Hmmm ...What are those crazy Carpenters doing now????

Hair Brust Experience of Beth Moore at the Airport

2010-01-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

For those of you who do not know Beth Moore, she is an
outstanding Bible
teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother
of two daughters.
This is one of her experiences:

April 20, 2005, at the Airport in Knoxville , waiting to
board the plane,
I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I
was doing. I'd
had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say this because
I want to tell
you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really
working in you.
You could end up doing some things you never would have
done otherwise.
Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons,
not the least of which is your ego.
I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange
sight. Humped over
in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes
that obviously
fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees
protruded from
his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger
was still in
his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins
and bones.
The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy,
gray hair hung
well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His
fingernails were long, clean
but strangely out of place on an old man.
I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort
burning my face.
As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I
found myself
wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting..
Then, I remembered
that he was dead. So this man in the airport... an
impersonator maybe?
Was a camera on us somewhere?
There I sat; trying to
concentrate on the
Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of
humanity served up
on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while,
my heart was
growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him.
Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable
than true concern,
and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this
bizarre-looking old
man.
I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on
the wall. I've learned that when
I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to
my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen.
And it may be
embarrassing.
I immediately began to resist because I could feel God
working on my spirit
and I started arguing with God in my mind. 'Oh, no,
God, please, no.' I
looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight
through it into
heaven and said, 'Don't make me witness to this
man. Not right here and
now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same
plane, but don't make
me get up here and witness to this man in front of this
gawking audience.
Please, Lord!'
There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness,
'Please don't
make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on
the plane.' Then I
heard it...'I don't want you to witness to him. I
want you to brush his hair.'
The words were so
clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts
spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his
hair? No-brainer. I
looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, 'God,
as I live and
breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this
man. I'm on this
Lord. I'm your girl! You've never seen a woman
witness to a man faster in
your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a
mess if he is not
redeemed? I am going to witness to this man.'
Again, as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word,
God seemed to write
this statement across the wall of my mind. 'That is not
what I said, Beth.
I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go
brush his hair.'
I looked up at God and quipped, 'I don't have a
hairbrush. It's in my
suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair
without a
hairbrush?'
God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk
toward him
as these thoughts came to me from God's word: 'I
will thoroughly furnish
you unto all good works.' (2 Timothy 3:17)

I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one
myself. Even as
I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those
same butterflies.
I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as
possible, 'Sir,
may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?'
He looked back at me and said, 'What did you say?'
'May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?'
To which he responded in volume ten, 'Little lady, if
you expect me to hear
you, you're going to have to talk louder than
that.'
At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out,
'SIR, MAY I HAVE THE
PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?' At
which point every eye in the
place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room
looking more peculiar
than old Mr. Long Locks. Face crimson and forehead
breaking out in a
sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on
his face, and
say, 'If you really want to.'
Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to. But God
didn't seem
interested in my personal preference right about then. He
pressed on my
heart until I could utter the words, 'Yes, sir, I would
be pleased. But I
have one little problem.. I don't have a
hairbrush..'
'I have one in my bag,' he responded..
I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on
my hands and
knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly
believing what I was
doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's
hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and
matted. I don't do many things
well, but must admit I've had notable experience
untangling knotted hair
mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either
Amanda or Melissa in
such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of
the strands,
remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous
thing happened to me
as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody
else in the room
disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments
except that old man
and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every
tangle was out
of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I've
never felt that kind
of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I
- for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of
God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone
renting a room and making Himself at home for a
short while. The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had
to be God's.. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an
infant's. I slipped the brush back in the bag and went around the
chair to face him.
I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knee and
said, 'Sir, do you know my Jesus?'
He said, 'Yes, I do'
Well, that figures, I thought..
He explained, 'I've known Him since I married my
bride. She wouldn't marry
me until I got to know the Savior.' He said, 'You
see, the problem is, I
haven't seen my bride in months. I've had
open-heart surgery, and she's
been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking
to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride.'
Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a
divine moment when
we're completely unaware of the significance.
This, on the other hand, was one
of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in
details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll
never forget it.
Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane.
I was deeply
ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so
proud to have
accompanied him on that aircraft.
I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to
board, the
airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming
down her cheeks. She said, 'That old man's sitting on the
plane, sobbing. Why did
you do that? What made you do that?'
I said, 'Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest
thing!'
And we got to share.
I learned something about God that day. He knows if
you're exhausted,
you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or
it is time to move on
but you feel too responsible to budge.
He knows if you're hurting or
feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning
under a wave of
temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you
as an individual. Tell Him your need!
I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering
how many
opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way .. all because
I didn't want people to think I was strange.
God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old
man to me.

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how
to dance in the rain!'

Update on Matt

2010-01-16T10:25:00.001-08:00

So we have still not heard anything new. Meaning... If he gets to come home the end of this month or not. We are praying that he does. Instead of having to stay over there for another 2-3 months.

WE want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to EVERYONE who helped us out by getting a character reference to us!!! It really means a lot to us! Especially having our family pull together like that for us. We will not forget it. :)

Praise list:
~God is working and molding our hearts together through this time in our life. He is in control and we know that and proclaim it every day.
~We both are growing in our faith with God. Especially Matt right now.. huge answered prayer!

Prayer list:
~That Matt gets to come home on Jan. 30th to Mtn. Home.
~The 3 star General, and the 2 base commanders deal with Matt in Mtn. Home. And that will be the end of it.
~That the 3 who will decide Matts fate will look out for his well being and do what is needed to help him move on.
~That Matt and I stay strong as a team and that nothing starts trying to wedge in between us.

Isaac's Senior Picture :)

2010-01-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

It looks like he is leaning forward, turned his head a bit to the left and is looking off into the distance. Even his hair is perfectly done. :)
Baby-Senior graduation pic. LOVE IT! HEHE

"When Godly People Do Ungodly things"

2010-01-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

This is the new book I am reading on my Kindle that Matt got my for Christmas! :) It is a very good book! Everyone and their dog should read it. It is by Beth Moore, who is one of my favorite bible study book teachers/authors. She is very HUMBLE and the book is very much lead by the HOLY SPIRIT. All of us have been temped/seduced by satan and his demons more than once if we are being truthful. It talks about his strategies, why he does it, how he does it, and how we as Christians can learn how to combat it. Learn how to see his tricks happening before he fools us etc. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for anyone who is wanting to strengthen their walk with God and who really wants to learn about how their enemy works so you can be "more" ready for him when he strikes again because he will if you are wanting to deepen your relationship with God.

Also for those who have been extremely hurt by someone. This will help you to call upon the Grace of God for forgiveness for that person. So bitterness doesn't take over your heart. Satan is the king and ruler of the unforgiving. His main goal is to seclude you by yourself and keep you there. So his demons can keep you there to torment. It will show you that no one is perfect. A critical heart is also satans domain. This is such a healing book! PLEASE give God a chance to talk to you through Beth and her obedience to him for writing such a book as this. :)

2009-12-29T13:12:00.000-08:00

The Clifton StrengthsFinder

As you may know, the Clifton StrengthsFinder measures the presence of talent
in 34 categories called "themes." These themes were determined by Gallup as
those that most consistently predict outstanding performance. The greater
the presence of a theme of talent within a person, the more likely that
person is to spontaneously exhibit those talents in day-to-day
behaviors.Focusing on naturally powerful talents helps people use them as
the foundation of strengths and enjoy personal, academic, and career success
through consistent, near-perfect performance.

Below are my top five themes of talent, ranked in the order revealed by my
responses to the Clifton StrengthsFinder.

How well do you think these themes describe me?

Empathy

People who are especially talented in the Empathy theme can sense the
feelings of other people by imagining themselves in others' lives or others'
situations.

Relator

People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close
relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with
friends to achieve a goal.

Responsibility

People who are especially talented in the Responsibility theme take
psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to
stable values such as honesty and loyalty.

Belief

People who are especially talented in the Belief theme have certain core
values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose
for their life.

Developer

People who are especially talented in the Developer theme recognize and
cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of each small
improvement and derive satisfaction from these improvements.

Awesome Flash Back......

