What would have been our Christmas Card....

I had grand ideas for our Christmas cards this year!  We were going to have our pictures taken, I was going to write a letter recapping our 2011, and then I would attach a 2012 calendar with all the dates of our family dinners.  All of this before Christmas or at least before December 31st.  Well....that didn't happen.  :(

We planned to have our pictures taken in early December, but because of schedules we had to move it to the week before Christmas. It only took a week for us to get our photos back (WHICH IS AMAZING!), but then I still needed to to order cards, order stamps, find the motivation to address the things, and so my Christmas Cards turned into New Year's Cards!  (haha)  While I think they turned out ok, I didn't get to attach the letter or the calendar.  So, without further adieu, here is my recap on 2011. 

Baehr and I had a wonderful 2011. We both started off the year busy with work. Where I work opened another volleyball club in Huntsville, and I had to go there one or two nights a week from January to May. Baehr had a few opportunities to go off shore early in the year and spent several weeks out in the Gulf of Mexico. All in all it was a busy first few months, but we are both so blessed to have good jobs.

After a few months of craziness, we took a weekend off and spent Memorial Day Weekend in Dallas for our friends, Mike and Gloria’s wedding! Mike was in our wedding and that was the first time we met Gloria, so it was fun to be at their wedding a year and a half later. How time flies! While in Dallas we ventured to the Dallas Zoo and fed the giraffes! If you ever get a chance… it’s definitely worth the stop. 

June was a big month for me because I turned 30! For the past few years Courtney and I have planned our birthdays together since mine is the end of June and hers is the beginning of July. It always works out that we can celebrate on the 4th of July so this year we planned a trip to Arkansas. Growing up we have always had family vacations to Arkansas and we just love spending as much time there as possible. So in July we packed up and headed to Greers Ferry Lake for a week! It was a great trip, and it definitely took the sting out of being 30!  

At our rental cabin in Arkansas

In August, we moved in to our first home! We actually signed the papers to start building in April, but we wanted to make sure everything went thru before we told anyone. On August 25th we closed, and got our key! It was one of our best months of the year by far! 

With all the distractions of the house Baehr had no idea that I was planning a surprise 30th birthday party for him in September. He is so good at being able to read me so I was worried he knew something was going on. His surprise birthday party turned into a 3 days event. His aunt and uncle flew in from Buffalo to surprise him on Day 1, his surprise birthday party was on day 2, and his birthday present (a redone picture of the truck he built with his dad) was on day 3. It was a GREAT weekend, although I don’t think he will trust me around birthdays for a while! Haha

At the end of September, we went to New Orleans for the Texans vs Saints game. Baehr bought us season tickets to the Texans this year so this was the obvious choice for his 30th birthday present.  We invited his parents to come along with us, and we had a grand ole time. We got to New Orleans around 1 pm, ate some good street food, and then headed back to our hotel to get cleaned up. Jason’s parents had made reservations for us at one of Emeril’s restaurants so we headed there for dinner. Little did we know that Jason’s dad’s client had set us up at a table IN the kitchen! What an awesome experience! This client also gave us his season tickets for that game, and WOW what a great view!  It turned out to be one of the best trips, and definitely something we will remember for years to come! 

The Baehr's times 2 at Emeril's

October, November , and December flew by with the very first Halloween in our new neighborhood, Thanksgiving in different states, celebrating our 2 year anniversary, and Christmas / New Year’s packed full of family and friends.

We are so thankful for everything God has brought us in 2011 and are so excited for what He will bring in 2012. We are blessed beyond measure.

Hope you enjoyed my recap!  Maybe this year I will get it together and send it out with my CHRISTMAS card!  haha

My Mom...

When Baehr and I were planning our wedding I was always asked the typical "Are you ready to get married?" questions.  My answer was "YES!"  :)  I loved Baehr, and never had any questions that he was the one for me.  He was perfect in every way.  More perfect, in fact, that he had to be God sent.  I believe my mom prayed for him and God delivered.  (Thank you mom and God!!!!)  And while I was 1000% sure I was marrying the right guy, I was also 1000% sure that I wasn't going to be able to live without my mom.  I remember people asking me if I had any concerns and I would also say, "I am not really sure I am going to be able to leave my mom."  They would laugh like I wasn't serious.  I even told our pre-marital counselor that my only concern was that I wasn't sure how I would handle leaving home.  He laughed.  They thought it was funny because a person couldn't possibly be that attached to their mother.  I was and am and I LOVE IT!  :)

Mom and I on my wedding day!

