Save what?

Save what?
The economy is a big bummer, my husband has worked in the financial field for some years now. I really don’t “get” much of what’s going on in the USA with the banks, Wall street etc. All I know is people across the board are freaking out!!! The government has no idea what to do, some months ago, “big government people” came to my husband and others who are “in the know”, and asked for ideas on how to help the USA, and $$$$. I am sure these “big government people”, asked for lots of advice. What has gone wrong? The early 1990’s were really good in the USA, even the auto industry was making money. I am not about to advise who people should vote for, I don’t even really understand the whole thing . All I know is we are all supposed to hang tight, not quit spending (that would further damage the economy), you can still buy chocolate, yet, save money because the “rainy day” has come.
So we are supposed to save what? TIME……………………………… Take advantage of the small moments (like a fine box of chocolate), and pray, God wants to hear us, be thankful, and helpful to others.
God is good, Life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

thoughts from the garage..............

The weather-
Yeah, Ummmmmmm not a happy camper….. Thanks to all you sweetie pies that came by today to see me in my garage.
You can’t predict a rain storm or rather several days of rain while preparing for a garage sale.
Yet, I am bummed, it is raining now, and it will most likely rain tomorrow. That’s right, me, my vintage items, and the rain. I have lots of random thoughts while sitting in the garage on my folding chair. Thoughts like, do those big webs contain spiders? Did I really once buy that tie dyed dress thinking I would look good in it? How long would it take me to write something on each of the papers (100+) stacked on that table? Why is a Barbie grave always the dolls naked in a box? How long is it going to take me to pack these “goodies” in boxes and bags for eBay, and charity donations? Do people like used shoes? Is an item listed for 20$, supposed to sell for 2$ or is the person just being rude?
You tell me……………………………..
God give me grace, and peace of mind.
God is good, Life is Hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Peek at my Pad #2

Peek at my Pad #2.…………………….
Ok, so here is where I write. I have a vintage white desk, a “regular PC”, (secretly wanting a MAC). My favorite part is that it is by a window on the second floor of my home. I often look outside while typing to see the business of the day. Today’s picture is of the “goodies” above my desk. They are silly, or sentimental items. I have always loved elves of pixies, not thinking they are REAL creatures or people, more the fairytale aspect. I have MANY from the 1950’s. The little pink cabinet, hosts two pixie ladies with sweet baby faces, and pastel iridescent paint. Another is a greeting card with a travel trailer from Michigan (my home state). Some newborn pictures of my kiddos. There is a silly poodle vase with tinsel sticking out of his head, a gnome piggy bank etc. In typing this post, you see from my view into my home. I also hope you begin to see into my heart. Stuff is stuff, relationships and faith are forever.
God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

YARD SALE!!

Ok folks, I am past the prime yard-garage sale season, yet my basement and closets were full. I have donated a total of 20+ bags to charity this year alone. My husband says, "just donate, yard sales are a total hassle , it is better to just give it away and get the tax credit.”
Well, I have done this like 20 times, and why not encourage the kids not only to give to those less fortunate, but sell their toys and earn their OWN money. (while giving a portion of this to missions or another charity) Soooooooooooooooooooooooo, we are having a yard sale this Friday and Saturday from 9-2. If you are local come on by.
Since making this decision and de-junking (not a real word), I have thought about all those self help books on clutter, and the TLC shows on hoarding. Do I have a disorder, am I heading to a life alone in an antique mall on a folding chair talking to strangers about the VALUE of junk? Will I be buried underneath mountains of plastic stow-away containers with nice labels, and filled to the brim with VINTAGE items, and keepsakes? Does everyone see value in saving a post surgery lung capacity machine? (the kind they will give you again after an operation) Do other Mom’s save 90% of art projects from Kindergarten through the 5th grade? Ok, the answer is really NO, so I have decided to shed my collecting of all things ridiculous. No you don’t have to worry about me like Howard Hughes, I am not saving urine and nail clippings. I am feeling lighter already.
Laugh out loud, it’s good for your health.
God is good, Life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

Nate the great.....................