2009-12-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

In YWAM, we learned that when you pray for God to mold you, make your faith stronger, clean out your heart, show you what is in your heart, grow your faith in him etc. That one of the first signs that God is starting to pull that root ( of bitterness, unforgiving, unfaithfulness, hatred, fears, anxieties, etc.) up in our hearts that has been growing there sense we were young and started experiencing these feelings.
1) Satan does not want this to happen! So ATTACKS will happen.
2) You will start feeling anger and strike out at anyone who is close to you or near to you.
3) Feeling of out of control, so you might start trying harder to control issues around your life more.
4) Going through the steps of denial. We never want to believe that we have these types of evil/ yuckies in our lives/hearts.
5) But once you really start focusing on God and praying about why am I feeling anger or fear of losing control etc. He will be there to answer you. :) We have to slow down and stop fighting ourselves and essentially God.
No more pointing fingers. It is SUCH an AWESOME HEALING PROCESS once you get to this step. But once again. When God tugs on that root another time to show another .5 inch. You will start going throw this whole process again. The faster you are able to see what God is doing, and be willing to be really open and humble about it. The faster the healing begins. :) Praise God you are the beginning and the END! You now everything about each one of us and still Love our sinful hearts. God once again please forgive me if I have failed you today. Please show me what I need to work on and do different. You are the ultimate convictor Holy Spirit! We are NOTHING WITH OUT YOU LORD JESUS! AMEN!

ABOUT 7 .....

2009-12-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

Weeks until I see Matt!!! Hopefully! Please Pray all goes according to plan and he gets to come home when they are telling him. Our plan is that I will fly down and meet him in Mtn. Home. Then we will get our house on base all figured out, get keys and paper work done. Take leave then drive the 4 runner back up to WA. for a visit and to get my stuff and our kiddos! Stay for a few days then drive both cars back down to Idaho and start the moving process into our new house. So that is our "plan". And now u know just as much as I do. :) hehe

Thanksgiving...

2009-11-28T22:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you father for all you have provided for me and my family. Thank you for keeping Matt safe and that we are able to stay in contact so much. He is much more than I deserve. Thank for Matt's family and my friendships that I have with them. I love deep, trust worthy relationships! Thank you for blessing me with my closest friends being in Matt's family. You have answered my prayers and crys about ever having a extended family again.. that they would love me for me. Thank you Jesus for what you did for me... I can only try to live my life for you to repay a very very very small part of what you did for me on the cross. Your love exceds all.
Thank you just doesn't even cut it...

Dad got a DEER!!!

2009-10-27T11:00:00.001-07:00

First we have Shaun mimicking George.

Then we have George mimicking Shaun. :)

Here is everyone watching and supporting Dads long awaited victory. :)

Shaun and Dad are very happy and proud!

And Finally the mighty HUNTER has his Prize! Great Job DAD!

Holy Mooooly

2009-10-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't been on here in ages! lol Just a quick update.. Matt is doing great. He has been keeping busy by going to the gym and watching movies in his down time. And of course talking with me. :) We skype almost daily in my morning and he calls when he gets to work at night. So most of the time I hear from him 2x Day. Thank you God!
They have been giving him building projects lately, like building closets and shelves etc. For the extra people coming in their dorm and so on. So he is totally loving doing that. He really misses his work in CE. Which is Civil Engineering Squadron that he was in before having to move to Services 3 years ago. He is totally a hands on man. :) Which so am I, our brains work the same on that one. hehe
He did get to go on a helicopter ride a week or so ago. But sense yesterdays news of the two helicopter's going down.. I told him no more rides for you! He misses everyone and of course wishes he could be here for the holidays.
Thanks for all your prayers.. Please keep them coming! If you want you can put Matt on your churches prayer request list. The more the better! :)
I am doing good. The up and down days come and go but for the most part I am staying healthy and active. I just joined the YMCA to work out during the fall /winter months. Its getting a bit chilly to run outside! God has blessed me with a free military membership to the YMCA. woohoo!!
I hope everyone is doing good and staying healthy!! :)

Haven of Hope

2009-09-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

So as for now, God has shown me that he wants me to work at Haven of Hope (a woman's and child homeless shelter). My first day was on Monday, which I helped coordinate 6-8 work stations for doing their monthly newsletters. So it was very easy to do and I got to interact with a lot of the women who live there. At first when I got there, parked my car and then I prayed that God would help me get out and walk up there. For some reason I get spiritually attacked big time when I first arrive at places like these to work at or what ever. But he came through and I walked up those stairs and the door was already opened with other ladies inside. The first set of ladies I ran into was the director that I have been in contact with. So that was my first huge praise! :) So looked at me and said hi and then turned away to finish a conversation with someone else. Then instantly she turned back around and said are you Darcy.. I was like yes I am. :) From then on it was very smooth sailing. I stuffed and addressed envelopes for 3 hours non stop. PHEW! It didn't feel like a job at all. That's what I love about doing Gods work... it never feels like a job that u are staring at the clock waiting for your time to be up. I had no set time.. so I was good to stay for how ever long they needed me for that job. The director and I got to talk a bit and she knows my mother n law. :) So she thought that was way cool! Some of the homeless woman sitting at the table with me, were asking me why and how was i there. Like it was foreign to them to have people just show up to stuff envelops at their shelter. I told them that I have done and enjoy doing mission trips.. but my health wont let me go this year so I found this place and emailed the director and wala here I am. They were like wow that's really cool.
I had such peace and joy in my heart while i was there and working with them. And as I type this I am feeling a pulling or longing to go back and help out more. So I totally know that right now, this is where God wants me to be. :) Thank you Jesus!

Robin Hood or Mateo Carpideim?

2009-08-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

So Matt has taken it upon himself to be thee " Robin Hood" taking from the rich and giving to the poor theme. hehe For some reason there isn't money to buy equipment for the kitchen Matt is trying to help. So he has taken on the role of finding ways to get baking pots and whatever he needs to help this poor kitchen get healthy and stay healthy. 2 days ago he saw some nice cooking pots and pans that ran around 40 bucks a piece. Laying in front of the A. military man. So Matt took his translator to this guy and asked "Are those yours?" The man says " o no they are my generals, u can't have them."Then Matt asks "Where did u get them?" The man says " o no they are my generals, you can't have them!" Then Matt asks "What would you trade for them?" (not 5 seconds went by) The man says " One of those I.D. badges that you use on your arms." Matt says ok, 10 min later he comes walking back with a I.D. badge for the man. He went and bought one with his own money. They trade and Matt takes the pots and pans and gives them to the kitchen people. So what say you? Is he a Robin Hood or a Mateo Carpideim?

Matts new job

2009-08-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

So they finally figured out where they want Matt to work. He will be teaching the Afghanies who are contracted into the base to cook. Here is a little blurb of how they have been doing it for a long time! lol

This is part of Matts email he sent me today.
When he got to see the place where he is working for the first time!

"I went to go see the kitchen that I will be working in with the
Afghanis, the first thing I seen when I walked through the door was one
of the cooks sitting on the ground chopping up a whole lamb that was
already gutted and skinned. He was using a cleaver and a tree stump as a
chopping block! And tossing the meat into a fly surrounded bucket. Blew
me away! The Major said that's how they have been doing it since they
got here. But the facility is pretty much brand new, so that's really
nice. "

SOOO Matts job is to teach them how to cook cleanly and safely. lol But I can see how this interaction with the Afghanies will really be cool for Matt to meet the true people of that country. Kinda like doing a Mission trip. Woohoo! I am excited for him! He said they are really nice people, even Matt's Major said he has been there for 5 months and has enjoyed getting to know them. :) Praise God!

Change of orders!

2009-07-30T10:55:00.001-07:00

M figured out yesterday that he isn't where we were told he is going to be! Instead it is north east ... and it starts with a A! Very scary place to be right now... So please update all of our prayer chains and churches prayer teams etc. If u don't know which place I am talking about then just email me or call me, mom or Naye. I told them all last night as I just found out last night.. and as did M! CRAZY HUH?!? 1 guy that M talked to said that base has been safe over the last 5 months with only one missile attack! I don't want any attacks! shish! Major prayers please!!!

He made it!

