A WEEKEND of NECESSARY DISTRACTION

The weekend before last, Michael and I, our friends Angie & Brad all went to Southern Illinois to visit Andy Fleck before his final voyage to St. Louis. Andy's parents live on Lake of Egypt which is a beautiful lake near Carbondale, IL.

The weekend was exactly what I needed. It is amazing that just getting out of the house can give you enough distance from all the things you need to do when you get back. It was also great to recharge before the hardest work week I have ever experienced here (mentally & physically).

Friday night we left after work and drove through the monsoon to get there. It was a scary ride being that 2 of my 4 tires didn't almost make it down there. They had to be replaced on Sunday before going home. Saturday was spent out on the lake, talking w/ friends, visiting a local winery (I am finding I am a wine snob) and going out to eat later. We played the game "Loaded Questions." It was a great game for us to see how much we know about each other and to learn more. This game made the weekend for me. And how the laughter abounded. We probably kept the neighbors up. Overall it was relaxing - enjoyable - fun! Here's some pics from our weekend!

Michael and Sofie (Andy's Parent's Dog) Two Wild and Crazy Girls (Angie & I) The Cutest Couple ever... The Scenery - There was a wedding that day ... Angie ... slow down (LOL)
Isn't he Cute...

Hi Brad - Say Sangria... Andy... too many times watching Zoolander

IS THIS WEEK OVER YET?

This week has been a DOOZIE! Registration for all our students was Monday -Tuesday. Emily, my counterpart in the office worked longer hours than I did and I am EXHAUSTED!! I am ready to rest and relax over this weekend. PRAISE GOD for a 3 day weekend.

Planned activities:

• Phase 2 of Michael's room (building customized shelves)
• Hanging out with our good friends, James & Amber, who are coming up from Atlanta & the rest of the gang
• Attending BBQ's
• cleaning the house.
• hopefully making it to one last visit to a pool.

Have a great Holiday Weekend!

PHASE 1: Paint and rearrage

We are redoing our bedroom on the first floor. It has been the catch all room since I moved in, in January. It hasn't been functional other than for storage. Well, we've decided to make it Michael's office / Man Cave. It will house all his video games, etc. and have a desk for him to study on to pass the pesky A+ test. This weekend we pulled everything out of the room ..... WHOA.... I had a LOT of stuff in there and now it's still all over my house because we're only in phase one. We painted, bought and put a desk together, and organized his entertainment area. Phase 2 will be building customized shelving around the desk, putting all the stuff away and hanging things on the wall. I am hoping to be done w/ Phase 2 by Sunday of this weekend. Here's the before and afters.

Before: Green and messy

After: tan and much cleaner ... but still not there yet

GONE WITH THE WIND... NO I MEAN LAWN

As I have been nesting inside, Michael has been making the outside of our home beautiful. We are only renting but we felt all the changes would benefit us in the long run. We have been dealing with a HUGE bug problem: crickets, SPIDERS, and general bugs. This problem is due to the landscaping around our house. It has been overgrown and out of control and we've finally decided to take into our own hands, or really Michael's hands.

This is our lawn before:

Right next to the house.

Looking towards the backyard

And NOW.....

Michael Killed/dug up all the ivy and mulched it

We even found a brick wall that was covered in ivy, Why would you want to cover this

The wall lined an entire walk way that was so overgrown with trees, debree, and etc that we never used it let alone see it. Michael said the bugs were disgusting and in full force in this area.

And he even found time to wash and clean off the side of the house.
The bottles on the concreate are bug spray that we have put everywhere. I hope it works

Well -I just wanted to brag on my husband and his landscaping abilities... can't wait to see what he does with the front of the house... but we'll keep you posted.

Potential is in the Eye of the Beholder

Since June 11th, when we returned from our honeymoon, I have been in a serious nesting mode. I have been planning and plotting renovations for the house. I have already rebuilt all the closets for Michael and I, rearranged and updated rooms except for the living room, and acquired some new furniture: Our new bed (wedding gift), patio furniture (wedding gift), new slip covers for the living room furniture (wedding gift), a twin bed for the upstairs bedroom (FREE), and a leather dual recliner loveseat (FREE). But I have been on the hunt for a desk for Michael’s office / Man-Cave and a buffet to replace the Ikea table with a cloth over it to hide the items underneath it since we don’t have enough storage in the house.

