Day 526 ~ Life's Projects Update

Yesterday I caught you up on what we were all up to with the Blessed Spoon and how we were preparing {ourselves} with the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Dinner Basket campaign.. . . .  today once again we have more progress toward our goal of feeding our first Ten Families.  I honestly am very excited!!

Now I wanted to catch you on all my other projects I am involved in.  
As far as my blogs go...
I continue to write on a daily basis on here, Took It. . . Making It. . .  Living It. . .  My Life. . .  I continue to chronologize my life on this blog for my children.  I share my ups, my downs and my successes and every so often, a let down.  I don't do it for attention, not at all!  I do it in hopes to help someone else who may be going through the same... or may feel alone.. I do it for you too.  wink, wink.

Besides, this blog I have my gratitude journal I keep online... I swear I don't do it for attention- I don't even go out of my way to publicize it..  Humble Gratitude is where I share what I am grateful for each day... to encourage others i being grateful!

My other blog, My LifeStyle ReDesign--- well I have highly neglected this blog.  This was a once per week blog on health, dieting, nutrition, health, from a forty-somethings, almost fifty, young gal , , , which has been since June since I posted.  Yikes!!  I loved this blog too... but that was right about the time that I started working more on getting the spoon (nickname for the Blessed Spoon) researched and was starting to get more and more involved in my church.  Although this particular blog has reached a stale mate at present time, I would think that the trade off has been worth it!!  

I am pretty pleased as to where I sit today.  I have a lot of great things going on for me and others and am very excited as to what the future holds.

One last thought, or request rather, , ,  please bare with me the next couple of days. . . I really want this Turkey Trot Campaign to be a  great success and do not want my blog to suffer because of it.   I want hard working families to know that their hard work does not go unrecognized and that their community appreciates their contribution. 

I am thankful for the hard working families in our communities-  
what a way to lead by example!!!!!

What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 
I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . .

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 476 ~ Speechless? ... No ... Humbled!

{ SWITZERLAND's in DA HOUSE!!! }

As I sit here and start my post for tonight... well I am speechless?

When I set out to start my blog 476 days ago... yes 476 days... {CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?} ... I never expected any of this.  I must admit that every-so-often I have to pinch myself.

I know... I know... I've written about this before at earlier stages of my blog.. but I just can't help myself!  

THIS.. Blogging... putting my thoughts, experiences, feelings, pet peeves, griefs, happiness-es and joys... has not only been a learning experience, but an amazing journey for me.

Furthermore, what was more of a unexpected surprise and of which continues to bring joy into my life is... YOU!

Yes YOU!!

My readers, followers and new found friends... you all bring so much joy into my life.  Just to see your city pop up on "my recent visitors"... well it's just so surreal to me.

Just think... here I am in Texas and somewhere in Switzerland you are reading my blog.  Or ... maybe you are in the Philippines, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, India or even Australia.  Not to mention all those of you in the good ol' US of A!  This is just so amazing!!

I am humbled by your comments, your checking in on me from time to time and your friendships!  I am so blessed.  Thank you.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ~Romans 12:10

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ~Colossians 3:12-14 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. ~Proverbs 17:17

Do to others as you would have them do to you. ~Luke 6:31 

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 470 ~ I Wrote WHAT!?

While talking "life" with a couple today I was told out right that "I try too hard."

Hmmmm...

Boy ... that left me thinking that I can see where they may get that idea.

I do have a full plate lately.  

However... I am enjoying life and all it is throwing at me.  I especially love the euphoric feeling I get from "giving back."

OH MY!!  I can not believe what I just wrote!  Did I just say I was enjoying Life?

Oh my George! I did!!

Yes!  Even with all the crappy cards that have been dealt to me lately... and ... YES ... even with the week I just finished living out.

All I have to say right now is that I am very grateful for the wonderful people I choose to have that are in my life... you know who you are too.  wink, wink.