2009-07-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

He made it to his final destination this am our time and pm his time. We figured out that if you subtract 1.5 hrs from our time. Then change the pm to am or visa versa. Then that is his time over there. This way it is easier for me to remember.. other wise I just have a hard time figuring out the time difference. He was able to call me yesterday morning and this morning around 11 my time. He will find out tomorrow if he gets a day to deal with the jet lag or not. And might find out more about where he is staying and working etc. I have to make sure I don't give out to much info on here as well as on the phone calls with him. They are being listened to. :) Kinda weirdo huh?! If anyone wants to email him and send words of encouragement etc. His yahoo email is mj25carpenter@yahoo.com. He isn't good at responding but it depends on what time allows. So if you don't hear from him, please don't take it the wrong way.
He doesn't know anyone so far... so it kinda sucks for him in that aspect.. We are hoping that his friend he meet in New Jersey will be at the same base and that they can work together.
As for me.. I am just hanging around and staying as healthy as possible. My parents and I are going to go camping this weekend! woohoo!

As for all my new doc apts. and stuff.. Nothing has been figured out yet. They are sending me back to a G.I. tract doc. on the 11th of next month. So we will see where that will go. :) But at least they are looking for an answer! :) Praise God!!!!
Here is a pic of us when he came home to surprise me in June! :)

Matt leaves...

2009-07-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

TONIGHT at 7pm. He is flying via military planes from a naval base in Virgina to the Middle East. I don't now his 1st stop yet but it should be in Europe for refueling. Please pray for a safe flight for him. And that he gets good sleep. We are really hoping that he gets to work at the "place he is going to".. with a guy he really clicked with at the "Training". If he doesn't get to, then he won't really know or have any friends there until he makes some. And both Matt and I are picky friend finders. LOL Um prayer for me would be to not stress out.. when I don't hear from him for 3 days to a week at a time or more.. When I get stressed then my pain gets worse. We don't know how the communication will be over there. Last time it was great but that was also at a A.F.base. This won't be like that this time. :( Pray that God fills the emptiness in my heart with is love and truths from his words.. :) And that he gives me supper natural strength to keep being strong for myself and for Matt. The last thing he needs to worry about is me not doing well. Also please pray for Matt's mom and sister. They are going through a VERY rough time right now and it is killing Matt that he is leaving the country. Thanks for all who are praying and keeping up with my spiratic blogging. :) Some times its easier for me to not be on the computer.... so I try to stay away from it as much as possible. Loves to all!!!

A little news..

2009-07-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

We know that M is suppose to be in the middle east by July 28th. So there is rumors going around about him leaving around the 22nd of July. Right now he is just working and staying at his friends house still. It has already been 2.5 months sense I moved up to Wenatchee! M should be gone for about 6 months instead of 9 but that is always subject to change. But 6 is sounding nice these days. :)
As for my medical issues... I have started on some birth control to help slow down the endometriosis scaring. In about 3 months we will see if it is helping with pain or not. If not then we can at least rule out that factor of thinking. All my docs thought that was the cause... and I am not sure it totally is... it probably has a role in the pain but not the big daddy of pain maker. lol Does that make sense? lol hehe So any who my next appointment with a new doctor who specializes in muscle and joint pains is July 21st. So my primary doc and I are anxious to get his take on everything. :)
I have been keeping busy... going to Chelan to lay in the sun x2 this week, my cuz's wedding is today so I will help take some pics for them. I went to Long Beach with my parents over the 4th. That was really cool!! All the fireworks on the beach and over the ocean..LOVED IT! This next weekend I might go camping or if it works out.. drive down to OR to meet M for our last good bye.. for the 4th time. :) hehe Ummm I have been trying to run 3-4 times a week.. and that makes me feel so gooooood! ahhh I love running! It makes me like myself, feel good about myself, lets me feel free of emotional stuff for that time and for the next day afterwords. It lets my spirit free to be who I really am. With out all the crud the world stacks up on me (us). I have to make sure I don't run on hills though... my doc told me no hills.. cause one day i did some running on the heights roads where we live. And the next day it really hurt to get dressed. When I would lift up my legs to put them into the shorts holes. It felt like my back was shocking me, all the way to my upper leg. Weirdo I know... Any who I better get going! Loves to all! :)

What have I been doing?

2009-07-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Lets see.... I just got home from Mtn. Home on Monday. Matt was sent back to sit and wait on the Army for his deployment. It has been good to see him again but it also sucks that we might be moving back to Mtn. Home. Grrrrr... So its totally a waiting game. Matt has been staying in hotels and at peoples houses. Hotels get expensive fast! So ya... Matt decided he wanted me to come visit him there. Even though he DID get to fly to Wenatchee for like 3-4 days at the end of his training in New Jersey!!!! PRAISE GOD! We have caught up on our movies for the next few months! haha Well I just wanted to send a blurb out really quick to update everyone. Please pray that he is sent soon and that he gets to go to a safe place over seas. And hopefully it will only be 6 months instead of 9. :) Thanks for your prayers! :) Have a happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!

This last Friday...

2009-06-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

Was Meera's Wedding :)

I was tx-ing with her that morning and asked if she wanted me to take random pics for her with my nice camera and she said "that would be awesome" so I did. :)

Here are my favorite ones:

I was teasing her about having so many people playing with the back side of her dress... :)

I wanted a pic of those famous boots she was telling all of us that she was going to be wearing.. and I got Zac in on the pose to!

Amy's bouquet with Meera in the back ground.... cool!

Meera looking beautiful and stunning!

Amy and Lara looked beautiful and could be twins beside the age difference.. :)

Lee telling Meera something to make her laugh to take the tension away.

Congrats to Meera and Zac!

I hope you are having a great time in HAWAII! :)

oh how I love...........

2009-05-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Lake Chelan!!! I have been able to go up there 2 times this past week. The first time was on Memorial Day with my friend and sis n law Michelle. We found some cool floaties for half price at Bi-Mart along with a pump to blow them up. Then off we went to Chelan! :) Lake side was really packed as usual but I managed to find a side street to park on.
The water was about 10 feet lower than normal but I am thinking this is normal. Anyways we found a spot on the sand about 20 feet from the water. The water was pretty cold but there were lots of people and kids swimming in it anyways. I didn't go swimming that time but I did get wet enough to get on my floatie. Mich and I slowly managed to get out to the rope and hung on with our feet. It was great just laying there in the sun watching all the parcelling, and paragliding, boats, jet skiers going buy and riding the wakes coming into shore. hehe I love doing that!
The second time was with my friend Mykal. We went up yesterday and found a nice quiet lake side park but we went a little further and there is a tiny local beach that we always go to. And no one was there! PERFECT! I unloaded the floaties and our tasty treats while she crabbed the cooler and her pit bull dog named Anabel. :) hehe She taught Anabel how to swim. It was so cute.. she would be standing on the ground in the shallow water but her feet were doing the jog swim that needed to be doing. She knew she needed to be doing something here. lol
The water was a lot warmer than I expected it to be. I was actually willing and able to go swimming for a bit. The rest of the time I was on the floatie but it was again so beautiful and relaxing... I think we spent like 3-4 hours on the beach. Both of us needed this... we love going up to Chelan especially on a hot day! And there are many more trips to come! I am already getting a good tan with tons of freckles! lol but as my Grandpa Elliott would say " they are angle kisses"! :)

Only 2 more weeks...

2009-05-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Matt has 2 weeks left in his "special training" before he graduates. We still don't know if I will be able to go see him or if he can come see us here in WA. Please pray that he can come here so everyone can see him and have another chance to say goodbye. But if he cant then at least let me go there and see him off before he leaves the country for 9 months. :(

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers! :) They are very much needed and thoughtful! :)

I am keeping busy and try to just keep moving. I am so thankful that my best friends is here with me during this time (Michelle and all my family). Thank you Lord for placing me where there is great support all around me!

On next Tues. the 26th I have a doc. appt. with a pcm. here in E. Wenatchee. He studied at UW. And if he thinks I need to go over there to their pain mgmt. clinic then he will not hesitate.. so I am told. So another prayer request... that he will know what tests to preform etc. And that he is very nice and understanding to all my issues/emotions that are all tied together.