A date with “the Nate”……………………
Nate is 4, and a total romantic. He tells me at least once per day, “Mom I love you, I’ll love you forever (FOR-EBBER), even when you are dead I’ll love you.” So, it is really no surprise he wanted a date with his Mom. You know, not the usual help me with the laundry, pick up toys, grocery shop, a real date. So today we had a “REAL” date. We took Daddy’s convertible (a 2 seater), and left at 1:00.
We left, speeding down our street (well, as fast as I could safely drive). He wanted to know where we were headed, I said, “a new park, and then a movie w/ popcorn and a slushy.” He said, “wow Mom, this is going to be fancy.”
The park was delightful, I chased him around, and he was friends with everyone in 5 minutes flat.
The pictures you see are from our time at the park.
Then we headed to the movies, while waiting he had a lot of questions about life, the movie screen, what made me scared, how my surgery scar was healing etc. Before the movie started he asked for a booster seat, he needed this so he could put his arm around me, you know like Dad does.
I’ll leave you with my Nate poem.
There once was a boy named Nate, who was really, really great.
He had blonde hair, and blue, blue eyes.
We call him, Nate the great.
God is good, life is hard, I am blessed.
Xo,
Mom
Carrie

peek at my pad #1

Peek at my Pad is a joint blog effort, it will be every Thursday for a LONG while. If you wish to join, your blog in this effort, just add my blog in your “favorites,” or make a mention of creativeandblessed.com.
Please also check out my friend Emily’s Pad, she is http://emeliaro.blogspot.com/, or click on Emily Smelts in the right side column.
Ok, what you are looking at is my wonderful, Hobbit like front door. I love the rounded top, and detailed window. The walls in the entrance and living room are sunshine yellow. The little corner hutch holds a seasonal display. Right now it had vintage goodies from the 1950’s riding in back of a 1950 metal toy truck. I take great joy in setting these little vignettes up in my home. You also have a general overview of my living room, VERY eclectic. My fireplace is a wonderful focal point in the room.The patch work rug is from the company Flor Rugs, they come in a 12x12 square and are put together how ever you wish, wash and vacuum great etc.
This is a busy area of our home, and I hope it is welcoming.
Thanks for taking a Peek into my Pad,
God is Good, Life is Hard, I am Blessed,
Carrie

atta girl......................

Ata girl……………….
Have you heard the expression, “get back in the saddle,” well this is what my oldest did a couple of weeks back. She has always related better to animals then people. She began a love affair with horses around age 5, by age 7 she was just nutty over them. When she turned 8 she started riding at a small stable outside Chicago. It was fairly relaxed with a lot of attention paid to caring for the horse, and tacking up. I think she liked this almost more then riding. Due to liability when we moved to the east coast, we couldn’t find a stable near our home that allowed this, they bring the horse to the rider, “ready for the lesson,” not wanting the rider responsible for any horse care. This was somewhat of a disappointment, but at least she could ride. She rode near our home for close to a year, when one fateful day the horse was spooked and she was thrown. I was terrified and ran to the arena, having seen her thrown like a rag doll. She was in shock, crying holding her arm saying she was scared and in pain. The riding instructor looked out of the corner of her eye, reassured Sarah she was fine, and asked her to get back on the horse. Sarah cried louder in pain, and was not able to do either command. The instructor was angry and disappointed.
Soon after we headed to the hospital, Sarah had broken her arm just below her shoulder. It was in a sling for 8 weeks, and no riding for 3 months. She actually took a 9 month leave, returned to another stable in Michigan this summer, and had a delightful experience. She then met her fears head on this fall, back to the stable where her injury occurred. This was very scary to say the least. With a quick prayer, she got back in the saddle.

God is good, Life is hard, I am blessed,
xo,
Mom
Carrie

It's that time................................

My sweet little girls at age 4, and 6 years of age, in their cute little fleece vests ready for a cool Chicago fall. We are now on the east coast, and I am ready for cool mornings, I can feel it the air is changing. The trees are gradually changing, and the evenings are chilly. I love fall, the colors, the newness of our schedules, the anticipation of our “family” seasons. When I look at these old photos, I can remember my little ones looking to me for help with their zippers, reaching up with little chubby hands to hold for a walk. These times fly by, and traditions are established.
Tonight at my dinner table the kiddos asked ,“are we doing the annual Schwartz pumpkin carving party?” This is something we have done all their lives, no matter where we have lived we host a neighborhood party of parents and kids, child safe pumpkin carving kits, templates, and pumpkins. The answer was , “YES, we always do .”
Some times it is good to ALWAYS do things, tradition and family are important.

May we be grateful, and thankful for each “ALWAYS” we have.
God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
Carrie

woe is me............................