The LORD is my God! I will praise him and tell him how thankful I am.  Tell the LORD how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful.   ~Psalm 118:28-29

 [here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 239 ~ The Longest Six Miles

While waiting with Calley, for my mom to come out of the store, we were both talking about nothing in particular to pass the time.  Boy, she seems to be growing up more and more as each day pass.


Calley's reading is getting so much better.  She likes to read storefronts, signs, absolutely anything that has letters on it.  She's getting smarter and smarter.   It's to the point now that spelling around her when I do not want her to know what I talking about, is coming to an end.  I am not even done spelling and she yells out the word, as if she was telling us that to come up with something new.. I dare you!   


While all this was going on, I was watching this woman walk across the parking lot to enter the department store.  She was walking ever so slowly.  I kept watching her and thinking that I hope I did not ever get to that point.  


Then all of a sudden my thoughts took off on their own...


Wow, that poor woman.. I hope I never get to the point that I can't walk at a normal pace.  Wow... she is so slow.


Slow?


Slow cooker... Oh wow...(big smile) I am cooking the best dinner in my new slow cooker.  MMMmmm. Boy I can already taste the chicken and dumplings now...


SLOW COOKER?!  Oh I was making some chicken broth for the girls.


CHICKEN BROTH?!!


OH MY GOD!! I LEFT THE STOVE ON!!!


When mom got back in the car... I told her what I remembered.  Not the best timing either.  We were on an errand outing and had to rethink out our shopping and errand strategy.


Needless to say, I dropped mom and Calley off at mom's home so they could eat their lunch we had picked up for everyone... and me... well I HIGH TAILED IT BACK HOME.  Fearing the worse case possible... my house up in flames and our four fur babies gone!  Those were the longest six miles I have ever driven!


Breaking almost every speed limit possible, I pulled into our driveway, barely turning the engine off, not even bothering to shut the car door and ran into my home.


The house was FILLED with smoke!  I scurried two of our dogs out of the house, turned on ceiling fans, any other possible fan, and opened as many windows as I could.


My pan... well as you can see it was black as black can be!  Who cares... I still have a home!!  


On my way back to get mom and Calley, I prayed to God thanking him, praising him over and over again.  Thank you Lord for making that lady walk slow! and forgiving me a brain to think!


Oh, my pan...  after a little elbow grease, my pan... it was good as new!  I love my Calphalon pans!!  But as far as my house... still airing it out.  Oh and I have to wash everything the smoke permeated... all bed linen, clothes that were supposed to be ironed (that'll teach me not to iron right away), and anything else left out... ugh!  

note to self... Check to see stove is off before leaving for errands to avoid finding house filled with smoke! 

Blessings to all!!

126 days to go...

PS... Sons, I love and miss you.  To the moon and stars above and back.  You are my sunshine(s).

Images property of Carla Barila Karam and Taking Back My Life ~ Making It My Own... all copyright laws apply.

Day 228 ~ I Wouldn't Change A Thing

What would you do?  Where would you go?

I just finished watching this pretty intense movie.  I started writing about it, however any way I looked at it I was going to spoil the outcome for you.  For the purpose of this post, the title is irrelevant.  

As I watched the movie, I learned that there was a little time travel involved.  Where one of the main characters went back to his childhood to correct some wrongdoings done against him, before they happened.  So his young self would always be happy.

Well, as any other normal human being I started thinking about...

What would I do?  Where would I go?  What year?  What would I correct?

Boy... this really made me go hmmmm...  for a while too.

After plenty of pondering... I may tweek a few of things here and there.. yet, all in all ... I would not change a thing.  

I know I could have made a few decisions differently... yet even so, I do not want to mess with the good Lord intended!  With what I am a part of today.  Leave well enough alone.

I am who I am.  I am a good person.  I do my best each day, and I love my family like there's no tomorrow.

I wouldn't change a thing.

A simple grateful thought turned heavenwards is the most perfect prayer.  ~Doris Lessing 

Blessings to all!!

137 days to go...

PS... Sons, I love and miss you.  To the moon and stars above and back.  You are my sunshine(s).

Images are courtesy of Bing images.

