Day 531 ~ The Blessed Spoon's First Campaign

!!WOW!!

Such a surreal experience.  

The last twenty-four hours leading up to delivering the ten Turkey Trot baskets to their respective families was an absolutely amazing expeirence!!

From collecting all the donations, figuring out quantities and making the shopping list, to all the price comparisons. . . not to mention all the strategizing implemented to use all donations wisely.

Then came shopping and delivery day!

My first stop was a meeting at 7:30 in the morning to pick up all ten turkeys!  This in itself was an exillirating experience!  All ten turkeys donated!  Thank you!! 

Throughout this campaign there have been "little miracles" (l.m.) strengthening my faith more and more, reassuring me that I was doing the right thing... for example if it wasn't for my envolvement in a project for my church I would have never met our turkey donor.  lm #1.

My first stop after picking up all the turkeys was Sprouts.  What a great store.  Our only health/organic store in all of El Paso!  That's right, no Trader Joe's or Whole Foods!  Even with Whole Foods being from Austin, TX...  That's ok  we have SPROUTS!!  And what a great store!!  The gave me a ton of food!!  Ok nearly a ton.. wink, wink.  Sprouts donated all the stuffing, turkey pans, yams, marshmallows, brown sugar, pineapple, cranberry sauce and 25 grocery bags.  Thank you Sprouts!!  You all rock!! 

After shopping at Sprouts, I was able to regroup, see what was left and off I went to Walmart.  Walmart donated two $50 gift cards from two different stores to help with The Blessed Spoon's first campaign.. Needless to say the bulk of the groceries were purchased here... milk, butter, flour, potatoes, green beans, mushrooms soup, fried onions, and rolls.  

The journey throughout this campaign has been and continues to be AMAZING!!  Everything came so easy for me and The Blessed Spoon.  It was as if God was rolling out the red carpet for me each day as I accomplished something or was about to tackle something.

Before I knew it. . .  it was 4:00 pm I was leaving Albertson's with 10 pumpkin pies and I was on my way back home with a car load of food!!

Honestly, it was an exciting day!!  Even when we started taking inventory, making food piles, and packing all the food!  We picked out our first set of 10 spoons going out with their Certificates of Authentication, planned our route . . .

. . . and were out the door at 9:00pm.

A happy Happy Thanksgiving going out to 10 "Blessed" families!!

I am thankful for having the opportunity and smarts to be able to to this for everyone!!

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 285 ~ YES! ... She's Ba-aack

Today is the last Monday I will ever be 48 ! 

YES!!  She's Ba-ack!  

After a month or so, okay maybe two or three (wink, wink) months, [I have to be honest here] of being taken over by my crazy twin (Kinda like Vicky and Nicky on One Life to Live or Jess and Tess... exactly!I  OR one better... Kate and Connie on General Hospital).  Seems like D.I.D is popular in daytime Soaps.  

Actually I probably should not joke about this.  Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D), originally known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a serious mental disorder.  After doing a quick search on this disorder, and 40,000,000 results later...  I would have to say that this is no joking matter.  Mental Disorders are no laughing matter.  The fact that my mother has had O.C.D for the past forty+ years, and my sister is Bi-Polar... and I am not able to have healthy relationships with them....   Well I would have to say, that I am blessed to have the mind that I do!!

Today was a very productive day.  I think the trick behind it all, for me was... DO NOT SIT DOWN ONCE YOU START!  Basically don't think about being busy, just do it.

I made it a point last night that when I woke up this morning, I was to change what I have been doing (the last several months).  I have to !   Otherwise... nothing will change. 

Sooo... that's what I did today.  I gave myself about a half an hour of waking up time, another forty-five minutes for checking me email, comments, stats, blog hopping and that was it.  I was off and running!  Having Calley feeling better, made it easy to get us up and going.  

Having Calley sick most of the last month and a half had us snuggling first thing in the morning for a longer than usual.  We like watching the end of Good Morning America (which gives us the weather for the day.)  When Calley is sick, she wants to be held and cuddled.  It makes her feel better.  