EVERYONE HAVE A GOOD MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!!!

I thought this was cool.. :)

2009-05-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

“Why Women Cry”

A little boy asked his mother, 'Why are you crying?''Because I'm a woman,' she told him, 'I don't understand,' he said,

His Mom just hugged him and said,'And you never will,

'Later the little boy asked his father,

'Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?''All women cry for no reason,'

was all his dad could say,

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry,

Finally he put in a call to God, When God got on the phone, he asked,'God, why do women cry so easily?'

God said: 'When I made the woman she had to be special,

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world,

yet gentle enough to give comfort, I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children,

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up,

and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining,

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances,

even when her child has hurt her very badly,

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults

and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart,

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly,

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed,

This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed,''You see my son,' said God,'the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,

the figure that she carries,

or the way she combs her hair, The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes,

because that is the doorway to her heart -

the place where love resides,'

Isaac James is here!!!

2009-05-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

My sister had her number 3 baby yesterday!!! We have been so excited to see/meet him! He was 21 inches long, 7lbn 13 oz! :) At the moment I am taking my brother n laws place at being at Denaye's side while he went home to shower and eat etc. Naye and Issac are getting some good rest while I play on the computer trying to be as quiet as possible. :) hehe Here are some cute pics that I took yesterday!
Enjoy!!!

He is a keeper! :)

a fun story... :)

2009-05-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

Soooo I hate needles! I get very clammy and nauseated when I think about them or see them coming at my arm... uhhhhgggg!
Matt had the awesome experience, having one of his fellow A.F. buddies practice on his arm (as if they were in the field and needed to give each other I.V.'S to save their lives. The guys first time of poking Matt's arm was a disaster!!! He thought he had the needle in a vein.. and proceeded to try and push the I.V. in. When a bubble or weirdo looking bump started to appear then both of them were looking at each other and saying uh oh... :( ! So the teacher came over to investigate and sure enough it was not in the vein at all. Matt made the mistake of watching the whole time and now he was getting clammy and feeling like he was going to faint! hehehe SOUNDS LIKE ME! So they pulled it out and had to try again on the other arm. So by this point Matt was not feeling very well .... and did NOT look this time. The guy finally got it right but what a nasty mistake the first time.... I would have screamed and hit someone. Matt sent me a pic of his arm and his whole forearm was blue and purple... YIKES!!!

This last Sunday ( mothers day) we went to my grandpa Bryant's. Celeste had her blood sugar checker poker thingy. And we were passing it around to everyone so each of us could poke ourselves and seeing what our blood sugar levels were. When it got to be my turn... just the thought of poking myself was making me all freaked out!! I would hold it next to my finger and then scream and pull away. Finally after about 10 trys. I told Celeste to turn on the machine and said 123 poked myself , screamed and it was over. The only way I could do it was REALLY QUICKLY! Of course everyone was laughing at me but I was proud of myself. lol :) And it was kinda fun to see what my blood sugar was at cause I have never had it checked before. It was 101 . YEAH!

1 week done

2009-05-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

Well the 1st week of Matt and I being apart is over. I came at a good time due to the end of apple blossom, seeing my dads side of the family Saturday and then my moms side on Sunday. So the first 2 days were filled with lots of smiles and people. So most of the time I was able to keep my mind off of us being separated.
This week I meet up with 2 old friends. I LOVE those friends that it doesn't matter how long you have been apart, you just pick up right where u left off. Like there was no time spent apart. No superficial talks etc. Both my friends Mykal and Mary are like this. I love them and appreciate them so much! My family and n laws are AWESOME! God couldn't of blessed me more with LOVING people. I am staying at my parents house with my "kids". Then at least 1 time every day I am over at my hubby's families house visiting/chilling/exercising/eating. It is literally my second home. Mojo comes with me most days to participate in what ever I am doing. He really enjoys car rides! Its pretty cute to have a dog pass out on his bed that is on the floor of the front passenger seat, as soon as you put him in. lol

Huge thanks to Michelle for driving me to Utah and then up to WA with my full car and two animals!!! 8 hour drive with a meowing, upset kitty! :) woohooo!!

Empty house .... upset smeeky.... momo is wondering what is going on???

2009-04-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

HEHE BRING IT ON!

Just thought you all would like this photo of me in Matt's full chemical warfare gear.

So ya today we move to the hotel this evening. Matt is working nights until Monday morning. So it will just be me and my animal kids. This should be interesting!!! We took down Smeekys kitty tower.... and with in 5 min. I found her standing over a packing popcorn thing that was totally tore up!! She never does that! So obviously she wanted me to know that she was NOT happy!! lol I had to sit her down and have a talk with her. Now she is ok, she knows that her kitty tower will be put up at her new home in a few days. Please pray that Jadi and Mojo behave in the hotel when we are gone. They are allowed to stay but if they are to noise they we have to do something about it.... So I am going to try and bring them with me ( at least Mojo) when ever I can... and just let him run around in the garage. I have today and tomorrow to clean. Monday the carpet cleaners are coming around 11am. Our "Final Inspection" is Tues around noon. Michelle flies into Boise around 3:30 pm.

We are doing better than last time Matt deployed.. So thank you for those who are praying!! Please pray that we pass our "Final Inspection". They are really picky and things have to be done a certain way.

Thank you!!! :)

Big move day!

2009-04-23T09:56:00.001-07:00

Today is our "rent the uhaul and gather up the men" moving day. lol Matt and I have been going crazy packing everything and trying to clean to get ready for the Final Inspection on Tues.
Michelle ( my sis n law) is flying down to drive me down to UT for my final appointment on Thurs (30th). Then we will drive up to WA. either on the 1st or the 2nd. Matt is suppose to leave on the 2nd of May.
Also today I have a appointment with a surgery doc. to get a weirdo bump removed from my back today... so please pray it gets done and I don't have to worry about it anymore.

some pics from McCall area

2009-04-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

It was so COLD!!! :)

This is lake in McCall.

I only have one camera downloaded... so I have lots of other pics but they are on the small camera that has a dead battery and I cant find the charger. lol So there you have it. :)

McCall, ID.

2009-04-10T16:39:00.001-07:00

No pics yet but I will have some after this next week. We are going to spend a few days with my parents at McCall this weekend. There is snow there still and the weather forecast of up there looks like snow will come every night! So I am excited to go snow shoeing, Nordic skiing and tubing!!! Plus there are like at least 2 hot springs to swim in there! WOOHOO

Arches National Park, UT.

2009-04-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

The three gossips.

That's me!

Mich and I

Balanced Rock

The sheep

This place is very neat and Majestic.

Vail, Colorado

2009-04-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

Riding on the Gondola!!

This was a nice stop/ break from driving. :)

Road trip all over... phew lol J/K

2009-04-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

We made it!!! I will post pictures later but I just wanted to write a little something to let my followers a update. :)

Michelle made it safely back to E. Wenatchee, WA. We drove from Denver to Moab the first day. Then went through Arches National Park for a couple hours. Then off to Salt Lake City. Then next day we made it Mtn. Home.
Thursday we ventured to a hot spring pool about an hour away from where I live. It felt great to soak our weary bones!! :) lol There was a floating log to play on and we both were able to stand up on it once or twice before falling off. lol
Matt's mom flew in on Friday and we had tons of fun teasing each other, celebrating Matts birthday and just hanging out.

Now I have 3 days before going to McCall for my dad's birthday/Easter/Matts birthday present/Celebrating our Ann. for 6 days!! WOOHOO!!!

As soon as we get back from McCall.. we have 2 weeks to get all moved out of our house and squeeze another trip to Utah in again!!! YIKES!

3 week delay...

2009-03-23T22:54:00.000-07:00

We get 3 more weeks together! So instead of leaving April 18th. He leaves sometime between around May 2nd. Praise God!!
We went down town and got a storage unit today so little by little things will get moved out. Having 3 more weeks takes the 50% of the stress away. Very nice! :)
Woohoo!

Matt's back!