Wikipedia defines a mother as a "woman who has raised a child, given birth to a child, and/or supplied the ovum that grew into a child.  Because of the complexity and differences of a mother's social, cultural, and religious definitions and roles, it is challenging to specify a universally acceptable definition for the term."  Wikipedia clearly hasn't met my mother or they would have used the words: loving, kind, caring, thoughtful, brave, prayerful, strong, faithful, unwavering, dedicated, irreplaceable and so many more.  Honestly, I don't even know where to start or finish when describing my mother, but I also know that there is no word on Wikipedia or in the Dictionary that describes what my mother means to me.

  

Me and Mom at the Fall Festival

My mother was my PE teacher in Elementary School, my volleyball coach in middle school, my volleyball-basketball-track coach in high school, my fellow coach for the past 10 years, and my very best friend.  She taught me how to pray without ceasing, to never accept a doctor's final opinion, to fight for your family, and stand by your family through thick and thin.  She loves me unconditionally and she can give me the worst guilt trip without even being near me.  (She loves that!  haha) 

Me and Mom at Mt. Nebo State Park

As I write all of these things, I imagine that my mother feels the same way about her mother, and if I was to write a blog about Granny (my mom's mom) I would write the same description that I wrote about my mom.  

Granny was a very important part of our lives growing up.  We spent every holiday and a few weeks in the summer at Granny's.  Her house was our second home, and when we lost her in 2002 it was devastating to all of us.  I miss her every single day, and dream about her not nearly enough.  They say the loss of a loved one gets easier over time...WRONG!  I miss her more now than I ever did, and wish she was here to hold my arm down in Wal-Mart!  :)  

Courtney, cousin Frank Michael, Granny, cousin Lindsey, and me

So here is where my tears begin, and the reason for my incredible January 28th.  

When my mom graduated from college my grandmother gave her a necklace.  It was the diamond from my grandmothers engagement ring reset and put on a silver chain.  For as long as I can remember my mom has worn this necklace.  Every day.  Every single day.  Well, after 35 years of wearing this necklace every single day my mom gave it to me.  There are no words to describe how much this means to me.  Every time I even begin to think about it I burst into tears.  I hope that I never forget how it felt to receive this precious gift, and never take it for granted.  

I love you mom, and I love my necklace!  I thank you for everything you have done for us, and I thank you for making me the person I am today!  You are my blessing beyond blessings! 

You are the sunlight in my day,

You are the moon I see far away.

You are the tree I lean upon,

You are the one that makes troubles be gone.

You are the one who taught me life,

How not to fight, and what is right.

You are the words inside my song,

You are my love, my life, my mom.

You are the one who cares for me,

You are the eyes that help me see.

You are the one who knows me best,

When it's time to have fun and time to rest.

You are the one who has helped me to dream,

You hear my heart and you hear my screams.

Afraid of life but looking for love,

I'm blessed for God sent you from above.

You are my friend, my heart, and my soul

You are the greatest friend I know.

You are the words inside my song,

You are my love, my life, my Mom.

Pictionary / Lasagna Night

I have been trying to blog every other day, but I couldn't bring myself to blog about something inspiring when I was less than inspired this week.  So now that it's Sunday and I have somewhat pulled myself out of my funk (thanks to our family/friends dinner last night and my mommy) it's time to blog.  :)  

In 2012, I am trying to focus on my New Years Resolutions.  Number two on my list is "Have family / friend dinners once a month."  So last night was our first dinner!  :)  We decided to make it a Pictionary / Lasagna Night.  We had tons of good food and even more fun!  


Note:  I need to start taking pictures instead of relying on other people, but when you are having fun who wants to stop and take pictures?  Not me!  (haha)  So the only pictures I got of last night are from Kellie and are of our Pictionary Game.   Thank you Kellie!  :)

Team 1:  Mom and Mr. Baehr

There might be some sign language going on here.  I cannot say for sure!  We need to keep an eye on this team next time!  :)

Team 2:  Courtney and Baehr (No photo because Kellie was sitting right next to them so that would have been an awkwardly up close photo!)