This weekend, like so many weekends before, I went to a few yard sales. This weekend, however; I hit the jackpot. Below you will see a buffet that I purchased for $20.00. The owner was even nice enough to deliver it to our house since we had no way of getting it back to the house, which I said thank you with another $5.00.
Michael admitted to me that he was skeptical about the “piece of junk I bought.” While he did yard work, I had the piece completely sanded. He later went to the movies with a few guy friends and when he returned I had my masterpiece finished along with dinner for Michael & I and our 2 friends.

After about 5-6 hours of work (including trips to Home Depot), $20.00 for the piece, $15 for the hardware and $8 for the paint. I think I made a wise investment. The bonus to the story is that we have a beautiful piece of antique furniture with more storage to hold all those wonderful wedding gifts that we don’t want to put in the basement.

If we were Simpsons

I stumbled across this fun online time waster...

www.simpsonizeme.com

Here's what it's interpertation of us was:

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE

How long does it take to combine two lives into one? We have spent the past 2 months merging all our things together. I have a full house of stuff and then adding Michael's things to do that has been ..... OVERWHELMING. We still don't have all his stuff in the house and it already seems like we're running out of space.

Thursday night, a girl from my bible study is moving to KC and donated a twin bed and a leather love seat (double recliner) and so we went to pick them up. I am so grateful. We put the loveseat in Michael's room (aka Man Cave) downstairs. I put the bed in the upstairs bedroom. My hope is that the upstairs bedroom can be a guest bedroom/my office for studying. It is a train wreck right now! I just spent the past 2 1/2 hours trying to clean it. I think it is going to take PITCHING a lot of thing to really clean. I don't even know what's in half the boxes

It seems like I am going to need to go through all those boxes and perge. I still have stuff at my dad's ----I have too much stuff, but living on your own since 18 will allow you to accumulate alot of things. Most people have their childhood home where all their things like awards, cheerleading uniforms, prom dresses, letterman jackets, etc are. I have had to drag that stuff around with me since my mom moved to PA. It was take it or have it trashed. So ... with all that said - if I want to be able to walk though my home and have it clutter free - i am going to have to throw away a LOT of things. One day -we'll be organized.. probably 1 month before we have to move.

It's been 2 Months

Michael and I have been married two whole months. I can't believe it seems like yesterday. We are finally getting settled but I don't know if you ever fully feel settled. I am officially Carin Deon Schindler. I was able to make it to the Social Security office and to the DMV all within a lunch hour - MIRACLE. We have finally merged our accounts.

We are in the process of sending out our thank you's. A bigger feat than ever expected - especially since my hands are killing me lately. I have severe carpal tunnel - and it has been enflamed so badly that it has prompted me to make a doctor appointment. So please, if you are awaiting a thank you card know this - WE ARE ETERNALLY THANKFUL, we just have been crazy busy (& in severe pain).

We have yet to order our wedding photos but have a generous $300 credit from the best photographer in the world (even though they have the same theme music as Has Weiman - LOL). Everyone who's looked at the proofs have told us we have some of the best photos they have ever seen. It's amazing to me how many people were unhappy with their pictures from their wedding. I can't wait to put our album together. Right now we are trying to figure out what photo to make into a 16 x 20 - that's a big photo... so it's got to be good.

We are beginning on transforming the downstairs bedroom into Michael's Office /"MAN CAVE". Where it will house all things manly - such as all game systems, swords, man movies, etc. I'll have pictures throughout the process.

Michael - I love you and every day I fall more in love with you. Happy 2 Month Anniversary.

Timing is Everything

How soon into your marriage, can you start buying new items for your mate?

Any ideas.
And when do you get clearance to start throwing things away...?

I received this image from a friend of mine, and knew it had to be blogged about. Ever since I have first seen my brothers running around the house in their whitey-tighties playing super heroes or just running around like ninnies, I can't look at an adult male wearing them without thinking they should have a cartoon character on them. I have had a long time hate of this particular piece of clothing. And I know what my men readers are going to say... we hate granny panties in the same way... and what does it all boil down to - COMFORT. But sometimes comfort has to go in order to grow up and leave Captain Underpants behind.