2009-03-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

He was in Florida for 1 week doing some training. I picked up him last night... he was suppose to get in around 4:30 yesterday evening.. but due to spring break happening in Florida. His flight was overbooked and they kicked them off. Put them in a van taxi and drove them 2.5 hrs to Alabama to a small airport. He said it was smaller that E. Wenatchee's. They waited another 2 hours and finally got on their late airplane. So I finally got to pick him up 10:20 pm. Woohoo!

So today is a DOWN day. Tomorrow we drive to Utah for my next apt. on Tues at 2:50pm. Then we will drive back to ID. that night. Please pray for us for safe driving and for my doc to cooperate with us due to me moving to WA.

EVERYONE HAVE A GOOD DAY!

Going away party

2009-03-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

Last night my friends threw me and another gal a going away party. We went to Applebees and had dinner. Then we came back to my place and had peanut butter brownies and got a fire going outside in our fire pit. We had a awesome time just sitting and talking about all kinds of things. Then when the wind got to be a bit to much, we ended up in the living room. Some one put in a funny "special exercise " video. So all of us participated and it was so stinking funny!! One of those all time bonding times with the ladies! hehehehe It was great! Sorry no photos of the
"special exercises". Its all up to your imaginations..... :)

Packing packing packing..

2009-03-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

So I have taken down most of my decorations and boxed them up. Then I moved on to books, DVDs. Its hard to pack up things, then wondering if Matt needs this for Florida or K. So I end up stopping and waiting until he gets home and having to ask him what he thinks.

I am the type of packer that wants to get it all done in one day and not spread it out over a month... So then I think I should just stop and not do anything until right before. But as I am sitting at home playing on the computer, watching t.v. or out shopping. My mind is stressing about it all. So I have this battle going on in my head. Uuhhggg.. This is when my running or doing any machine at the gym comes in. It helps burn the chemical energy in my mind that is stressing over packing, traveling, Matt leaving, etc. Thank you for all your prayers and support!! :) Please forgive me if I am coming across temperamental or anything. Its not my intentions. Hows everyone else doing? Hows your day today?

This is what I am want to feel like.. peaceful, tranquil and relaxed!

And then there was 6....

2009-02-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

These were all taken during a game of Mexican train...

Matt was getting back at me for beating him in the game.. hehehehe

Naye was getting either stressed or laughing to hard at someone.. :)

Keira and Gabe passed out while we played a whole game of Mexican train. The fire place was going and there was a nice comfy couch right next to it.... the land of dreams was calling.. :) hehe

P.S. I got a video of some one snoring! muhahahha

Nayes pic that she wanted up. :) and more.....

2009-02-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

I love my family! :) hehe

There's my sister beautifully prego!

Come on mom.. big smile come on I know u wanna! :)

Yup these two are not related at all...nope no way. Totally not son like father.. nope nope!

Grandma looking beautiful! I love this pic!

If you get this look... u better run!!

We have a date.

2009-02-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

6 days after my dads birthday is when Matt will be flying to CO. for a month of training with the Army. Then he should fly out of there on his way out of the country to his 9 month destination.
Matt gets to go to Florida for a week for some more training/classes next week for a week. Lucky him.. sucks for me. lol
I am still flying down to CO. to drive Michelle back on the 29th of March. We will drive back to Mtn. Home and stay for a few days. I will get all my stuff together (Jadi and Mojo will go with me) and caravan up to WA with Michelle. Then I will come back down to Mtn. Home and finish cleaning/packing up the house and spend the last week and a half with Matt before he leaves. Then I will fly home when he leaves.

I am praying about going to Switzerland this summer for a few weeks doing a Mission Builders trip. I have a account at Mission Builders International. If you feel led to help out please send your checks to:
Checks may be made payable and mailed to -
MBI or Mission Builders International P.O. Box 406Lakeside, MT 59922
Attach a separate note indicating the Missionary (Darcy Carpenter) you are supporting. Thank you!

Here is the website for the base that I would like to work at.
http://www.ywam-einigen.ch/

Now I get to try and figure out what I can start packing... it has to be stuff that I wont need in WA. or Switzerland. And what we wont need for the next month.... ummm any ideas?

Has anyone been to Switzerland? Tell me everything you know if you have been!! :)

God help us please.....

2009-02-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

Matt IS leaving in April for 1 month of training with the Army in CO. Then 9 months in the same country that he was going to go to in June. SO we are going to put all of our stuff in storage and give up our house on base. So here is a over view of what will happen to a me/military wife/husband/ children left behind over the next year.

One min. we will be able to handle everything.. no worries. The next we will be very depressed with no end in sight. Then feelings of anxiousness and loneliness creep in. Panic attacks will arise right after he leaves and the horrible feelings of thinking you might never see him again come. You try and keep yourself busy but you can only hang out with so many people before they need their space. Being with couples makes you miss him more and makes you feel weird due to the 3rd wheel syndrome. Sleeping by yourself will be the hardest.. even if you have lots of pillows. A woman's security that she needs will be extremely shaken and under attack from the enemy. Tears will make you reach out to God and he will meet you there in your room, in your heart. Everything will be peaceful until you wake up by yourself with your head on a wet pillow. Then it will start all over... every single day for the next 10 months.

Unfortunately people are quick to over look those who are left behind. They say " O well they choose to live that life. " How disrespectuful is that? Please don't ever say that to me unless you want to know what I really think. :)

I am trying to exercise every single day just to burn off that energy. So I am focusing on running as a hobby. This will really help! I am VERY BLESSED to have a loving and understanding family!! They let me come and live with them with my both my (kids) animals! God Bless you Mom and Dad!! Matt's family is very supportive and always there for me to talk to or exercise at their house or just hang out. God Bless you Mary and Walt. Thank you for all your prayers and please keep praying for us. WE will need it! Especially the next 2 months.. stress makes us very temperamental. Yikes!

We need lots of prayer!!!

2009-02-20T22:15:00.000-08:00

Matt recently found out that his date to be going over seas could change and be happening the same month as my dads birthday. If that happens he will be gone for 10 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not just 4 like would happen if he left in the month my birthday is in. So PLEASE pray that God gives us peace and comfort if this is his will. We want to do what God wants but we will be needing a lot more love and support as well. I will need a escort every time I need to go to Utah. We will need a new place to live once Matt gets back due to everything going in storage etc. Lots of stress and pressure happening in our hearts right now! Please pray for us as we go through this next chapter in our life/marriage/walk with God.

travel travel travel....

2009-02-19T11:16:00.000-08:00

This is the first time that I have had to sit down and add something to my blog... we have been traveling up to WA. Then on the road down to Utah.. Now back up to ID. Then at the end of March its down to CO. to travel up to WA with my sister n law. She is moving back home for her next chapter in her life. :) About a week after that, I will hitch a ride back to ID. with my parents. We are going to stay in McCall for a few days and enjoy the beautiful scenery that God made. I LOVE it up there!! :)

My last UT. apt went really good. The meds that they put me on is helping and cutting the pain in half. So instead of taking pain killers 4-6 times a day. I am down to 1-3 pills a day. WOOHOO!!! Praise God!!

They gave me another nerve pain med. to just try out and see if it helps anything. I am kinda worried about taking it cause one of the side effects is weight gain. :( That is the opposite of what I am trying to do these days! So please pray that it doesnt happen when I start taking it.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

2009-02-14T15:54:00.000-08:00

We want to wish you all a Happy Valentines Day! Make it count.. no matter where you are at. :) Love to all!
~Matt and Darc~

We will be home soon.....

2009-02-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

Walt's mom passed away this morning. The service will probably be next Monday. So we are going to be on the road Friday and drive up to WA. Mojo will be coming with us. :) It will be nice to see all of our families!! I am excited to see my family again. I always love trips home. I get so anxious and want to get on the road as fast as possible! :) So I can spend as much time as I can with family and friends that I miss so very much!

They are very good!

2009-01-31T13:58:00.000-08:00

Healthy pumpkin muffins!

Don't they look yummy!

Last day!

2009-01-30T16:56:00.000-08:00

Today was my last work day at Subway!!! WOOHOO! It was getting that time...due to my medical condition. They have been pretty understanding with me. Both Matt and I agreed that it was time. Plus it will take away one more stress that could be triggering something in me. So WOOHOO for last day of work!! :)

Matt just found out that ...