Woe is me……………………..
This title is a little misleading, I don’t really feel this way, although sometimes it appears that way to others. Let me start by saying my husband and I met at church age 10, and 11. It was not love at first sight, I thought he and his brothers were, “gross, boys,” the kind that made fart noises, and picked their noses.
After many youth group encounters, I had a deepening respect for them, they were kids of faith. They all lost their mother to a tragic accident at age 13, 11,and 9. Having said all that, we had deep friendships, that eventually turned to love for my husband and I. We were married nearly 15 years ago, at age 20, and 22. It is hard for me to believe this year I turned 35, and will have been married 15 years!!
We were married 3 weeks when a life changing experience happened. It was one week after returning from our honeymoon. Sunday morning March 27, 1994, on our way home from church we had an automobile accident. My husband was driving, and I was riding passenger in our 1986 Honda Civic. A truck in the other lane going approximately 55 miles per hour crossed the median and hit us head on. I saw the whole thing happen, I even remember saying , “We Are going to H -I -T.” And in a flash, everything changed. The sheer force of the accident, pushed our car up and onto the lawn of a church on the side of the road. The entire congregation heard the accident and came outside. People were gathering by the side of the car, praying, gasping, contacting law enforcement. A calm came over me, peace through my entire body, I never lost my awake state . The fire department came to the window, asking what I felt, I told them I broke my neck. Looking at the state of the car, they said, “Do not move, we’ll need to cut you out of the vehicle.” My seat had broken, my legs were pushed into the engine, I was spitting out chunks of bone from my front teeth, glass was everywhere. Yet, there was complete peace. My husband had opened his door and left the vehicle, due to the shock and a sever concussion, he did not know his name, where he lived, or what was going on, he did however know I was his new bride. The man driving the truck was not injured, his wife did suffer minor injuries. He was 92 years old, and his daughter (maybe age 70) had renewed his drivers license for him.
After my assessment at the trauma center, I was found to have life threatening injuries, a broken neck (c2-c3, otherwise known as hang mans fracture), all my left side ribs were broken, broken right clavicle, and many lost teeth, as well as minor cuts and bruising. My neurosurgeon at the time said it would be 24-48 hours before they knew if I would make it or be paralyzed. God was good, the power of prayer was amazing. I was going to live, and I would walk. A few days after the accident my neurosurgeon said he had never seen anyone with my fracture live with out being a quadriplegic. After much time in the hospital, and a titanium halo fitted into my scull, I was sent home with nursing care.
It was not what I wanted ,or what I had envisioned as the first year of my marriage. This is what happened, and I was changed. There is much I have learned, this was one lesson. Life is precious, each day is a gift, treasure those you love, and seek faith.
GOD IS GOOD, LIFE IS HARD, I AM BLESSED,
Carrie

First day back........................................

First day back..............
It is hard to get back to early mornings, and lots of unknowns. My kiddos did it with the not too many problems. My oldest got ready, and asked me to take her to the middle school, I was pretty happy that she "wanted" Mom and her mini van to accompany her the first day. We parked the car, I asked if she wanted me to walk up with her, and she nodded her head, "yes." As I began to get out of the van she looked at the other students walking up, and not a single one had a parent along their side. She then looked at me all "bug eyed", and said, "quick Mom, get back into the van, nobody has their Mom." She leaned over to give me a kiss, and marched alone into the building. My hear fluttered over what big deal that was, and yet sank realizing I wasn't wanted or needed for this task any longer.
Second in line is my middle, she was up early, working on making herself look, "just right," and working on a really hip outfit. She was all smiles with her adorable friends all walking with their Moms to 4th grade. This was a happy bunch of little girls with confidence of "older," elementary students.

And third but not least, my boy. This is little mans last year of preschool and he is "big man on campus." He was a little bitter that some of his buddies were headed to Kindergarten and he had another year of preschool. Once we arrived at his building he was ready to PLAY!

As a Mom, I am so proud of my 3 little people. There are times I wonder if they will REALLY grow into functioning adults, and other times I think they are well on their way to happy adults. God willing, I will one day reflect on this 2008-2009 school year with fondness at all WE have learned.

God is good, life is hard, I am blessed,
xo,
Carrie

What are your thoughts and issues???................

Here is a point by point on issues, read them and let me know your thoughts.
McCain vs. Obama: Where they stand
45 commentsJun. 3, 2008 12:55 PM
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — A look at where Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain stand on a selection of issues as they go head-to-head for the presidency:

ABORTION

McCain: Opposes abortion rights. Has voted for abortion restrictions permissible under Roe v. Wade, and now says he would seek to overturn that guarantee of abortion rights. Would not seek constitutional amendment to ban abortion.