Positive Alternatives - Boxer Briefs and just plain Boxers - all women like a little mystery.

THE BURDENS OF BEING A CURLY GIRL

If you have naturally curly hair and are unfamiliar w/ this book. Stop what you are doing and go and buy this now. I was introduced to this book my first semester at Seminary by a student with as curly of hair as me but her's looked good. I asked her secret and she gave me this book.

Now, for as long as I can remember I have been a "HAIR VICTIM!"

I have been given the Ronald McDonald hair cut to the imfamous Long Mullet (where it's two layers: one around your chin and then the undergrowth below giving the appearance of the mullet) or even worse the Triangle cut....that always looks good on a girl with a perfectly ROUND face (sarcasm used here). Needless to say a trip to the salon is like going to the dentist for me... unexpected, unavoidable long term pain, and with fear and tremblilng.

Like I said I have since learned the antidote to bad haircuts, and her name is Anne. She worked at Spectrum hair salon on Clayton but since she homeschool's her children - she works from home in West county. I didn't have the time to visit her and thought her counterpart at the salon would do just fine. She did - but I did miss my time catching up with Anne! FYI: Curly hair cuts are done DRY... so that you can cut the curl in a strategic place and then you wash and redry to make sure the shape and style is desired. Also, you have to take into the consideration of the products used. I am a huge Product Snob - always have been yet I never knew there were products designed just for curly hair... I know and now I can never go back. My recommendation is for DEVA - it smells great and works amazingly well.

Now - I haven't cut my hair since around Feb. 2007 since I was growing it out for the wedding and needless to say - it needed it but it was also the longest it has been in years. Michael called it mermaid hair. I got my hair cut on Saturday - I know it takes a couple of days to relearn the new personality of my shorter locks but with the humity it's taking longer than expected. It just seems so short to me. The Bright Side: Hair grows.... i just hope it grows fast. I am fearful of August which proves to be the most humid month in Missouri. I am hoping I can unlock the secret to my hair before sporting a full on afro for the next month.

If you have curly hair, my recommendations are:

1) Change to Deva Products. Find a salon that sells them by going to : http://www.devaconcepts.com/products/

2) Go to a curly hair specialist - ususally found on the previous website by searching the salons and asking who is certified by the DevaConcepts training http://www.devaconcepts.com/ or another resource is http://www.naturallycurly.com/.

3) By the Book and learn how to use the Deva products and style your hair (available anywhere, including Amazon)

Friendship Bread Gone Amuck...

We have been having friendship bread floating from person to person. For those of you who are not familar with this process (aka burden): You have a starter bag of ingredients over ten days and many steps you get to the point in the process where you divide the batter into 4 different bags, keeping one of these bags and completing the process and making the bread flavor of choice.

I was talking to my best friend, Staci (matron of honor) when making the final steps of my bread last night. NOT A GOOD IDEA! I accidentally skipped a step and could not recover without finishing all the starters. What does this mean, you might ask? It means I made enough batter to make 8 loaves of bread. I didn't know if it could be done or how it would all work out and I kind of guessed at how to do it, since others said it was best to make all of the bread starters seperate.

I made 4 loaves of Banana Cream bread and made the batter for 4 loaves of Lemon Poppy Seed bread, which I am making tonight. My kitchen was trashed, and at 11:20pm I was covered in flower, sugar, etc. from head to toe. I finally finshed last night at 12am.

Moral of the story: When baking - don't be on the phone with your best friend or you have the potential for disaster.... or like me, stay up to late baking and overwhelming your house of 2 people with 8 loaves of bread.

WHY CHRISTIANITY? GOT QUESTIONS...HERE ARE "SOME" ANSWERS

When I was searching for answers to the largest of life's questions this could have been useful but it could have also fueled my fire against Christians. I am just glad that God revealed himself to me and I was humble enough to receive His love and help along this journey that pretty much confuses me about 100% of the time. Read with an open heart and I pray that God answers all your questions.

http://www.livingwaters.com/Merchant2/graphics/pdf/WhyChristianity.pdf

This is an explaination - it's not able to answer all of life's questions but it's a start. If you have any other questions - email me. I will answer what I can, and research, ask wiser & more educated people than me and get you answers. I hope you are challenged by what you read and if you are angered...examine why? God might be speaking to you and convicting you to make some changes in your heart and in your life.
GOD BLESS - Carin

QUESTION OF THE DAY....