2009-01-30T11:38:00.000-08:00

He is leaving in a J month.. the same one that my birthday is in. No specific date yet but he should be gone for 4-5 months. And he is going to the same spot that he went to right before we got married. I will move home to Wenatchee with Momo and Jadi. Momo will try to stay at his Gma and Gpa Reiman's house. Jadi and I will stay at my parents house. I am also praying about going on a Mission Builders trip while Matt is gone. So please pray that God will lead me where he wants me to go and that everything falls into place perfectly. C:

So.. utah

2009-01-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

We just got back today from Utah. The docs took over my meds. They changed me from percocet to morphine and started me on a heavy duty anti-inflammatory. This will be like this for a month. Then my next appointment will be on the 23rd of Feb. We will make an appointment to have a epidural done. This will let us know if the pain is from my nerves in my back or not. So just one more thing to rule out. Please pray that the morphine wont make me all weirdo and hallucinate. I am also kinda scared to have the epidural. Needle in my spinal cord. yeah...SCARY!!!!

speaking of meow....

2009-01-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

So sense Shaun and Andrea had a cool cat story I want to tell mine. But its is differently not as funny! hehe
So I am always talking to Jadi in a kitty language and she answers me and it totally works for us. LOL Anyways I was in the bathroom doing my hair and talking to Jadi when I started hearing this really deep Mow. It answered me every time I meowed at Jadi. At first I thought she was totally dieing or something. Then I figured out Matt as in the bedroom packing. He has never meowed like this at me or Jadi before. hehe I busted out laughing so hard cause it was so cute. Matt has started talking kitty! hehehehehehe Jadi is probably like my parents are so cool! LOL

You all are probably like " they are so weird" lol

On the road again

2009-01-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

We are headed down to Utah today. The snow is everywhere and there is ice hiding on the roads! woohoo this will be a fun one! lol Every time we go to Utah the weather is not favorable traveling conditions. But at least we have the 4 runner and it does GREAT in the snow. Please pray for the doctors to know what tests to start doing so they can really find out what is wrong asap. Instead of doing lots of tests and nothing to show for it except lots of miles on the 4 runner. And the sooner that they find a diagnosis, the sooner we can maybe get out of Mtn. Home. So please pray for patients with me and Matt. Gods timing is perfect. We love you all and I will let you know something as soon as I know. :)

Cute Christmas vacation pics!

2009-01-18T12:52:00.000-08:00

Ok this one isn't from Christmas but I thought it was funny! lol

Those shirts are so cute!

Ahhh Sarah!!

I love my niece's! I miss them so much. :(

My awesome sista!

Kiera is such a model.

Naye making some homemade Cinnamon rolls! They were so good!!!

Grace is so beautiful!

Ahhhh :) I love them!

Grace and John modeling. :)

Ahhh John.. look at those eyes!

After the sleigh ride... getting warm. :)

We had a blast!

Matt and I

Checking out the horses!

Look at those beauties!

This is my favorite picture!!

The next step

2009-01-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

I just got a appointment made for the 27th of Jan. At that time the doctors will talk to Matt and I about their plan of action with will probably be a change in medicine, physical therapy exercises, breathing and mental techniques to try and handle pain differently etc. So please pray that the roads are clear and that we can make it the trip with no problems. How is everyone doing?

Happy New Years!

2009-01-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

Matt and I want to wish all of our blog followers a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are just chillen at home and doing laundry, cooking, unpacking. :) Its very nice to be home with our kiddos.. Mojo and Jadi! :) We missed them very much. Mojo is being normal clue and Jadi is being sticky glue! LOL We love it! Looking forward to watching our new movies today. . . Kunk Fu Panda! Sckadush!!!!

So ladies....

2008-12-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

What does it mean to be chaste? Any takers?????

Other news.... Matt and I are driving up to Boise tomorrow and staying the night at a hotel close to the airport due to bad weather all last week and all this week! Snow snow snow! I love snow but not when I have a plane to catch and a christmas vacation planned at home with our families. :)
So please pray that we make it out Tues on our flight up to WA.!! And that everything goes good and smoothly!! We are excited to see you all!

Mojo gets to stay at his girlfriends house for a week!!! O my!! :) hehe

What do you think?

2008-12-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

Titus 2 :2-5

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. "

What do you think Sober means and how do you put that into practice in your own life?

Pain Management Clinic - University of Utah

2008-12-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

This was a very interesting trip! The roads were very icy and it was snowing the whole time we were traveling.
We stayed the night Monday night at the Hill AFB in Salt Lake City. It was a nice night there.. beautiful base to! Its right next to the mountains.. :)
Once we found where we were suppose to go for my apt. It was smooth sailing from there. The first appointment I had was with a Councilor lady. It was really nice being about to talk to people who want to hear all your thoughts and worries etc. And they want to hear about your pains. That is one problem that I have been having a hard time with. When people ask you how you are doing.. do I say just fine or do I tell the truth? Does anyone really want to hear me complain or talk about my issues that have been going on for so long? After a while of living like that then your brain starts second guessing its self and you with become hypo or hyper sensitive to that pain. And second guess yourself on when you should take your meds or should you go to the E.R. ?
So there was a few times when I had happy/thankful tears coming out during that day. Both Matt and I realized that is where we are suppose to go for treatment. Or at least get started there. All the docs were very nice and asked lots of questions.
My second appointment was with a Physical Therapist and a Intern Doc. Threw that appointment I learned that my right leg is longer than my left. And that is why I have chronic low back pain all my life... makes sense right !:)
Then I met with the primary doc. who over sees what the Intern does and also in charge of my meds and treatments that I will be receiving. Both Matt and I left feeling very thankful for this clinic and those docs. They answered lots of questions that both of us had. And now we are encouraged and have a better insight on how all this works and how it will play out. The goal of the clinic is to decrease pain and to find out what is the underlying factor that is producing the pain. I was able to describe my pain by using Pain A is the most sever one , Pain B is this and it she 2nd severest one, Pain C feels like phantom pain, and Pain D is referring and shooting pain.
So I really think it helped them out a lot.... instead of just saying I hurt .. help!
After the first of the year, all 4 docs will meet and come up with a schedule and med regiment/exercise, mental breathing( other ways to deal with pain) plan for me. They will also try different meds, nerve blockers etc to try and rule out what is causing pain and then send me to that specific doc. to have things looked at more indepth. .. again to find out if that is what is causing the pain.
Thank you for all your prayers and we will continue to keep you updated!!

Ours it white!

2008-12-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Tree! :)

We got it on sale from Walmart. :) hehe Just a little something for decoration. I know we will not be here for Christmas but its been very nice having it up. And Jadi thinks it is her personal toy. So all the balls were evenly spread all over the tree but now they are only on the upper half due to a naughty kitty in the night! LOL

I still prefer a real one for sure but there is a lack of those in southern Idaho! :)

More company coming :)

2008-12-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

Matt's brother Ben is coming to visit us this Friday! He will be here for the weekend and we will drop him off on Monday at the airport and then drive to Salt Lake city for my "pain management docs" on Tues. the 16th. Prayers are very welcome! :)
We are very excited to come up to WA. for Christmas! Matt and I will be flying up on the 23rd and staying until the 30th. This is my favorite time of the year!!!! :) woohoo! Who is done with their Christmas shopping?

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

2008-11-25T20:20:00.000-08:00

Matt's parents ( Mary and Walt) came down today from Wenatchee to spend Thanksgiving with us! Michelle (Matt's sister) is flying up from Denver to hang with us for a few days as well! :) We feel so special when family and friends come to visit! :) Yeah! Thanks Mary, Walt and Michelle!
We hope everyone has an awesome Thanksgiving! Eat lots of Turkey!!!!! And take a nice nap after eating! hehe That will be me! :) TEHE

Don't Be Entangled

2008-11-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

"Put on the whole Armor of God, that you may be able successfully to stand up against the strategies and the deceits of the devil."

Ephesians 6:11

We are called to be soldiers in the army of God. Paul told Timothy that no solider gets entangled with civilian affairs, but his "aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted them" ( 2 Tim.2:4). Likewise, as we serve the Lord, we should focus on his work, not our own concerns.