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, my Calley is a very unique, curious, and a "hands on" little girl.   If I do not snuggle and hang out with her, as she starts feeling better she'll start getting into trouble.   My baby girl is nothing like her brothers... we have to be doing something together at all times.  Let me put it to you this way, if all of a sudden I notice that she's not around AND it's quiet... well I can guarantee you that she is into something!

I must finish tonight's post by thanking you (YES AGAIN!)... my friends, fellow blog hoppers and frequent readers for all your wonderful comments.  Your words left a wonderful impression on me.  They were loving, supportive, encouraging, and best of all ... thought provoking.  Your words were inspiring and above all.... M O T I V A T I N G ! ! ! 

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! 

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.  ~Jean Baptiste Massieu, translated from French

Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.  ~Confucius 

Blessings to all!!

80 days to go...

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

Some images courtesy of google and bing images.  U.S Copyright laws may apply.  ©

Day 263 ~ Each Day I Am Thankful for...

I don't know what made me think of this, but I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me.  Oh, sure, I do not mind an occasional stay strong, or I could not imagine what you are going through, and possibly a my heart goes out to you.  After all, I know that I am sharing with you some personal thoughts, my trials and tribulations that I have survived, as well as troubled times I may be struggling with at the moment.


My motivation to share all this with you is not for pity, but to get my story in written format for two reasons... one... for my kids, a legacy of sorts... I want them to know who I am, what I did and why, and how I survived... and secondly... I honestly want to get my story out in hopes of helping another mom out there somewhere.  Someone who may be going through her own "troubled" times, or simply in need of a friend.

Even though I do not want people to feel sorry for me, I do not want this coming across as if I don't want your comments.  I love and welcome any and all comments.  Actually, I look for them everyday.  Big smile.  Funny.. I never know whether or not to comment back... so most times I don't, mostly because I don't think anyone comes back to read them... is that weird?  Come to think about it... now that I am writing this, maybe I should start responding.  At least the comments won't seem unappreciated or un-noticed.  I think I am going back and responding to all of them! ;)

I know I am going through a "troubled" time with my son(s)... however, I am also working on staying positive and being grateful for what people I do have in my life.  wink, wink   

After all, I do have you!

Each day I am thankful for nights that turned into mornings... friends that turned into family... dreams that turned into reality... and likes that turned into love.  ~ unknown author

Blessings to all!!

102 days to go...

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

Some images courtesy of Bing images.  Others are marked accordingly, and are property of Carla Barila Karam and Taking Back Life ~ Making It My Own, this blog.   All U.S Copyright laws apply.  ©

Day 262 ~ A Part of Something Great!

As I read over what I wrote last night... I was reminded once more that I am truly blessed to have met all the people I have since I started blogging.  WOW!  Words can't even express how blessed I feel.  

I have received some truly loving, understanding, and supportive comments. As a result of reading other's words, I can't even begin to tell you strength I have gained.  Not only that, but I have met some amazing people, that I now call my friends.

Between my blogging, the wonderful people that are in my life, my blogging family and especially my friends... I am ever so humbled.

I have been shown some acts of kindness, that are unbeknownst to me.  I have never had so many wonderful people on my side.. so many wonderful people love me, I mean really love me... NEVER!!  I have never ever felt so much a part of something, something so great... a sense of belonging.  Never.

I have never felt so loved!

I can't help but feeling forever indebted.   As cheesy as that may sound, I can't help it.  All I know is that if any one of my family members, online or off needs a friend, lending ear, or a shoulder to cry on...  cake (wink, wink)... what I am trying to say, is that you can count on me!

Thank you Jesus!  For my wonderful family!!

I am blessed for the wonderful people that are in my life.  ~ Carla Barila Karam

Blessings to all!!

103 days to go...

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

Some images courtesy of Bing images.  Others are marked accordingly, and are property of Carla Barila Karam and Taking Back Life ~ Making It My Own, this blog.   All U.S Copyright laws apply.   ©

Day 174 ~ My Do It Yourself Project

I have a feeling that this time next week I will be banging my head up against the wall wondering what I have gotten myself into!

courtesy of Bing images...

