Day 541 ~ I Am Thankful For . . .

I am ending November on a grateful note.

Believe it or not (sarcasm) I am grateful for my life and all that I have experienced . . .  

I am thankful for all that I have and all that I have lost . . .

I am thankful for good days, as well as all the bad days I have survived . . .

I am thankful for all the friends I have and all that I have guarded against . . .

I am thankful for all the beauty I have seen in my life as well as the ugly . . .

I am thankful for lessons learned and lessons failed . . .

I am thankful for all the compliments . . .  the bad things are non of my business . . .

I am thankful for my husband, my sons, my daughter and all of our family who is always there for us . . .

I am thankful for this life God gave me.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.  ~Psalm 118:24

What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 

I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . . 

December 9th - 15th

[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 536 ~ What's Next? . . . In the Near Distance

Sooooo . . . At the bottom of my more recent posts I have left you a teaser per say- "What's coming up?   Hmmm.... I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. "

So here are the details.  

On June 19th I started to write about a challenge I was participating in... "I Am Second 22 Day Challenge" . . . a life altering challenge.

In October I was contacted by Doug Bender (Doug is part of the I Am Second movement and has shared part of his life's struggles and how he discovered God- you can click on his name to find out more about him).  Doug had read my blog and saw that I shared my challenge on my blog.

Doug shared with me that he wrote a book for the I Am Second movement and it is being published- Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First   The book will be available at all books stores and online week of December 9th.

Doug asked me to read and blog about this book that same week.

After reading what I have written thus far, I see that this is not a challenge, nor is it a review-  I'll be writing four posts that week, sharing my thoughts, experiences and how I Am Second.

As cheesy as this may sound, I am honored to have been asked to do this.

Thank you Doug for reading my blog and asking me to participate.  I am looking forward to it.

I am thankful for good books!!


What's coming up?   Hmmm.... 
I think I see another challenge off in the near distance. . . December 9th - 15th

[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 535 ~ 'Tis the Season?

It's officially the "Christmas season" or as some may refer to it as the "Holiday season".  

We . . . my husband, daughter and I actually spent most of our day watching Christmas movies... thank you Hallmark channel.  wink, wink.  

The only thing I can say is that I wish Christmas miracles or the Christmas Spirit would happen just as they do in the movies.

As we sat back and watched the movies, my heart couldn't help but to get so full of love. . . let alone the feeling of hope, love, and dreams that overtakes me us all.  Funny, while I sit and get "into" the movie(s) and cry [of course] my husband teases me because my little chin quivers as I start to get emotional.  What a way to ruin the moment!  LOL!

As far as I am concerned, Dino can make fun of my little chin all he wants . . . I will continue to watch sweet movies and feel the moment . . . how else would one enjoy a good Christmas movie?  wink, wink.

BUT . . . 

We wouldn't have any of this . . .

We have to stop, look and think. . .  all the planning, shopping, cheer, giving, wishing, cooking and receiving did not come about just like that. . .  let's all remember the reason for this season . . .

I am thankful for a good Christmas movie!!


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 533 ~ Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all a most

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am thankful for a wonderful family!!


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 532 ~ Wordless Wednesday Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

"Wordless Wednesday"

tonight.... BIG SMILE!! 

Here are some more pictures from

The Blessed Spoon's

1st Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Basket . . 

Wishing you all a most

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am thankful for having all of you in my life!!


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 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 530 ~ "D"(elivery) Day!! IT's HERE!!

IT'S HERE!!
All food delivered with love and care made their final destination(s).  
As a matter of fact I just walked in the door at 10:00pm 
Exhuasted needless to say.

I will fill you in on all the details tomorrow. 

the BIG DELIVERY ! ! !

I am thankful for all who donated ! ! !
We would not have been able to do it without you!

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 529 ~ Countdown Winding Down . . .

COUNTDOWN TO 

1 DAY before the BIG DELIVERY ! ! !

I am thankful for VOLUNTEERS ! ! !

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 528 ~ Countdown Continues . . .

COUNTDOWN TO 

2 Days & Counting . . .

I am thankful for families that work "together" as a family, always looking out for one another . . .

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 527 ~ and The COUNTDOWN BEGINS!!

COUNTDOWN TO 

3 Days & Counting . . .

I am thankful for those of you who take a little time in their lives to help others!!!

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 523 ~ The "Blue" Time of This Year. . .

This time of year may bring joy to many, and heart felt kindness to others... but there are some people out there who do not see it that way, they don't welcome this time of year with open arms.  Too much sadness. . .   too much pain. . . 

People may withdraw... or not have any family to open up to... or even have a smaller circle of friends.  I want to be able to help you . . . so here I found out about some red flags to look out for ..  

according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)  here are some signs to look for:  

Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings;  Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism;  Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness;  Irritability, restlessness;  Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex;  Fatigue and decreased energy;  Difficulty concentrating, remembering;  details, and making decisions;  Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping;  Overeating, or appetite loss;  Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts;  and Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment.

  For more informatioon on depression click here.

There are many wonderful people out there that have suffered a life altering loss and even at times may regret living to tell about it. . .  if that makes any sense.    This time of year brings "It" out in the air for them.  

I know. . . there probably isn't anything I can possibly say to  help. . . .   

Although, I truly understand how some people may feel.  I know what it's like to not want to get out of bed for days.  I know what it's like to let the phone ring and ring.  I know what it's like to make last minute excuses for not attending functions with a lot of people or even with one person. . .  I know what it's like. . . . 

I was about to tell you how I didn't gain anything from being depressed, but that's not true.  I had to go through things "my way" at "my pace" to get to where I am today, to be who I am and do what I do today.  I had to dacide when . . .  I was done?  When I was complete.

Whether we go through happy times or even regretfully bad times, all those experiences make us who we are including how we choose to "process" some life altering events. . .  all of this and more is what we are made of. 

All and all, I sit here very proud to be who I am and have made the choices I have-  what else can you do a tthis point?  . 

{BIG SMILE}

I am thankful for my life!

[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 522 ~ It's In the Air

"It's" in the air.  

{BIG SMILE}

Yes . . . the season of giving is in the air.  Can you feel it?   I can.

I love how everyone starts getting in "the spirit".

From here until the first week, maybe second or so, of January everyone is kinder.  Well except in the shopping mall parking lots!  LOL!!    Or does it seem that way?  

Is it that people seem kinder because you start hearing "Merry Christmas" or a "Happy Holidays" of some sort?  Or is it that the same people who normally say a "kind hello" are now saying something different and it just seems like everyone is kinder?

Whatever it may be. . .  I don't know about you, but I love it when "It's" in the air. 

I am thankful for kindness!

[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.