several kids they know.
I'm very excited for them and can't wait to find out how their first day went.
Here is to a great school year!



*Carrie*

 On Monday we took a little road trip down to Benson to check out Holy Trinity Monastery.
I really wanted to share this pretty place with Rob and I wanted the kids to see all the peacocks.
We arrived around the monks lunch time so I knew we wouldn't be in the way. We cautioned the kids to keep a low voice and tried to explain to them how these gentlemen live.
I had Rob drive around to show them where we stayed and we got out to walk around the pond that was a few feet from our lodging.

 We had spotted a few peacocks as we drove around so I had Rob park up by the bookstore and we walked around. We walked around the big pond and up around the chapel garden before crossing through the meditation garden on our peacock search.
We occasionally would hear them call out but the darn devils were hiding out.
We found a pretty bird on the outside of the meditation garden and he let us get fairly close before starting to walk away.
I mention to Rob that he should go get the bread out of the truck so we can try to feed. As Rob

walked toward the truck, the peacock started to follow him.
This beautiful guy was hungry and we all were able to let him feed from of our hand, even Chelsea was able to sit still long enough for him to take food from her hand.
We loaded back up and went into Benson to have some ice cream before we headed home.
that was comical in itself. My kids looked like a couple two year old with chocolate around their mouths and melting ice cream on their hands.
The best part of the whole trip though was hearing Kelly say what an amazing time she had. That made it all worth it.

*Carrie*

 Seriously,  my boy loves Mario and what I realize is ironic is that he didn't receive anything Mario for his birthday.
We bought him a wii game and star wars Lego ds game, grandma bought him an awesome radio, Uncle Mike and Aunt Amanda got him a razor scooter and Nina signed him up for karate classes at the Y.
He's happy as a clam this week.
We did haircuts and back to school clothes shopping yesterday, went swimming at the Y on Monday night
To top it all off he lost another tooth this morning!

School starts tomorrow!!!
I don't think any of us is really ready, I know I'm not but it will be nice to have some normalcy back in the house.
I'll be back with more pictures of our day trip down to the monastery.
(after re reading my post I realized I typed out my thought process, my crazy mind was jumping around)
*Carrie*

Wyatt is 8!
We had a little family fun yesterday because his party is going to be this Sunday. We picked up some cupcakes and he received one of his presents and we just hung out together for most of the day.
 I'll do a complete run down of some of the party highlights this weekend but I couldn't wait that long to post an update.
To my crazy, drama boy,
You keep the world on its toes and a light shining bright in our home.
Love you buddy.    
                                                

*Carrie*

 Arizona Highways Friday Foto

Yesterday I submitted this photo to AZ Highways Friday Foto.
I've never submitted any photo there before, but I found it extremely satisfying to see my photo on their blog today.
I was actually stalking their blog all morning because I love a good monsoon photo.
Did you actually believe that last line?
Sucker!
From the looks of things they pretty much showed anyone who submitted a photo.
But who cares! Hundreds if not thousands of people are going to see it. Yeeeee HAWWWWWW!
One of my dreams is to actually have a photo in their magazine. It's something that I'm striving for.
Have a great one.
*Carrie*

On Saturday a group of 12 kids from on church came back from Fuge camp in Glorietta NM.
I was asked to "sponsor" one of the girls that went. Sponsoring is my way of saying that I provided a care package filled with goodies and inspiring cards for everyday she were there. I also had to connect with my young lady and pray with her before she went.
Oh and wouldn't you know it, I forgot to take a picture of the cards I made.
I wonder if she kept them? I'm gonna ask.
Anyway on Sunday the kids came back all filled with Holy Spirit and just charged from the camp.
One young lady in particular really caught my eye. Normally she is standing there watching everyone as they sing during worship. She doesn't usually smile and I don't think I have ever seen her sing. This time she was standing on a chair rocking out with this huge grin on her face.
Now most people would be totally aghast with standing on a chair during service but if the good Lord led this young lady, I say You Go Girl!

After services I was talking to her mother, and told her what I saw and how I wanted to tell her daughter how awesome she was but I was afraid of how it would come off, so I said I would send her a card. Her mom and Rob encouraged me to tell her but I wasn't confident enough and when I mentioned the card she said that was a fabulous idea because that is her daughters language, that she also sends her daughter notes.
With that in mind, me being me, I procrastinated a couple of days but yesterday I knocked this card out. I must say this is one of my favorite cards I've done. It's all my idea, not scrap lifted and one that I'm very happy with.

This card also represents my idea from a YEAR ago about using all my cricut cartridges. Considering that my cartridge number is now over 170, I better get my butt in gear.
This card used Nifty Fifties for the background, Rock Princess for the young lady and Phrases cart for the You Rock.

