Pretty but Dangerous

Our backyard

Max's treehouse has seen better days!

This was early Wed. morning

So the ice storm hit this week. It is amazing how something so beautiful can be so dangerous. Max always makes the most accurate comments- he said to me today: "Mom, ice is like in the books. The prettiest stuff is always the deadliest."

We have some significant damage in the yard (almost every tree is down or coming down). We are very lucky though that the house seems OK so far. And after a couple of days w/out power, we are back home. The kids spent 1 night at Janice and Adam's because they had power (until 11:00pm) and truthfully our house was terrifying Tues. night. Dennis and I stuck it out. We wanted to be at the house in case any trees came through the roof. Mom and Dad got their power back on Wed. morning so all 14 of us kids, spouses and grand kids moved for one big sleepover! While there was not a lot of sleep we did have fun. I haven't spent the night in my old room in a lot of years! But I am glad to be home in my bed tonight.

Stay warm- Jackie

25 Random Things

So this is something going around FaceBook, I did it there but decided to post it here too.

25 Random Things by Jackie Drake Carter

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (click on add photos..."tag people in this note" will appear in the upper right) then click publish.
1. I watch my children sleep.
2. I love being my own boss.
3. I sleep with socks on so my feet don't get cold.
4. My new fav ice cream is Carmel Twix Explosion.
5. I won't let my 11yr old have a cell phone.
6. I still watch Days of Our Lives-when I can.
7. My fav color is red.
8. I have been in the same book club for 10 yrs.
9. I take a girls trip every year with my 4 childhood friends.They're my grown up friends too!
10. I don't text.
11. My husband is my best friend.
12. I have a beagle named Ringo.
13. My kids are both named after Beatles songs-Max and Molly- do you know which songs?
14. I am afraid of falling and fire.
15. I still wish I had bagpipes at wedding. Other than that though,it was perfect!
16. I am a terrible driver.
17. I am easily distracted.
18. I procrastinate.
19. I love a good plan and always want a back-up plan!
20. I wish that life would slow down- my kids are growing up too fast and my parents are getting older faster that I want to admit.
21. I still can't believe how smart my parents got when I turned 25!
22. I am trying to be more community minded this year.
23. I believe God loves everyone everywhere.
24. I think 40 wasn't too bad.
25. I wish I liked to exercise!

Anyway,it's harder than you think, but fun. Give it a try!

Jackie

A New Day

Most of my updates are about events in my families life, but I feel compelled to mention today. I think in years to come today will be one of those days people ask where were you when...? I hope that when my grandchildren ask me that question it is with disbelief that it was a historic occasion. I want diversity at ALL levels to be their norm. No matter what your politics are it is truly an amazing thing to watch our government change hands so peacefully. What a privilege it is to live in a country where we vote w/out fear and voice opposing views w/our govt. w/out looking over our shoulder.

I had chills as saw all those people braving the cold to be a part of this day! It was an amazing site to behold. I do not think change will come overnight. I do not know if some problems can be fixed-they may just have to run their course. I do believe that people are motivated for the first time in a while to try.

I am not blind to the problems of our country, but as I watched Max take an interest in this election, I was reminded that change starts with us. We teach tolerance and compassion to our children. We lend a hand to our neighbor in a time of need. We pray for people who don't want our prayers. So no matter who the president, this is the difference we can make. I am pledging to find a way to make a difference this year. I am not sure where and how-maybe recycle more, maybe serve Thanksgiving lunch to others - but I will be open to what comes my way. I also pledge to help my children learn to make a difference so that when they become adults community service is a part of who they are.

Enjoy your life- Jackie

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas 2008 has come and gone and I am proud to say we survived it!

The kids love all the fun stuff we do during the Christmas season, but their favorite thing is Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! (Who's isn't?)
On Christmas Eve we always attend the Christmas Eve Candlelight service. This has always been my favorite part of Christmas- seeing old friends, listening to the Christmas story, and singing Silent Night by candlelight. I love watching my kids, Janice's and Jim's kids see the magic of that simple candle in the dark as we sing.
After church, as always we raced home to put out reindeer food, read Twas the Night Before Christmas and put out Cookies and milk for Santa.
After the kids go to bed, Dennis and I settle down and watch Holiday Inn. It is the last quiet moment we have before the chaos begins!

Max opening his Guitar Hero
World Tour Band Set


Santa was good to Ringo too!

Max with his new Michael
Phelps swim cap - if only Santa
delivered Gold Medals!

Molly with her new Emily Doll!

Dennis and the kids on

Christmas Eve.

After spending the rest of the day with my family, we made it home. We were too full, wondered where all the new stuff was going to go and Molly declared it the best Christmas ever! (She says that every year) And she's right.