Day 136 ~ Faith For My Future

We all have good days, and once in a while we have bad ones too.  The thing is to be able to differentiate between the two... and then regardless, be thankful.

I know... you're probably thinking that life isn't that grand at the moment and the last thing you may feel is thankful or grateful.  Well, if your parents were anything like mine... and if you didn't hear it once, you heard it a million times... there are people worse off then us.

Some of us may want a better home, maybe a newer and nicer car... or how about those cute shoes you saw last week...  All I have to say it that...

At least some of us have a home, even a clunker car [at least one that is working!]... we even have  a closet to keep shoes...

The point I am trying to make is that I may not be in my dream home yet, or driving my late model hybrid suv, let alone buying the latest and greatest shoes...

But I do feel thankful for what I do have, as well as the fact that I am able to make plans and have goals to one day soon... have the house and car of my dreams! 

I have faith!

When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears

Anthony Robbins

Each day offers us the gift of being a special occasion if we can simply learn that as well as giving, it is blessed to receive with grace and a grateful heart.

Sarah Ban Breathnach

 Blessings to all!!

229 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 127 ~ A Gift From God

Five years ago, a long time wish of mine came true... my daughter was born.

Leading up to this day, I remember several times being at my wits' end... I remember as if it was yesterday... I was crying... praying... to Jesus... feeling as if I had no hope... feeling that my biggest desire would never come true... I remember thinking ...  "I guess this is it... I will never know what it will be to be a mother of a little girl... you know what is best for me dear Lord..."

Before I knew it...

The day came that my daughter would be born... so many things happened that day... first off we were told to be at the hospital by 2:00pm only to find out that my doctor, Dr. Cooper, who also delivered both of my sons... and YES he was still alive... had made a mistake and should have told us to be at the hospital by 6:00pm.  We were given the option to come back the next day... however, Dean and I had decided that in my father's memory, we wanted our little girl to be born on her grandfather's birthday, who had passed away when Mommy was four and a half months pregnant.

Once our little girl was born... our world was complete... Daddy was ever so protective over the both of us... and did not leave us alone that night, not even for a minute.

Daddy had gotten so grouchy... it did not help that the maternity wing was all being re-designed and re-built, under construction.  Therefore, our room did not have the normal amenities that it should have had... all we wanted was a bed or chair for our daddy.

Regardless... as far as we were concerned... we were complete... our family was complete.

Thank you Jesus!

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!  ~Albert Einstein

Family:  A social unit where the father is concerned with parking space, the children with outer space, and the mother with closet space.  ~Evan Esar 

You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.  ~Desmond Tutu 

Blessings to all!!

238 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 112 ~ Through This Journey...

Sixteen weeks ago tonight I decided to finally put pen to paper, sort of speak.  

If I've said it once, I will say it a million more...  This has been an amazing journey for me thus far.  I personally feel that I have grown so much as a person, including my faith in God... all knowing that I have barely scratched the surface and all in the same, I am so excited to be where I am.

Through this journey, I have learned that the amazing group of people I happen care about also happen to have my back.   

Through this journey I have met some amazing new friends...  This is where God comes in... I have crossed paths with people, and have since become a part of my life in one way or another... It was all about being at the right place at the right time... Thank you God for everything... my every day... my every breath.

Through this journey, not only have I been blessed with having shoulders available to cry on, but my shoulders also have been blessed with a few tear stains on them too.

Through this journey I have realized that all of 'this" is not in vain... including those experiences behind my words... especially since I know in my heart that I am reaching out to people by sharing a part of myself.    

Through this journey I have found that my friends too have their situations to deal with... life happens to everyone.  Always know my friends and family, that my "shoulders" are always available.

Through this journey I have learned that I have so much more to explore and learn from.  Including all the bumps and curves in the road, as well as the straight ways!

Through this journey I have become more appreciative of my family and friends.  I could not be more thankful!  Well... maybe just a little...  (wink, wink)

I sincerely hope that if you are not able to go on this journey with me, that I in some way have been able to connect with you on some level.


