The Carpenter's

Photo Card

2011-12-09T11:45:00.001-06:00

Merry Montage Christmas

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Fall Fun!

2011-10-26T17:38:00.005-05:00

Sorry it's been so long! I'm sitting in our church fellowship hall with CHAOS going on. It's the fall fun night. I promised a certain someone (*cough Deb cough*)that I would put pictures up. :)

We played outside this afternoon. Adriauna learned how to climb up the slide all by herself! But she would only go down on her belly until the last 3 slides or so. They also had fun picking dandelions. We had fun!

Madelyn's Birthday! 9/11/11

2011-09-11T21:37:00.009-05:00

Today at this exact moment that I am typing this... 10:37pm... Madelyn was born. She turned 3 today. This minute 3 years ago, changed my life forever. I don't know what I would do, or who I would be without Madelyn. She learns so many things so quickly and some things I don't know where she learns them. She loves going to Junior Church and church in general. She loves her little sisters and loves being a big sister. She has a heart for other kids. She loves to sing, play "VBS" and LOVES to laugh! Then there are those times where she acts like a teenager. After the "discussion" is over, most of the time I can laugh about it.

Like today at church, I asked her what she wanted for lunch. Chicken or pancakes? She told me pancakes... Then 10 minutes later, Derek tells me to ask Madelyn what we are doing after church. She says "going to a restaurant for my birthday - Applebee's". ???? Not like we go to Applebee's on a regular basis. Just little things like this that surprise me. Another one - This morning, Derek was singing "happy birthday" to her. She told him to stop; she was getting embarrassed. Then she started singing "happy birthday to Abe, happy birthday to Abe..." We have friends whose son's (Abe) birthday is also today. He is one year younger than her. Yesterday I told her it was Abe's birthday today too and she remembered!

Today we visited Deland Wesleyan Church. The people there are so friendly. The congregation is small so we stuck out like a small thumb! Especially with 3 little girls! Madelyn went to Junior Church and had a lot of fun! Then afterwards we ended up going to Chili's. We were told the nearest Applebee's was in the next town over and we needed to go to Wal-Mart, which the next twon didn't have... Confusing I know. So we went to lunch, then Wal-Mart and back to the house for naps.

Once everyone was up from naps, we played a bit then had supper. Again, Madelyn said she wanted pancakes. So I though it would be cute to put a candle in her pancake. I wasn't going to bake a cake because she doesn't like cake. So I thought this would work just as well! They played some more, the girls watched some "Curious George" and got baths. Nothing really special for Madelyn's birthday, but it was a good day! Here are some pictures.

Saturday (9/10) - Visit to Grandma/Grandpa Vanders!

2011-09-10T22:17:00.007-05:00

Derek's grandparents live in western Florida. We only get to see them once a year when they make their annual "tour" up north. So we thought it would be a good idea to make it over to see them since we were down here. A good time was had by all! Here are some pictures!

Friday (9/9) of Vacation

2011-09-10T22:05:00.005-05:00

Friday was "Recovery Day" from Magic Kingdom. We just stayed at the house, relaxed and did NOTHING! Well, not exactly nothing... I had to catch up on laundry. Even on vacation I don't get a vacation from laundry. Here are some pictures from Friday.

Lights Parade! Magic Kingdom - The Finale

2011-09-09T22:16:00.006-05:00

The girls fell asleep in the Emporium after they had picked out what they wanted to buy.

Then they woke up not long after while we were headed to find a spot to "park it" during the parade.

Madelyn saw the castle and said "It's purple!"

We picked the right spot! There was a Disney employee who came over and played games with the kids. They played with a parachute, Red Light/Green Light and Simon Says. Madelyn had so much fun!

Derek and Adriauna watched Madelyn and all the kids playing.

Then the employee gave Madelyn and Adriauna stickers. Madelyn had fun with them! Derek did too!

I loved seeing the girls' faces during the parade! Adriauna even waved to some of the people!

Princesses, Mickey, Suckers and Dinner - Magic Kingdom cont'd!

2011-09-09T21:32:00.004-05:00

Madelyn had been talking about meeting the Princesses for a long time now. But Wednesday night (the night before) she had said "The Princesses don't talk... The Princesses don't have hands..." I think she was either getting nervous or just wanted to write herself in the autograph books we got them. She ended up being really nervous and not wanting to get really close to them.

Madelyn with Cinderella, who is lucky she got a hug - kind of.