So today, in the lull of the day I asked, "If you could see any concert front row, of anyone dead or alive, who would it be?" I love music and you can tell a lot about someone by the answer to this question.

My answer:

1. Beatles

2. Rat Pack in Vegas

3. AC/DC

4. Beach Boys

5. Coldplay

6. Tony Bennett

7. Janet Jackson (about 10 years ago)

8. Madonna (after she first came out)

9. Billy Joel

10. Elton John

11. Woodstock - the whole show

12. James Taylor (Seen him but front row would make it better)

13. Neil Diamond

14. Simon & Garfunkel

15. Etta James
16. Bob Dylan
17. The Doors


There were more ... so many more like, U2, Elvis (which I hate), The Who, Pink Floyd, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks and Wham (Tucker I love this answer). Who would you choose? If you'd like to weigh in please leave me a comment.

I'M LONELY

Michael left for his business trip in Ohio yesterday. Last night, I filled my night with a wonderful visit from my girlfriend Rochelle. She and I haven't really spent quality with her since we've both been married. It was so nice catching up, swapping stories, and sharing struggles of getting used to "living with a boy" - LOL. At the end of the night though - I missed Michael.

He's working in a prison today, setting up computer stuff I can't even begin to explain. I haven't talked to him today and I miss him a lot! I've lived on my own now for 12 years and yet I was a little spooked sleeping there alone last night. I missed my big strong protector.

I am ready for him to be home! I think he misses me too, since he called me about every hour last night. I need to make the most of my time though - cleaning, organizing, me-time, and just all those things that I don't want to do when he's home because I'd rather snuggle with him on the couch.

WANTING TO BE LAZY

This picture was taken on our honeymoon.... and with the weather as wonderfully perfect as it is right now. I think to be sitting in these chairs with a nice glass of Pinot Grigio would be close to heaven right now.

It is just TOO pretty to be indoors today. And after the week I have had - (since I can't make it to Mexico today) to layout under the sun with a warm summer breeze kissing my cheek on a blanket near some water with my husband would be the icing on the cake. Maybe even having a picnic with some brie, and fruit and french bread.......

Ok ... back to reality. I am at work all day....but wouldn't it be nice. By the way, here's my two cents: I think that just because we get older doesn't mean we don't still need a recess.

Happy Friday to All!!

TRUSTING GOD.....even with our finances...

During Michael and I's relationship we have been tested in a big and small ways. We have leaned on God through it all, especially when we, with only our human perspective, couldn't see past the problem to the solution or even have a thought at how powerful, creative and good our God is that we serve. I think in times of trial and suffering we make God so small, that we feel hopeless, instead of understanding that we serve a God that made the universe and if I "need" a new car, engine, honeymoon, etc - He will make sure I get it in His perfect timing. Oh by the way... that timing thing is totally not based on your comfort level, or instant gratification - unfortunately.

Satan knows our panic button and it is on the topic of transportation (our cars) and money. And when he pushes both of them at the same time - our panic mode goes on. During our time getting ready for the wedding, my car went to peices. It went from an oil change to needing an entirely new engine. That means a variance of $30 to $2500 + the engine. What happened? We sacrificed the wedding money saved for our honeymoon and paid the bill in addition to what our church donated to us. So by being obedient and paying for what needed to get done - God didn't say that money was for a honeymoon, I did. But he had other ways to bless us. My father, Alex, paid for our entire honeymoon as a wedding gift - how amazing it is to see God's hand through the love of a family member. It was a GIFT FROM GOD!

So today, we found out that Michael's car has finally hit a point where we have to make a decision - 1)Scrap the car and use only mine - when his is working but the transmission is having problems or 2)sink $2500 into his car to get it up to snuff to pass inspection or 3)walk out on some major faith and buy a new car. Or there might be another option that God will provide that we can't even see right now. Michael and I deal with financial problems very differently - I have never had money... so I live by FAITH ALONE and I am able to rest in God after a mild freak out session. Michael is used to his security and savings and having extra. He is having a hard time realizing that GOD will work this out - like all men - he wants to fix it, but feels helpless. So I am adding some things I found online that brought me comfort. And I ask you to join us in praying for God's provision and direction in this sticky situation. Please also pray for peace and unity for Michael and I.