Honestly... It could not have been a better time for Calley to be sick... the fact that she is sleeping most of the day away has been a great help.  Especially since I have spent a better part of it working on my new blog.

In just a couple of days I will be launching my "new blog."  Although... I have to let you know that I am starting to get a little anxious.  However, knowing that this is good for me.  Plus, why should I worry?...  after all I have all of  you to keep me in check!  right?

There is no greater motivation than one that forces you to be accountable not only to yourself, but to others.  I always did do better going to the gym with a friend, rather than alone.  Not that I didn't go, I just had a better work out with a work out buddy.  I worked harder, and it was always more fun and enjoyable doing so with a friend.  So, now I have you as my life work out buddy.  

I am almost certain that some of you might think I am insane for not only starting a second blog, but to do it right before the holidays.  I could not agree with you more!  (ha ha I think I am crazy! ha ha) [just kidding, for those of you that do not know me,  I am not crazy, nor do I seriously think that about myself.] This is my lame attempt to humor(at my expense.)  still laughing, I don't know... but now I have the "giggles." 

Okay, seriously... that is the beauty of it all.  I need to face life head on... right at the holidays!  Test myself, better yet learn about myself.  I need to start thinking of what I want my "reality" to be.  How do I want to live my life?  What kind of life do I want to have?  Do I want to live a long healthy life?  Do I want to be mobile, active and have fun?  and Do I want to do so over weight?  Or continue to go up and down with my weight?  How do I want to see myself as I age?    

So, why not start at the holidays?  Why not now, instead of continuously putting it off... 

I feel that I am still young enough to do something about my life, the quality of it and improve upon my health.  I thank God that I am healthy and that I have not suffered any severe ailments.  

At the age of forty-four years old my father had been diagnosed with severe cancer, had a twenty-two plus pound tumor removed from him, and was near death,  WOW!  When I think about that... I am forty-eight (almost forty-nine ...yikes!) and I thank God that the times I have been in the hospital were for three different c-sections, when my babies were born.

Alright, enough said.  I am as ready as I will ever be for my new project.  Project me.  I have been working on the design end of my blog... so we'll see when it's all done what you think.  And if I experience anything near to what I have writing this blog, then I know it will be enlightening, empowering, educational, life cleansing, and above all I will keep it LIGHT and FUN!

It takes half your life before you discover life is a do-it-yourself project.  ~Napoleon Hill

One characteristic of winners is they always look upon themselves as a do it yourself project.  ~ Denis Waitley 

I am thankful for the times my family is together.

Blessings to all!!

191 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 172 ~ Committed to Myself

Today has been an overwhelming day ...  I really am too tired to try to watch my p's and q's, let alone not wanting to take the chance of my saying something that may upset anyone.

It doesn't just take discipline to respond to one of life's moves against us, but it also takes patience and courage.  It is bad enough that we are caught off-guard most of the time, but to also be expected to handle life's  head games without making a mistake once in a while is ludicrous.  

This is why tonight I am taking the time to think about today's events thoroughly in order to be able to make sense of it all in the most positive fashion.

Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping stones to greater experience. Perhaps someday you will be thankful for some temporary failure in a particular direction. When one door closes, another always opens.    ~ author unknown

I am thankful for the fact that I am committed to making a wonderful life for my family and myself.

Blessings to all!!

193 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 170 ~ Turkey Encore Presentation

I must say that after over twenty-four years of cooking turkeys I have it down!  (wink, wink)  I really do.  Not a one of them has come out less than perfect!  Not  a dry one in the bunch! (knock on wood)

I have roasted, fried and smoked.  All methods have turned out a delicious turkey and, it is still up for debate as to which way is the best.  

Today I roasted turkey number two... poi-fect!  Turkey number two?!  Huh?  (you ask...)

Well...