Team 3:  Kellie and Mrs. Baehr  (No Photo...this was the photog's team.)

Team 4: Aunt Teri, Angie, and Ms. Cynde

Ms. Cynde is trying to explain what she was drawing!  (haha)

Team 5:  Me and Amy

Clearly I was not guessing correctly!  haha

I was asked not to share the order of the finish, but was given permission to show who the winner was...

YEAH!!!!!!!!  Go Me and Amster!!!!  CHAMPS!  Our winning word was "Cut and Paste".

I am so blessed to be able to share my Saturday nights with my family and some of our very close friends!  I cannot wait until February.  I think we are going to do a Mardi Gras theme!  Yahoooo!  

"I don't care how poor a man is; 
if he has family, he is rich."

Kellie, Courtney, Me, Mommy, Ms. Cynde, Aunt Teri, Amy, Angie, Mr. Baehr, Mrs. Baehr, and Baehr

A celebration of sorts....

There are very few things that I love more than my family: immediate and extended.  I get this from my mother, and her from her mother.  I was raised in a house where family was the most important thing and there were no strangers.  If you wanted to be a part of the family you could, and you are accepted with open arms without question.  


When we built our house last year, I longed for it to be a home.  A home like the one I was raised in.  Not just a place where we would come to sleep, but a place where people could gather and feel at home.  Tonight, I found that.

My dad has one sister, 4 brothers, and his parents are still living so I have a very large extended family on his side.  Between people living out of town, schedules, and all of life's curve balls it has been very difficult to get us all in the same city at the same time.  Well, by accident (or by someone upstairs), 24 of the 34 of us were able to get together this weekend!  YAY!  I didn't get very many pictures because I was busy laughing and having fun, but here in one I did get.

Aunt Cara, Jason, Katelyn, Kellie, Courtney, Megan, and my mommy.  Baehr in the background talking boy talk with Uncle DG and Ryan.  

There were kids everywhere, laughter in every room, and cupcakes being consumed.  To me...it was the perfect night!  I was even talking to my cousin at one point about how we used to the be the kids running through the house.  How things have changed, but one thing hasn't - we are still so so blessed!  Even after not being with each other for months we can pick up like we saw each other last week....at 16 or 26 things are still the same.  So thank you to my Lemm family, who made tonight perfect and turned my house into a home.  I cannot wait to have many more nights like this!  

"A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams."

Thursdays have always been my favorite!

It's true.  I have ALWAYS loved Thursdays.  In middle school they were always game days, and in high school Tuesdays and Thursdays were always my easy days (thank you block scheduling).  Good things have always happened on Thursdays for whatever reason (Baehr even proposed on a Thursday) and so today was another great THURSDAY!  


I am moving offices at work.  I was not very excited about this at first because my new office is not the biggest thing you have ever seen.  Some have even compared it to a closet or a toll booth!  HAHA!  A lady even told me today that people who work toll booths are happy...uh huh.  I guess I'll just have to take her word for it...   :)


So yesterday I took pictures of my new office, my view, and my desperate need of decor.  I posted them on facebook to share with the world and guess what showed up today?!?!  FLOWERS FROM MY BEST JILL!  :)  YAY!  Thank you Jillian!

I am still trying to figure out this blog thing...sorry about the side ways photo!

AND while I was trying to get things situated today my boss came in and told me that I needed a new computer.  WOOOHOOO!  So I will be picking up my brand new computer tomorrow!   



And last but not least, Miss (soon to be Mrs) Sheila Beth's birthday was today!  Happy Birthday Sheila!  I hope you had the best Thursday and best birthday ever!  (She was super excited to be mentioned in my blog which made me a VERY happy person!)  YAY SHEILA!


Today was just another great Thursday, and I am so thankful for that.  In 2012, I am learning find joy in the every day things.  To focus on the positive in life, and not the negative.  To appreciate my family and the close friends that I have.  To remember that God puts people and things in my life for a reason.  


There will be bad days, but I will ALWAYS have Thursdays!  :) 

Write yourself a letter...