This is an insert from "What Does Trusting God Mean? " by Daniel N. Brown

"If you love God, then remember that He is in the midst of your circumstances and He has everything under control. When things don’t seem to be working out the way we think they should, remember, God said in Isaiah 55:8-9, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than yours.”
We are told in Proverbs 3:5 to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” So, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).
God has got a plan and trusting Him is knowing that no matter what happens, He will bring good out of it. Romans 8:28 says, "God works all things together for the good of those who love him."
You are meant to be free of stress, reasoning, worry and everything else that can weigh you down. So, if you have been concerned about things to the point where it has stolen your joy, remember, Jesus said in Matthew 6:25, “Take no thought for your life.”
Sometimes, we are to just take our hands off of things and let God take care of them. Let Him do what only He can do and not worry about the outcome. He has our best interest in mind and has a wonderful plan for each or us (Jeremiah 29:11).
It's very reassuring to remember what God says about you, and what He says about Himself, whenever you may be going through a trying situation.
He says, "I am your Shepherd, I care for you, and My name is 'I Am' " and “I will keep you in perfect peace because your mind is stayed on Me, because you trust in Me” (Isaiah 26:3).
If you can truly believe with all of your heart and confess, "God, I take no thought for my life, I am anxious for nothing, and I am still, and know that You are God," then you will experience that perfect peace He is talking about. "

Prayerful.... this has been my current state for the past few days. I find myself in a place of crossroads. Things are changing in my social circles, my family, and soon my schedule.

I feel like God is preparing me for something big - I just don't know what's coming but I am bracing myself for something big. The wonderful thing that I have realized is that I now have a partner in my prayer life. Michael is such a prayer warrior. I chose the picture above because I am learning to lean on Michael and it is so freeing to know I can count on him. And thanks to Bobbi Brinkman Photography, I have this wonderful picture.

Things I am praying for:

1. Peace
2. Wisdom
3. Direction
4. Unity
5. Discernment
6. Boldness
7. Rest
8. Acceptance of things to come ... namely, change.
9. Support
10. To lean on God first and then Michael

MICHAEL SINGS....

Michael has been singing the Spider Pig song for the past 2-3 weeks. I love him but...
Check out this video: The Simpsons Movie - Spider Pig



Add to My Profile | More Videos

I don't like the Simpsons but Michael is sooo funny when he sings this that I had to post it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HINRICHSENS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Kenny & Megan

You guys are the greatest friends. You have been such an inspiration to me on how this whole Christian marriage and parenting is suppose to look. Thank you for being such a great example and always being so welcoming, as you do weekly. Have a great Birthday to you both. You are definite blessing to Michael and I and to all who know you.

Happy Birthday!

What did we do different?

So.... since Michael now lives with me, we have unlimited time together. It is so nice to come home and he's there. But prior to our wedding with wedding details, class, work, youth group and any other thing I threw on my plate, we only saw each other two maybe three times a week (and that included Youth group). We made the most of our time together and were always watching the clock since we had a curfew of 10:00pm. We went on dates, hung out, and spent time with friends. Nothing exciting but it was something and we did it together.

As I was sitting on the couch yesterday with Michael upstairs studying , I had a thought pop into my head, "I am really boring." My days consist of work, dinner, clean the house and then ....... can you hear the crickets..... Bed. I know that Michael and I have more time together so it can't be all exciting all the time but we are at a loss of things to do with all this time, since we're trying to buy a house in the next 2 years... we're trying to be frugal. Oh, and when you get home after a full day of work .... cook a meal and then clean up... I am not left with a lot of energy to go have some great adventure.

So did I get boring or are we just settling in before the storm. The store being the madness that is me back in school, taking 6 hours plus work plus.... you get the gist. Or is this how all married couples are who don't live together first?

I think my ADD doesn't know what to do with this relaxed way of life. I am used to being on the go 24/7. And I have some breathing room and I feel like I should be doing something ... but there's nothing coming to mind.