Oh and I forgot, yesterday afternoon I found out that I can download my cricut handbooks to my Kindle Fire! Oh yeah, baby. I spent most of the evening downloading handbooks from the library and then going into the shopping area to download the digital handbooks. Now I just need to go through my list and see what handbooks I'm missing and the ones that I waiting for cricut to update. To find out how to download the books just google it, there are lots of videos.
*Carrie*

It's the second wettest July on record but can you believe that its the first one I was able to photograph? And I almost decided not to go out and shoot.
Thanks goes to my children for driving me crazy enough that I looked over at Rob and said, "I'm gonna go shoot."
So glad I did.
My main priority is to be safe and once I was trying to find the storm I realized I didn't have a lot of time to get far enough away.
Granted this storm was miles away but lightning can strike up to 30 miles away.

I pulled up next to the airplane graveyard and got out, watching the sky, set up and got two shots. The second one made me nervous enough that I packed up and drove further east.
On Houghton rd, I pulled over by some dieing saguaros and tried to take a picture standing in the back of the truck. The wind was blowing enough to rock me so this second picture is kinda cool with the crisp lightning and the double exposed cactus.

I jumped down from the truck, set up again and hit the shutter button. I was just about to release it when I got this bad boy. My favorite of the group.
I was feeling like the storm was headed right for me so I scooted down the road to get a little more south.
The bad part about driving farther down Houghton is that there isn't any saguaros to help your composition.
That's where I took this zig zag, down here.
It was also the last bolt of the storm.

Looking back over my lightning photos from the last couple of years my best ones came from storms in August and September. My monsoon season isn't over yet!

*Carrie*

I'm sitting at the desk checking emails, I hear birds chirping and the hawks screeching.
The next thing I see is this little bird bounce off our screen door and fly off but hot on his tail is a hawk coming in with talons out front and he's trying to stop before he runs into the door. I get up an look out the window and the hawk is now sitting on the top of our porch swing before he flies into our tree.
I grabbed the camera and came outside just hoping to get a better picture. I obviously got just a bit too close because he flew over to the block wall.

 My hands were shaking so bad I was lucky to get this clear shot. As the camera was snapping away the second hawk flew onto another wall and then flew off. This guy proceeded to hang out for a bit.
He flew off the back wall and came over to the front wall and was now closer to me. I know he was still searching for food but it was cool to see his markings.
Eventually he flew up onto our neighbors fence. He turned his head to look at me and I could have sworn he was checking to see if I was still following.

withing seconds he jumped down between the gap that is between our fences and I didn't see him come back out so I'm wondering if he caught anything. Maybe he decided to eat it right there. I have no clue.
I'm just happy to show some crisp pictures of these guys, I know there are three but I have no idea who is male or not and I should give them names instead of hawk 1 and hawk 2. The third was is noticeably smaller, so he is easier to identify.
Hm mm....what should I name them?




*Carrie*

 I posted on Facebook last night that since I've had no lightning to chase I'll be hunting the hawks.
Last evening the pair were in my neighbors pine tree and then in this dead one. I was cruised over and at one point one of the hawks started making their noises and they met in the air in the middle of our road and you could see the mouse clutched in one of its talons.

Last night I was telling Rob that I needed a faster lens to get better pictures.
Just to clarify, I have the 75-300 you know the one that is only like $200? It is slower than molasses unless that is what your taking a picture of :0
We started talking about which type of lens I would need and the cost. HAHAHA! I don't see buying a new lens anytime soon unless we win Publishers Clearing house.
Plus, if I could buy a new lens, it would be a debate over a long lens, ultra wide or macro and lately I'm leaning toward the macro. I will continue to make due with what I have and do the best with it as I can.
So I will continue to follow this bird family and hopefully get some awesome shots.
*Carrie*

When your in a hurry you don't always get the best shots.
Sunday morning right before church, our local hawk landed on our wall trying to catch my lizards.
Hey, I like my lizards, they keep me entertained.
I scooted outside to take a picture when the second hawk flew up. I just kept my finger on the button hoping one of these would look OK.
They both flew away within seconds. I occasionally see them flying down the alley  like bullets about chest high off the ground.

Now fast forward to this morning.
I was out shooting the sunrise when I heard the familiar chirps of the hawks. I watched as they flew from light post to tree chasing the doves around.
Then the pair completely freaked me out.
I'm standing in my driveway, in my jammies, barefoot, when the pair decided to head straight for me, and then flew up into my palm tree. Seriously, they were maybe 6 ft from my head. I had both cameras in my hands and my adrenaline was rushing so bad I never thought to point it up until one of the hawks flew off the tree over my head away.
I was so pumped after that, that all my shots were pretty blurry from camera shake. As Rob and I talked this morning we were watching the skies we saw a third hawk. It looks like we have a family. I do know that their nest is only 4 houses away.
 I'm really hoping to get some awesome shots of these guys that I can frame for the house.