Obama: Favors abortion rights.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE

McCain: The co-author of McCain-Feingold campaign finance law, he plans to run his general campaign with public money and within its spending limits. He has urged Obama to do the same. He turned down federal matching funds for primaries so he could spend more than the limits. Federal Election Commission letter said he needs FEC approval before withdrawing from the primary public financing system, but FEC has not had quorum to act. McCain says he needs no such approval. McCain accepts campaign contributions from lobbyists.

Obama: The presidential campaign's fundraising champion has brought in nearly $265 million. Has signaled he will raise private money for his general election, despite his proposal last year to accept public financing and its spending limits if the Republican nominee does, too. Obama refuses to accept money from federal lobbyists and has instructed the Democratic National Committee to do the same for its joint victory fund, an account that would benefit the nominee. Obama does accept money from state lobbyists and from family members of federal lobbyists.

CUBA

McCain: Ease restrictions on Cuba once U.S. is “confident that the transition to a free and open democracy is being made.”

Obama: Ease restrictions on family-related travel and on money Cuban-Americans want to send to their families in Cuba. Open to meeting new Cuban leader Raul Castro without preconditions. Ease trade embargo if Havana “begins opening Cuba to meaningful democratic change.”


DEATH PENALTY

McCain: Has supported expansion of the federal death penalty and limits on appeals.

Obama: Supports death penalty for crimes for which the “community is justified in expressing the full measure of its outrage.” As Illinois lawmaker, wrote bill mandating videotaping of interrogations and confessions in capital cases and sought other changes in system that had produced wrongful convictions.

EDUCATION

McCain: Favors parental choice of schools, including vouchers for private schools when approved by local officials, and right of parents to choose home schooling. More money for community college education.

Obama: Encourage but not require universal pre-kindergarten programs, expand teacher mentoring programs and reward teachers with higher pay not tied to standardized test scores, in $18 billion plan to be paid for in part by delaying elements of moon and Mars missions. Change No Child Left Behind law “so that we're not just teaching to a test and crowding out programs like art and music.” Tax credit to pay up to $4,000 of college expenses for students who perform 100 hours of community service a year.


GAY MARRIAGE

McCain: Opposes constitutional amendment to ban it. Says same-sex couples should be allowed to enter into legal agreements for insurance and similar benefits.

Obama: Opposes constitutional amendment to ban it. Supports civil unions, says states should decide about marriage.

GLOBAL WARMING

McCain: Broke with President Bush on global warming. Led Senate effort to cap greenhouse gas emissions; favors tougher fuel efficiency. Favors plan that would see greenhouse gas emissions cut by 60 percent by 2050. Supports more nuclear power.

Obama: Ten-year, $150 billion program to produce “climate friendly” energy supplies that he'd pay for with a carbon auction requiring businesses to bid competitively for the right to pollute. Joined McCain in sponsoring earlier legislation that would set mandatory caps on greenhouse gas emissions. Supports tougher fuel efficiency standards.

GUN CONTROL

McCain: Voted against ban on assault-type weapons but in favor of requiring background checks at gun shows. Voted to shield gun-makers and dealers from civil suits. “I believe the Second Amendment ought to be preserved — which means no gun control.”

Obama: Voted to leave gun-makers and dealers open to suit. Also, as Illinois state lawmaker, supported ban on all forms of semiautomatic weapons and tighter state restrictions generally on firearms.

HEALTH CARE

McCain: $2,500 refundable tax credit for individuals, $5,000 for families, to make health insurance more affordable. No mandate for universal coverage. In gaining the tax credit, workers could not deduct the portion of their workplace health insurance paid by their employers.

Obama: Mandatory coverage for children, no mandate for adults. Aim for universal coverage by requiring employers to share costs of insuring workers and by offering coverage similar to that in plan for federal employees. Says package would cost up to $65 billion a year after unspecified savings from making system more efficient. Raise taxes on wealthier families to pay the cost.

HOUSING

McCain: Open to helping homeowners facing foreclosure if they are “legitimate borrowers” and not speculators.

Obama: Tax credit covering 10 percent of annual mortgage interest payments for “struggling homeowners,” scoring system for consumers to compare mortgages, a fund for mortgage fraud victims, new penalties for mortgage fraud, aid to state and local governments stung by housing crisis, in $20 billion plan geared to “responsible homeowners.”