Eight years ago on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Dean and I found ourselves without any left overs to enjoy on the famous "day after."  As many others do across our nation, we too enjoy the proverbial  "day after" Thanksgiving turkey sandwich with stuffing/dressing and cranberry sauce on it.  One word... Nummmmy!

In more recent years I have added my mom's (mother in law) turkey soup recipe to our tradition on the day after the "day after" (Saturday.)  I have never tasted anything as good as this turkey soup recipe, a family recipe none the less.

So, let me make this clear.  On Thanksgiving I assisted my mom (mother in law) in cooking our turkey dinner (and this year I volunteered to cook Dean's aunt's turkey for her,) by making the green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and onions with white sauce.  Then today Friday I cooked a little Thanksgiving dinner for us so that we can enjoy leftovers for the next few fays.

Did You Know that President Abraham Lincoln declared the final Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving?

Did You Know that in 1939, 1940, and 1941 Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed Thanksgiving the third Thursday in November to lengthen the holiday shopping season?

Did You Know that according to the Guinness Book of Records, the largest turkey recorded was 86 pounds? 

 

I am thankful for the continued love and support my family shows me.

Blessings to all!!

195 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 169 ~ Being Thankful

It's after eleven at night and I am still full from today's Thanksgiving feast!  Wow!  How blessed are we?  

courtesy of Bing images

The turkey was perfect, the mashed potatoes smooth and moist, the green bean casserole was better than perfect, yams? well they were divine, and the gravy, well what can I say? ... it was just right!  and the pies...  out of this world!

How blessed are we?  VERY!

We had a wonderful time.. family and friends, great company... what more can one ask for?  Not a thing.

All well worth getting up at O dark thirty!   

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.    ~  Johannes A. Gaertner

I am thankful for a perfect Thanksgiving!

Blessings to all!!

196 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 168 ~ Happy Thanksgiving Eve 2011!

It's finally here!  Thanksgiving eve 2011...  What will tomorrow bring?

Courtesy of Bing images

With all the preparation underway... the only thing left for me to do is wake up at six in the morning so I can tackle Tom (this is what I always call our thanksgiving turkeys) and put him in the oven by seven... and then off to the airport!  Alysia's flight gets in at 7:30 which after some thought is not a bad time to get in.  At least it is not at eleven or noon!  (wink, wink)

I really love Thanksgiving!  It is all about giving thanks and being grateful for all in your life.  No presents, no sales, and free turkeys!  I also love the fact that most of the supermarkets have some type of a incentive for a free turkey.. most of which is buy $75 to $100 worth of groceries and you get to walk out with your own Tom!  I really hope they never do away with this.

Well, I can honestly say I am ready for tomorrow.  Sure there are a couple of things that didn't get done, which happened to be on someone else's to-do list (and I won't mention any names but he sleeps next to me every night), even so I think Alysia will be comfortable and every one will enjoy dinner regardless.

Courtesy of Bing images

I know, I know... it's just that I like everything just perfect... down to the salt and pepper shakers on the table.  All the bedding is clean, towels and toilets too!  And the actual dinner is not even at my house!  Wait until you see how we set my mom's table tomorrow.  It is absolutely Thanksgiving!

So it is off to bed early.  I should be able to get a good night's sleep being that I stayed up most of last night thinking of what needed to be done today.  (laughing to myself- doesn't take much to amuse me!)

I wish you all a juicy Turkey, perfect mashed potatoes, the sweetest candied yams and the best green bean casserole ever!!  And I won't even bring up dessert.


May you enjoy your family as much as your meal, and may you also know when to keep your comments to yourself and when to chime in!  (that last one is more for me - somehow, my shoe sometimes finds itself in my mouth and for the stupidest reasons too!)

God Bless you all and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart.
~J.A. Shedd

God has two dwellings; one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart.   ~Izaak Walton 

I am thankful for the faith I find within me in when I need it the most.

Blessings to all!!

197 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 167 ~ And The Madness Begins!

And...    we're off!!

So the countdown begins to Thanksgiving dinner... for some of us because we are cooking and others... well because they are looking forward to indulging our harvest creations.