If we want to be a witness of God's power, we must first do what he says to do, and show others the fruit that comes from serving him. We do this by keeping our minds constantly on Jesus Christ. We must still stand the business of everyday life, but we are not to let the affairs of the world to pull us down.

By Joyce Myer

(Starting your day right - Devotions)

I have a DATE!

2008-11-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

Dec. 16th is the day that I finally got a appointment with the University of Utah! FINALLY! After 6 months of waiting to see what is wrong with me!! Praise God! I will have 3 appointments all in one day. They will consist of seeing a Counselor, Physical Therapist, and a Anesthesiology doc. It will be very interesting to see what they say! :)

Prayers please :)

2008-11-18T10:52:00.000-08:00

God has opened up a door for me to lead a group of ladies who really want to figure out this whole "Help Meet" thing. :) We are reading "Created to Be His Help Meet" By Debi Pearl. This book has blessed me and my marriage so much that I want to share it with everyone!! Anyways we are on chapter 11 and 12 now. It has already been helping the ladies in my group a lot. By opening their eyes to new ways of handling situations and giving them all the knowledge about what the bible says why we were created and what our role is in our husbands life. And of course there is and is going to be resistance for this way of thinking. It is totally opposite from what the world teaches us woman to act/protect our self's/ not needing any ones help (especially from a man). So please pray that God will really open our hearts and that his truth will transform our thoughts and beliefs that have been ingrained in us from day one. I recommend this book to all wife's and those who want to get married. It will open your eyes to new ways and also make you grow in your faith with God! :)

Finally!

2008-11-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

All the paperwork between the Dr. office and the U. of Utah has been all caught up and NOW they can make me a appointment! Praise God!! :) Please pray that we can get a appointment on the 22nd of Nov. or the 6th of Dec. Those are the only times that we are able to make the trip to Utah. Thanks!!

TOP 10 PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION

2008-11-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

And God approves this message!

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE!

AMEN!

Study for Nov. 3rd :)

2008-11-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

I really like this one... it helps keep things in perspective for me and to keep my self in line with God. :)

Encourage, Don't Criticize

There for encourage(admonish, exhort) one another and edify( strengthen and build up) one another1 Thessalonians 5:11

We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encourages instead of critics. It is the greater person who does the right thing; Christs righteousness dwells in you to help you do what is right. You are great in God's eyes when you choose to do right and bless others.

No matter how rough your day is today, speak words uplift and encourage those around you. Encourage others if you notice them doing a good job - not just those who work with you. But people where ever you go, such as store clerks, auto mechanics, and waiters. Say something like "I appreciate the extra effort you are making to do your job well." You can change your life and some one else's by choosing to speak positive words.

Being sent to....

2008-11-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

The University of Utah - Chronic Pelvic Pain center.

This is our next step to find out what is going on in my body. This is a good thing but its a 4 1/2 hour drive to Salt Lake City from Mountain Home one way. So needless to say it will either make for a very long day or a 2 day trip each time we go down. So that means we both have to take a day off of work. :S So please pray things work out and go smoothly. At the moment I am waiting on my doc. and the insurance company to get all their paper work straightened out. This place is very specific and kinda picky about how things and what is filled out before I can even make a appointment. Uuhhhhgggg! But I am hanging in there and the pain hasn't been to bad lately. So no percocet for me. YEAH! :)

Happy pretty tree! :) LOL

I took this pic outside our house.

Who dressed up?

2008-11-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

WE DID! :) Even Mojo, he was a headless horseman and Jadi was a ladybug!:)

Matt was a white trash hillbilly.. LOL

I was a cretion goddess ..

O YEAH!

My handsome white trash, mullet MAN sporting the candy bowl!

You better watch it!!

Decorations :)

2008-10-30T20:18:00.001-07:00

Our Halloween Decorations this year!

Jadi loves to try and take everything down in the middle of the night! Arrrgggg!

More ladies night pics

2008-10-30T20:07:00.001-07:00

AHHH BROWNIES ALWAYS MAKE EVEYONE SMILE! :)

Ladies night :)

2008-10-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here are my ladies :) Every 2 weeks we get together and have a ladies night. We each bring some food or else make the food at the house where it is being held. Usually watch a movie or sit around a fire place outside and enjoy each others company and love laughing at each other. :) Most of these ladies are in my new prayer group as well!

Eve and Tonya

I highlighted Tonya and Eve's hair one time.

Olivia

Maii and Alando ( Nici's baby)

Nici and I

A day at the hot-springs!

2008-10-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

Kim ( my pastors wife) called me and wanted to know if I would come with her for a day outting to see some church friends and swim at the hot springs. I was like ummm YES! :) Here are some pics. This place is only a hour away from our place. You are able to rent little rooms for more privacy... they have smaller pools but you are able to make it the right temp for you. I thought it was pretty cool!

And of course there are 3 Alligators living at this hot springs (caged of course). But still... Idaho? LoL

SO EXCITED!!

2008-10-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

Olivia and I are headed up to McCall for a Ladies Retreat put on by my church. Its in a cabin right on or close to the lake. Ahhhhhhh sounds so nice! I have to finish packing but I am taking my camera so I will put up pics when I get home on Sunday. Matt will have the house all to himself along with Jadi and Mojo of course! :)

Doc. appointment today

2008-10-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

So the new plan is for me to get a contrast C.T. scan today and then see what that looks like. Then if all is normal then they are sending me to Utah to a Chronic Pelvic Pain Center. Not sure about where this place is but that will be our next step.
I feel like I am on a merry-go-round... but at least I don't have to pay for it. :) Thank goodness and PRAISE GOD!:)

whats new u say...?

2008-10-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

I have been able to change my schedule at work to 1-5pm instead of 7-1pm. This allows me to be able to go to the gym in the morning and get everything done that needs attention around the house. Love it!!!

Next Monday I am leading my bible study group in a new book called "Created to be his help meet" By Debi Pearl. Please pray for everyone in the group that they would really dig into this book and seek God's direction in each of their lives and marriages.

This weekend one of my friends is throwing a Harvest dance Sat. evening. I am excited to go and have fun with my friends from bible study. Sitting around a fire pit and drinking hot apple cider, eating southern festival food etc. :) Yummm

Happy Fall!!!!

surgery update

2008-09-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

The surgery went well but they didn't find anything wrong with my colon. So that's good but now we are at back at square one... but at least the colon is marked off the list of being the problem. :) Thanks for the prayers!!

Do you think I should stop working at subway and become a photographer for a living??

2008-09-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

I did a photo shoot for my friend last week. Her hubby just deployed to Iraq 2 weeks ago. These photos are for him and his wife, from me. :) Here are the results..

This one is my favorite!!!! :)

Surgery #2

2008-09-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

Hey all~
Please pray that the docs find what is causing my lower abd. pain and that everything goes smoothly! I am headed to Twin Falls in about half an hour and its a 1 1/2 hour drive. My procedure is at 10:30am. :S THANK YOU!!

Air Show!!

2008-09-16T11:39:00.001-07:00

some fun pics I found of melia and keira

2008-09-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

Some McCall pics

2008-09-10T18:09:00.001-07:00

SMORES de la BBQ!

The Hot Springs swimming pools were very cool.

2nd Annaversary dinner picture!

More hot springs swimming pics

Matt thinking and loving the view!

My turn to pose :)

We love it up here!!!

Fly Darc FLY!

Matt enjoying himself in the hot spring pool. :)

update

2008-09-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

I had to cancel my colonoscopy appointment on Monday but I was able to have my Laproscopy surgery on Wed. They even gave us pics! That was pretty cool to see what is going on in there. The doc was able to take 2 ovarian cysts with out hurting the ovaries. They also saw and burned a lot of endometriosis cells. So over all things went very well. I am sore and in some pain but that is to be expected. Thank you for your prayers!!

Mojo has a girlfriend!! :)

2008-08-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

Her name is Mimzi. My friend Olivia is her mama. They hit it off really well and enjoyed chasing each other and playing tug of war over her toy.

Anyone heard of Lemon Cucumbers?