*Carrie*

 Here is the story of the peacocks.
I apologize for the bad photos but you get the idea and I wasn't sure how my flash would affect the birds, it didn't.
One of the nice gentlemen that worked at the monastery told us after dinner on Saturday night that around sunset the peacocks put on a show.
Every night around sundown all the peacocks would come over to this wall, one by one they hopped up to this wall. Then he said it was like a pecking order each one would fly up into the huge tree in the meditation garden.

At first all of us women waited but as it got darker and the birds were just walking around most of the ladies gave up and went back to our rooms.
I think the peacocks were waiting for us to thin because shortly after they began to fly up to the wall and then fly up into the tree.
I had know idea peacocks did this.
All of a sudden you would hear this whoop, whoop like a helicopter blade and then the bird was on the tree, or you would hear them flying up to higher branches.

It was just so cool and not something everybody gets to see.
The next morning I went on another walk about because I had a few pictures that I really wanted before we left for the day.
As I was nearing the meditation garden I looked up and there were still a couple of peacocks and peahens in the tree!
How cool!
I'm hoping that sometime this fall, when it gets a little bit cooler to take the kids and Rob to explore.

I remember years ago, before kids, Rob and I would go on road trips and we would pass this place, a place I only knew from the 70ft cross you could see for miles. To know that you are free to explore and appreciate their beauty is awesome.
*Carrie*

 A week ago I had the pleasure of helping facilitate a women's retreat called Learning to Love the Master. The premise of the retreat is to reflect and journal your God story. Where has God been, from your earliest memories. It is an amazing journey.
At this particular retreat we tried out a new facility, The Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David, AZ.
What a beautiful location. Upon arrival we were surprised to see peacocks roaming the grounds.
The following morning my friend Annette and I set off to explore. We found 3 ponds with bullfrogs and dragonflies galore, ant hills everywhere, and wonderful nooks, crannies, gardens and trails. We lost count of how many peacocks and peahens are roaming around but believe me you hear them.
It was such a peaceful morning and Annette and I walked and talked for over an hour. Our favorite part of course was photographing all the peacocks. I was floored with how many displayed their feathers. We even had one that we could hand feed and he let us touch his feathers! So soft, so awesome.

I have always loved peacocks, they are right up their with flamingos so this was just a beautiful display of color.
After a day of reflection, journaling and sharing all of us ladies went on a little Saturday evening.
I'll leave those photos for another post because I have some cool peacock info.
If you are looking for quiet, peace, solitude, good food and gorgeous views, this is your place. I'm sure our church will be having more retreats here.
*Carrie*

Four years ago today I was laying on the couch watching Cars with the family when my water broke. We had no idea whether you were a boy or girl and now that the time had come, I was excited to find out.
As crazy as it may sound, I giggled as I was prepped for my c-section, once I was numb anyway. I felt the tugs and heard the doctor say, "it's a girl!"
Oh what a girl you are.
For your 4th birthday you received 9 new dresses. You prefer dresses to pretty much anything else. You can be the pickiest, most stubborn child.

Your favorites right now are My little Pony, which we got you 5 of the 6 for your birthday, we've gone back twice to get the 6th but the store is out. Lets see, Barbie movies, any of them, Disney Princesses, nightgowns, jewelry and tiaras.

Chelsea has now graduated out of the church nursery and into junior church with her brother and sister, God help them all. LOL
The Thursday before her birthday party Chelsea got a horrible case of the flu and I wondered if we should cancel her party. By Saturday her fever was gone and we had a blast with the family. That night though,

Wyatt and I got the flu. Wyatt rebounded better than I have but I think I'm finally feeling better. I just pray no one else in the family gets it. I would feel horrible.