Thank you God for everything... my every day... my every breath.

There is great meaning in life for those who are willing to journey.
~  Jim England

Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.~  Arthur Ashe

The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too.~  Teresa of Avila 

Blessings to all!!

253 days / 36 weeks to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.  

Day 107 ~ Editor's Pick of the Day!!

When I woke up this morning I knew immediately that I had to continue on course... Sooo when Calley woke me up at "o-dark-thirty", all I could do was whisper to her to get under the covers with me and snuggle with mommy until it was time to wake up.  After all it still was dark out!!  

Finally after the sun rose, business was as usual... and the second thing I do before rolling out of bed is to check email.  YES from bed!!  lol!  I know I am a crazy techie!!  First thing I do... I smother Calley with kisses!

However I did not have a clue what was about to happen or what was in store for me until I opened my email.  I started seeing emails from other bloggers from bloggers.com... not that I normally don't get any, but I was a little surprised when I saw an email from bloggers.com themselves with "Congratulations..." in the subject box.  I didn't even finish reading the word "congratulations", let alone the entire sentence, and I was opening the email from them.  I felt a little excitement growing, just like the kind you feel when you are opening up a present.  Then I read the following:

Hello Carla:

Congratulation!

You have been featured on BLOGGERS as one of the Bloggers of the day. Your profile and Blog "Taking Back My Life ~ Making It My Own!" has been showcased in Bloggers Home page (http://bloggers.com). In addition to that you are awarded with Featured bloggers badge on your profile.

Thank you again for your brilliant work. Enjoy the latest features and tell your friends to join this wonderful community.

regards

Thank you
The Bloggers Team 

Editor's Pick of the Day!!

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I could not believe what I was reading, and then the next thing I knew I was overwhelmed with joy and started to cry.  I could not believe that my blog had been chosen... and then I started reading all these comments from fellow bloggers... 

As simple as it may sound, all that comes to mind is .... THANK YOU!!!  You all made my day!!! my week! my month!! my year!!!

Who'd a thunk?!

First thing I did was call my hubby :)  I love that man so much!!!  After all, he is putting up with my writing every evening before I go to bed, which at times makes it difficult for him to go to sleep.  Does he complain... NO! he does not... He encourages me to continue writing.

Dean, I love you so much!  You mean the world to me... I look forward to continue to grow old with you!! and raise our daughter together!!!  YOU are my knight in shinning armor!!  

At day's end I received nearly a hundred emails, and I continue to receive them as I am writing tonight's post.

And If I have not responded back to any of your questions or emails yet, please rest assure that I will!!   and...

Once again.... a sincere, heartfelt Thank You!!

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.  ~ Cicero

Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.    ~ Author Unknown

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.   ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach 

Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your name.   2 Samuel 22:50

Blessings to all!!


258 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.      

Day 105 ~ Tender Kisses

After surviving the first time Calley had "something scary" wake her up in the middle of the night, it sure was blissful waking up next to her this morning.

As I felt her tender little kisses on my cheek, I pretended I was still asleep... and then before she knew it... I was smothering her with "mommy" hugs and kisses!  Just as I think about it right now, as my heart smiles, I do too.

This is how I want to start every day!  All the while I was kissing Calley, I couldn't help thanking God for being so blessed.  

Telling myself that it was okay for me to mourn the loss of my boys was one of the better ideas I have had lately.  For some reason it had a positive sub-conscience affect on me.  It allowed me to be okay with being sad, and then "starting over" per say today.

After having such a loving morning with my little girl, (which by the way I just realized yesterday that she will be turning five, three weeks from tomorrow,) I decided to enjoy the rest of the morning watching her play at the park... I even had Daddy meet us there, Calley was so surprised!  

I spent the entire day enjoying my family, even the little things in life.  What a beautiful day that God gave me today!  

Thank you God.  I am so grateful for the life you have given me.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."   ~ Albert Schweitzer

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."   ~ Epictetus

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."  ~ John F. Kennedy 

This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.   Psalm 118:24  

Blessings to all!!


260 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.