2008-08-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

They actually taste good! Same cucumber taste with a bit more crunch. :)

Update on my medical stuff :)

2008-08-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

I just had a appointment with my Gasturologist (spelling?) and we have set up a date to have a Colonoscopy on Sept. 8th. And then I am having Laparoscopy surgery on the the 10th of Sept. to do have a look around my tummy and to check out my ovaries. It looks like I have a cyst that could be filled with Endometriosis cells. So if they see something they can try and cut it out or at least take a sample of if and see what it is. So please pray that God guides the doctors eyes and hands. And that they will find out what is going on.
Thank you!!

Some fun pictures when Andrea was visiting us! :)

2008-08-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

We went to the Southern Idaho fair and this is the kids petting zoo part! Yikes!

Andrea giving Jadi some loves! :)

We had a little surprise party for Matt with an early birthday present! Jadi thinks it is her toy! lol

Mojo is here!!

2008-08-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

Mom and dad brought Mojo down to us last weekend. It was so nice having family staying with us!! Saturday we went and played in Boise. Dad loves to loose himself in Cabelas! We gave him the cell phone and let him loose :) LOL Matt and I found some good lawn chairs.. So we got those for him for his early Bday present. :) WOOHOO!! Then we went to see the Batman movie in IMAX...... AWESOME! Dad seemed to get all worked up due to the falling scenes lol!! Great move to see in Imax. :) hehehehe
When I get a chance, I will post up some pics of Mojo and Jadi chasing each other!
Thanks mom and dad for bringing him down!!!

Ideas welcome!!!

2008-08-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

Matt and I are wanting to put together a first aid/safety kit in case of a fire or loosing electricity for long periods of time, etc. Does anyone have any good sites or good ideas for us?

Andrea is coming down to visit. :) then my parents next week!

2008-08-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

We are excited for Andrea to come down tomorrow! :) It will be nice having some family come and hang out with us down here. She will be here through Monday. The Idaho fair is this weekend so we are going to go check that out in Boise.. and I am sure go shopping and go to the farmers market etc. Poor Matt is working all weekend.. :( He is sad that he won't be able to hang out.. but Monday he has off.. so he is thinking of what he wants to do :). Mom and Dad will be here Wed. night. They are bringing our new little dog Mojo. So we are excited to see them and to have our new little doggy. Jadi and Mojo played together when he was a baby. Jadi totally acted like a mother to him. It was pretty cute and funny at the same time. LOL Woohoo

SHISH its been a while sense I last posted something on here!!

2008-08-08T19:17:00.001-07:00

LOLHAHA WOW.. talk about forgetting that I had a blog! LOL
So whats new with the Carpenters...? Well I am back working at Subway again after heading up to Wenatchee for 2 1/2 weeks to be with my family as my Gma was passing. God brought me up there at the perfect time! I was able to see her for a week and then I was able to be there for her funeral and have family support. I am very blessed to have such a close, loving family! Thank you GOD!
Tomorrow we are off to Boise to see Step Brothers the movie and go to the Farmers Market. Sounds like a fun filled day to me!:)

Happy 4th of July!!!

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

I hope all of you had a awesome day!! I will post pics of our celebration tomorrow. :)

Pain pain go away!

2008-06-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

I had to go home from work today due to sharp random pain in my left ovary. :( Back on the Percecet I went. Please pray that it will go away or get bad enough that I need to go to the Urgent Care ( E.R.). Thanks to all of you who are praying for me!!! Love you all!

A AWESOME PICTURE!

2008-06-29T13:29:00.001-07:00

This might be gross but .......

2008-06-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

Matt and I did a gallbladder/liver flush and to our surprise .... out came green stones! Here are some pics... mine is the little one and Matt's is the large one. Does anyone know what green stones mean??

We did the same flush as Denaye did with the olive oil, fresh apple juice/grapefruit, and epson salt.

Night shift... ugghh

2008-06-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Matt starts night shift tonight... 8pm - 8am. He stayed up all night last night so he could sleep during the day today. Prayer are needed for him to be able to transfer over to work at the gym. They are trying to pretty much screw him on it. The are going to have him work nights for awhile and then he is suppose to ( in the near future) work only 4 hours at the gym and the rest at the dinning facility. And this would only go on for like a month. Then the military could mark him off that " Gym" list. Matt would really love to work at the gym full time and not work in the dinning facility anymore. He has put in his 1 1/2 years there. Everyone except him gets to move around but not him for some reason. SO it is kinda making him upset... Prayers are greatly appreciated! :)

27 years young today!

2008-06-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

Matt made me a ice cream cake!!

Half rocky road and half cookie dough! Talk about rich!!! whoohoo

1st Matt made me breakfast in bed and gave me some nice flowers. :)

2nd Our friends Loren and Olivia went up to Boise with us and had a appetizer at Ruby River Steak house. Then we went to Johnny Carinos and had our main courses. :) I think we should call this Restaurant hopping! :) lol

Then we went to The Love Guru. It was funny enough that all of us were laughing 85 % of the time. hehe ( not a kids movie though)

Then we came back home and ate Matt's awesome cake! And opened presents. :)

Thanks to all of you who called and wished me a Happy Birthday! Love you all ~

Our new ride :)

2008-06-21T13:05:00.001-07:00

We have been looking for awhile for a newer car that is a lot like the Nissan we had. Matt loved that Nissan and was really missing it. The truck was nice but we just didn't need something that big or a gas hog! lol :)

Finally we found something very similar to what Matt wanted. It is a 06 Pontiac G6 GT.

Can you see my distorted legs? :) hehe

We will be enjoying the trips home and up to Boise in this a lot better than the 4 runner or peppers. ( Peppers is our little ford fiesta) Matt named it. lol :)

Happy Fathers Day!

2008-06-15T21:12:00.001-07:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO MY DADDY! :)

You have always been there for me, guiding me in my lives decisions, teaching me right from wrong and loving me unconditionally through thick and thin! I love you very much daddy!! Your my HERO! :)

Happy Fathers Day to WALT! :) Thank you for accepting me into your family! :) Love you Walt!

Happy Fathers Day to my brother n law -GABE!

Happy Fathers Day to another one of my brother n laws - BEN!

And to all of you who I don't have pics of.
All of you are so wonderful to your families and may God Bless you for loving and protecting your family.

And of course I can't control myself...

Happy Fathers Day to my brother Shaun! He will have kids before Matt and I will. :) hehehehehe

So anyways....................................

2008-06-14T16:13:00.001-07:00

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with my blog during this last week. I worked 41.5 hours in 5 days. Every day when I come home I crash on the couch for at least 2 hours before I was even the slightest bit helpful to my husband or Jadi. My house needs TLC and I have no energy to do it.
When I interviewed for the job, I told them I only wanted part time. SO I am really looking forward to working ONLY part time, then I can do what I need to, to take care of my hubby and our house like a good wife. But other than that I am doing good. I was able to make it to the gym 3-4 times this week. So that's pretty good for having a limp body after work! haha And go figure that I feel much better after I get done with the gym.. Imagine that... hmmmm :) I would love to be able to go workout before work but 4 out of the 5 days I have to be at work at 7am. And then today I had to be at work at 6am. So YA RIGHT to going to the gym before working! I can barley make it to work at 6am! SHISH.. :)

Subway

2008-06-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

I started working at Subway today. It all worked out ok, but it is a brand new store with a brand new manager who has never worked at Subway before. So you can probably guess all the craziness.. The store is very very small. There was at least 20 of us crammed into this little packed area.. It was very interesting. I just smiled and did what I was told. There was also 5 manager people there so that was hard to, cause they all have their own way of doing things.. so they all want us to do it there own way. We practiced making sandwiches on people who got free 6 inch sub coupons from the ladies that passed them out yesterday and today.
I only want to work part time but for the first month, it looks like we all got 40 hrs. We are having our grand opening in two weeks after all of us have been trained. It will be a mad house for a few months until things slow back down.

What is that.... while looking around....

2008-06-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

These are the noise makers in our part of the area down here in Southern Idaho. At least 3-4 times a week, we will see them flying over head and the noise just makes you smile. LOL We have F-15 and F-16's here at the Mountain Home AFB. Its really cool watching them fly around and do crazy tricks.. I just keep thinking.. I would not be able to hold my food down if I had the opportunity to fly in one of these. No thanks... but I will watch! :) hehe