With one day, seven hours and counting for my turkey to be delivered, (Yes... delivered.  I volunteered to cook Dean's aunt's turkey this year-  she has her hands full taking care of Dean's ailing grandmother,) the madness in the preparation has officially began.

courtesy of Bing images

From the moment I woke this morning I knew I had to tackle a heavy to-do list just so that everything around the house is nice, in preparation for our house-guest.  You see, I want everything just right!

One great thing about all of this is that I am getting quite a few things done around the house that I have wanted done for a while.  Today I spent my day laying a terracotta pathway to our home, touching up a couple of walls with paint, fixing a curtain rod, a couple loads of laundry, ironing... and on top of that, the car had a car wash and oil change and Calley had a play date! 

PHEW!  What a great day!!!

I wish I could say that I was preparing for the arrival of my sons for the holiday... wouldn't that be the most amazing holiday ever!  Or my sister or mother for that matter- especially since my sister has been saying she is coming for five months.  I was so looking forward to spending the holiday with her.  I am so sad and disappointed.  

As far as my mother is concerned... I am very disappointed that she does not want to spend more time with her family.  There's always something.

Well, I am happy and thankful to say that I will be having a friend come visit for the holiday.  Alysia is a great gal and a great friend.  I really can't believe that she has taken the time out of her busy schedule to plan her visit with us.  I am so blessed to have a friend like her.

So tomorrow comes day two of the madness.  Ai ya yai!  I don't even know how it will go... but I will give it my best shot!

You see tomorrow not only do I have a few more things to take care off on my to-do list, but then I have to help my mom (mother-in-law) with her to-do list, and then finally come back home and start cooking for the big feast the following day.

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

I am thankful that I am part of such an amazing family!

Blessings to all!!

198 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 165 ~ Learning the Game

The past few days ... phew! Seems like I just stepped out of a whirlwind, and the storm is not even over.

Courtesy of Bing images

I must say that tonight I feel very thankful for all that I have, for all who are in my life and for being able to be smart enough to realize that this is just a temporary bump in the road.

I know that there will continue to be struggles in life, but it is how we deal with those struggles that enriches our lives even more.  We all get knocked down once in a while, however its how we take the punches that makes us stronger and wiser for the next time.

I am not saying that all is better...  but it certainly is on its way.  

Do know that yes, there will be a next time... just make sure you have your punching gloves on and be prepared.  Remember to keep your eyes on your opponent and duck when necessary.  More importantly do not forget to laugh along the way and lean on your Dream Team when necessary.  They are there for that reason... to help you when you are down and support you when you are up.

Having said that... I would like to thank you all for the 7,000+ views my blog reached today.  It's an amazing feeling to share with all of you and more importantly are the things I have learned about myself on this journey.  Thank you for riding shotgun.

Gratitude brings more to be grateful about. so today I make the point of expressing gratitude for everything in my life.    ~ Louise L. Hay

A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope.    ~ author unknown

I am thankful for the fact that each day that goes by I am a stronger in my faith and I am surrounded by a wonderful, caring family.

Blessings to all!!

200 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 164 ~ I Will Not Give Up...

When I started my journey, I never stated that I was an expert or that I was perfect, or that I was a perfect expert...  (lol) just kidding... an attempt at humor again... anyway...

courtesy of Bing images

The point I am trying to make, is that I am taking life one day at a time.  Most times my days may not turn out the way I set them out to, even so, I set out each day to do better than the day before. Learning as I go.

funny, one thing I remember my father saying to me when I was in my 20s  (one of the few good memories I have with him as an adult) ..."Carlita... (he called me that once in a while, when we were one on one)...  there isn't a handbook at life, or being a dad...  one tries to do the best we can..."

Well... I'm trying the best I can... at this thing called life...and writing my own manual as I go...on being a wife... at being a mother... a daughter... a sister... I will not give up... I will be strong,

I will not give up ... I will be strong.

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.    ~  1 Chronicles 4:10   (NIV)

I am thankful for finally recognizing the wonderful person that I am, and always have been. 

Blessings to all!!

201 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.