Chelsea, you don't like to eat dinner at dinner time or you don't like what I make, you like pizza crust but not the pizza. We are trying to break your habit of BURPING every time you drink anything. You love Cheetos and are crazy for dum dum suckers. You also like bananas, cheese sticks, and grapes.
I love to listen to Chelsea sing in the car, she seems to have Adele nailed in the chorus of Rumor has it and Katy Perry in Firework.
This will be our last year hanging out at home together while the big kids are at school and I pray that we live up every moment. Of course life is never dull with Chels around. Happy Birthday baby girl, we love you
*Carrie*

For the last couple weeks I have been working on the second installment of the Artist's Way books called Walking in the World.
Oh my goodness how this book has spoken to me.
Do you know when people tell you that you need to hear or do something X amount of times until you get it? This has been my X. I've completed my tasks for this week and I think my favorite has been my letter to my inner artist. Before I re-write what I wrote (type that 5 times fast) I also want to mention my second favorite task which was to write 20 things that you wish for. That task was an eye opener because I think it truly showed who Carrie really is. As a person I feel that I'm greedy, materialistic, and selfish most of the time but give me 20 things to wish for, and dang it! I guess wishes are selfish! I found that most of what I was wishing for leaned more towards making me a better person.
Here is a few things that I wished for: a large studio, to travel with my family, more generous, an interior designer for my home, a cleaner house, to be more brave, to take classes in any subject that interests me, to have original ideas, etc..

My last task was to write a letter to my inner artist. I don't plan on rewording everything so that it flows better for you, this is just my thought process as I wrote the letter.
To my inner artist,
I have down played  my creative nature for so long, I still don't know what it would look like to truly set free. My dream from many years ago has been this, to have a home in Oregon, mostly Astoria, with a beautiful view of God's world around me. A big studio with lots of light to just create. I wanted to have family picnics in the vibrant green grass and go sailing on a calm lake or tossed around on the  ocean. Yes, I have spent many years holding back and not even trying because I thought that I'm not enough. Honestly that was fear and fear is mostly in our heads, it doesn't materialize. I want people to know my dreams, because I feel we are all connected and who knows, maybe that one person is part of my path that will lead me closer to my dream. I have always had a "try something once" attitude and "life is an adventure". Why didn't I apply that to my creative life sooner? I need to stop worrying about the cost of one piece of paper and try. If I fail, what happens? I at least know how not to do it. Experiment, let go. Experiment with color, with angles. Put your visions on paper and revisit them often. Admire those around you for their strengths and avoid looking down on people. We are all on a journey, for this you know too well. Some prosper, some give up, some deny, and some at least try. Obviously right now you are trying many creative avenues. I think that this is a good thing, many things in life are intertwined, who knows where it can/will lead you. Are you open? Are you willing? Than enjoy the ride.

Last Saturday I took the kids up to Walgreen's thinking that they could get a pack of go-gos and Chelsea a my little pony toy. We walked out with a pack of go-gos for Kelly, a Lego man for Wyatt and this tiara combo set. This tiara set has been the best investment of $4.00 that I've spent in a while. Chelsea has worn it every single day since. Seriously it doesn't come off. At bedtime its on her shelf and as soon as she awakens its on her head and she comes to us to help put on her necklace.  We've gone to church, grocery stores, Lowe's, she is a princess and everyone thinks its the cutest thing. If they only knew what a terror she is.

Our front yard is in bloom and my favorites have to be these day lilies that originated from Rob's grandmas yard in Mississippi. We've had them for about 10 years and they continue to bloom every summer. In the last day or so my hibiscus are blooming again, the jasmine is flowering and my rose bush is unfurling it's pretty petals.
I love seeing all the color.
On Monday we went to Lowe's to pick up a couple of things and we added some dianthus, a red mandavilla and a honeysuckle bush. 

I really wish we had the money to pay someone to come work on our yard. I have this vision in my head of all the ideas that Rob and I talked about and I just want to see it come to fruition. Yes, I know that it will mean more if we do the work ourselves, but I'm just so excited to be able to sit under the arbor, watch the birds eat from one feeder and drink from the bird bath. We have some beautiful hummingbirds and to know that we bought some of our plants to cater to them and the butterflies just fills my soul. To be able to watch the vines climb the trellis that will one day provide shade to sit under. To see all the colorful artwork that the kids and I are making.
In two years, wow, that long?! I can't wait to show off how are garden is growing. The oasis that we envision. Rob would tell you that he is excited about growing a bigger garden next year. So far, our crop hasn't yielded any veggies, but to see them grow and spread out, watch the blossoms pop open on the squash plants has made him very excited.
Every morning and/or evening we make our rounds and discuss how some of the plants are doing. We make adjustments on water and shade and then our talks circle back to a few of the plants and where they might go in the back yard.
Maybe I'll try to sketch what the yard will look like. Of course it could take awhile because we keep changing our mind on where everything is going to go.
Last Saturday before going to Walgreen's the kids and I tried to make the paint pots that were buzzing around Pinterest. rainbow pot tutorial I let the kids pick their own colors obviously. I will try this again because these pots sure didn't turn out like I thought they would. I probably didn't use enough paint, so I plan on trying again, I just need to go buy more paint.
*Carrie*