IMMIGRATION

McCain: Sponsored 2006 bill that would have allowed illegal immigrants to stay in the U.S., work and apply to become legal residents after learning English, paying fines and back taxes and clearing a background check. Now says he would secure the border first. Supports border fence.

Obama: Voted for 2006 bill offering legal status to illegal immigrants subject to conditions, including English proficiency and payment of back taxes and fines. Voted for border fence.

IRAN

McCain: Favors tougher sanctions, opposes direct high-level talks with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Obama: Initially said he would meet Ahmadinejad without preconditions, now says he's not sure “Ahmadinejad is the right person to meet with right now.” But says direct diplomacy with Iranian leaders would give U.S. more credibility to press for tougher international sanctions.


IRAQ

McCain: Opposes scheduling a troop withdrawal, saying latest strategy is succeeding. Supported decision to go to war, but was early critic of the manner in which administration prosecuted it. Key backer of the troop increase. Willing to have permanent U.S. peacekeeping forces in Iraq.

Obama: Spoke against war at start, opposed troop increase. Now says his plan would complete withdrawal of combat troops by end of 2009, four months sooner than his previous commitment. Before that, had said a timetable for completing withdrawal would be irresponsible without knowing what facts he'd face in office.


SOCIAL SECURITY

McCain: Would consider “almost anything” as part of a compromise to save Social Security, yet rules out higher payroll taxes for now.

Obama: Proposes raising cap with an unspecified “small adjustment” that would subject a portion of higher incomes to Social Security taxes.

STEM CELL RESEARCH

McCain: Supports relaxing federal restrictions on financing of embryonic stem cell research.

Obama: Supports relaxing restrictions on federal financing of embryonic stem cell research.

TAXES

McCain: “No new taxes” if elected. Twice opposed Bush's tax cuts, at first because he said they were tilted to the wealthiest and again because of the unknown costs of Iraq war. Now says those tax cuts, expiring in 2010, should be permanent. Proposes cutting corporate tax rate to 25 percent. Promises balance budget in first term, says that is unlikely in his first year.

Obama: Raise income taxes on wealthiest and their capital gains and dividends taxes. Raise corporate taxes. $80 billion in tax breaks mainly for poor workers and elderly, including tripling Earned Income Tax Credit for minimum-wage workers and higher credit for larger families. Eliminate tax-filing requirement for older workers making under $50,000. A mortgage-interest credit could be used by lower-income homeowners who do not take the mortgage interest deduction because they do not itemize their taxes.

TRADE

McCain: Free trade advocate.

Obama: Seek to reopen North American Free Trade Agreement to strengthen enforcement of labor and environmental standards. In 2004 Senate campaign, called for “enforcing existing trade agreements,” not amending them.
from www.azcentral.com

It is a lot to look at, and some of you may be on the fence with issues, other things will be very clear to your core values.

God is good, Life is hard, I am blessed,
xo,
Carrie

almost time for school.......................

Expectations…………………
Remembering back to when I was a kid can be challenging, yet still possible at the ripe old age of 35. It was always this time of year that I was excited and nervous, internal questions of , (Who would be in my class?, Would I like my teacher? , Was I going to do well?, Would my clothes be stylish enough?, Could I remember my locker combination?) some excitement and some anxiety . Well now I have it on the other side as a parent, and the sympathy pain is intense, wanting to reassure the kids all will be well, and what is not, we will deal with when it comes along. Tomorrow I will officially have a middle schooler, elementary schooler, and a preschooler. It will be 3 very different buildings, and 3 very different needs this year. I am at peace that God will give my children grace, and me much patience.
God is good, Life is Hard, I am blessed,
Xo,
Carrie

True Americana.........................

True Americana-

So folks we went to Philadelphia yesterday, it was a sunny 88’ F, with 3 kids in tow. Does anyone love American history enough to tote kids age 11, 9, and 4 by foot throughout the “independence hall or square”, I can’t remember? Well, maybe people over age 60 do, or history professors, or really big geeks, no offence to anyone out there.
I thought the Liberty Bell was cool, and yah gotta love the volunteers dressed in all the period garb when it’s 88 degrees outside. The buildings were amazingly restored, and most everything is FREE, which is darn cool.
My husband liked it the most, then my 11 year old, then me, then the 9 year old , and the one who loved the history stuff the least was the 4 year old. But, we did take a ferry boat ride and tour a battle ship from WWII. So in the end, everyone liked our family-educational-Americana daytrip.
All, in all I felt very American, and proud of our history and ancestors.
God id good, life is hard, I AM BLESSED,
Carrie