Today was a regular Tuesday filled with the normal hustle and bustle of a weekday:  work, work, and more work then home.  We did have one exception today though...we met Baehr's parents for dinner tonight.  You can't go wrong with good company and chips and salsa!  :)  

Dinner was scheduled for 6 pm, but I was on the ball today and arrived at the restaurant around 5:30 pm.  Since I was so early I decided to go to the Kroger next door and pick up some cards.  I love the card aisle in Kroger because they have the neatest inspirational books there (along with tons and tons of holiday candy! haha).  In typical Carrie fashion, I got a little distracted and started looking through the books instead of the cards.  Two books caught my eye.  (I will share one now and one later.)  The first one was titled, "What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self".  The book is filled with famous women, their histories, and the letters they would write to their younger selves.  They didn't write a letter that would change their lives, but to encourage and inspire them at a rough time period in their lives.  

I only read about the first two women (Madeleine Albright and Maya Angelou), but it was so interesting to see what these women wrote to themselves.  When I put the book down I thought:  What would I write to my younger self and when would I write it?  So, I am going to do it....right now. 

Time Period:  I am going to write to myself in 2002.  In the fall of 2002, I will lose my grandmother, and find out my dad had kidney cancer.  Here we go...

Dear 2002 Carrie,

You are about to go through one of the hardest years of your life.  Sometimes life doesn't make sense, but trust in the Lord, He has a bigger plan for you.   

Remember to lean on your family, and to cherish every memory you make.   Don't forget to say "I love you" and to hug lots of hugs.  Your family bond is stronger than you think it is.

It's ok to cry and it's ok to be angry.  You ARE going to be OK.  It may not feel like it for a very long time, but you WILL be OK.  You come out of this stronger, and happier than you have ever been.   

Last but not least, don't forget to pray...MIRACLES DO HAPPEN and they come in many forms... (just wait until November 2003!)

Love, 

2012 Carrie 

If I knew then what I know now!  :)  When and what would you write yourself? 


Hope you had a great Tuesday!  
Carrie

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2012!  I hope everyone had a wonderful day off!  I know we were all looking forward to it after being spoiled by the Christmas and New Year holidays.  :)


In honor of Martin Luther King Junior Day I thought I would post one of his quotes.  I was searching the web for the best one when one of my friends on Facebook posted a good one so here it is:  


"We begin to die when become silent about the things that matter."  - MLKJ


This quote really started to make me think about my list of things to accomplish in 2012.  My list includes 20 things ranging from finding a church home to working out more to blogging (success there).  It has some good things, but nothing that would cause me to go out of my comfort zone.   So, my 2012 Martin Luther King Junior Resolution is to make a difference in something outside of my comfort zone.  Maybe get involved in the Republican Caucuses, Habitat for Humanity, a mission trip, or .... well something.  What it will be is still up in the air, but I will update you as soon as I find it.  Until then...enjoy the rest of your MLKJ Day and I'll blog again soon!
  

To Blog or Not to Blog...

That is the question I have asked myself for the past year.  I love reading my cousin's blog (louisianalivin.blogspot.com), and have often wondered if I should start my own.  She even told me once, "Cousin, you need to start your own blog!"  My response, "I don't have anything exciting to say!"  haha!  And while, this is probably still true, I thought I would give it a shot. 

Part of the issue with starting a blog is that you have to come up with some creative title or name for the documentation of your life.  Or at least the part of your life you want to share with others....you know, the good parts.  :)  So, while trying not to be too corny and still be somewhat cute (don't judge) I came up with "The Baehr Life".  I know my family and friends understand this title, but in case a lone ranger comes along and decides to read my (sure to be) random blog, I will explain. 

In the last 6 years I have posted "The Good Life" several times on my facebook status BECAUSE in 2005, a friend of mine told me I would be meeting a guy named Bear. Initially I thought, "Wow!  This guy must be some big hairy grizzly man!", but it turns out it was just his last name (B-A-E-H-R) AND he was the love of my life.  4 years later we were married and almost 6 years later we are happier than ever.  This my friends (and strangers) is how I came up with "The Baehr Life". 

With that, I think I will end my first blog posting with the only good line from Nicki Minaj's song Moment 4 Life....

"I'm not lucky, I'm blessed, YES."