Brooklynn with Belle - I'm just glad she didn't spit up on Belle. She had just drank a whole bottle while we were waiting in line.

Christin, Madelyn, Adriauna, Brooklynn and Belle.

Christin, Madelyn, Adriauna, Brooklynn and Princess Aurora.

Brooklynn and Christin while waiting in line to see Mickey Mouse. Brooklynn kept grabbing my cheeks with hands and laughing.

Family with Mickey Mouse

Girls enjoying their suckers. They even traded!

Madelyn with her red tongue!

Adriauna with her green tongue.

Adriauna coloring while we were waiting for supper at Tony's Restaurant (Lady and the Tramp).

Madelyn coloring.

Family picture at dinner. Thanks to our waitress for taking the picture!

More Magic Kingdom Pictures!

2011-09-09T20:52:00.015-05:00

Adriauna at the castle. So Cute! We tried to get Madelyn up there too, but it didn't work.

Brooklynn eating her lunch while we were waiting to get into the "Plaza Restaurnt". We waiting 35 minutes!

Derek and Adriauna coloring while we wait for lunch.

Christin and Madelyn waiting for lunch.

Brooklynn having fun while we wait for lunch to come.

Monster's Inc.

Madelyn waiting in line to see Monster's Inc.

Madelyn and Adriauna after "Monster's Inc.". Adriauna fell asleep during the show. Madelyn was being an awesome big sister and put her arm around Adriauna.

Derek and Madelyn waiting in line to ride "Dumbo".

Getting off Dumbo

"It's a small world after all" - Family picture. Thanks to the nice lady behind us for taking the picture!

Derek, Madelyn and Adriauna on the boat

Christin and Brooklynn on the boat

Magic Kingdom Pictures! Thursday 9/8/11

2011-09-09T20:26:00.007-05:00

Mickey and Minnie Mouse

Snow White and Prince, Cinderella and Prince, Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip

Derek and Adriauna watching the show

Christin and Madelyn watching the show

The family in front of the castle

Madelyn was not happy when Derek told her she wasn't tall enough to go on Splash Mountain. She said she "wanted to go down the slide". She REALLY wanted to go.

Madelyn waiting for Ariel and Prince Eric. She was so excited!

Adriauna waiting for Ariel and Prince Eric. I don't think she cared so much about seeing them... just excited to be out of the stroller.

Brooklynn with Ariel

Christin, Madelyn, Adriauna and Brooklynn with Ariel and Prince Eric

Disney!

2011-09-09T15:46:00.002-05:00

We did Magic Kingdom yesterday. We had so much fun! The girls were so tired by the end of the day. Brooklynn slept off and on, Adriauna only got about a 10 minute nap and then at the end of the day (8:30pm) Madelyn and Adriauna got about a 30 minute nap. There are so many pictures, I couldn't possible post them all on here. But I did put them on my facebook album. So here is the link for that. Just copy and paste the link into the space above and you'll be able to see them! Having so much fun here. Totally blessed by our free tickets, free stroller and free parking from a wonderful lady we had never met before. Tomorrow we are off to Brooksville to visit Derek's grandparents! Have a great weekend!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.537765338329.2028208.153800544&l=a25fe06a3a&type=1

Day 4 - At the Beach! 9/6/11

2011-09-06T22:32:00.018-05:00

We were really excited when Adriauna woke up her "old self" this morning. That meant we could go to the beach... then it rained- no beach ... then it stopped- To the beach!

We didn't actually get there til a little after noon. Stopped to get McDonald's before we got to the beach. Madelyn was so excited!

Madelyn and Derek went right in... her first time seeing/being in the Atlantic Ocean!

But Adriauna and Brooklynn were not so happy to be at the beach after all. (Even though before we left the house Adriauna was crying/whining "GO"). They were both really tired!

Brooklynn finally fell asleep! And Adriauna decided that she did want to play in the sand after all. Just not the water!

Meanwhile, Derek and I took turns going into the water with Madelyn. She loved it!

Madelyn, Adriauna and I played in the sand while Derek played in the water himself.

Then Derek played in the sand with Adriauna while Madelyn and I went into the water.

Then before we left, Brooklynn woke up. I wanted to get a picture of her in the water.

And Derek tried once more to get Adriauna in the water - didn't work.

And, last but not least... a family picture. Taken by the nice older couple who was also enjoying the beach.

Day 3 - Florida 9/5/11

2011-09-05T12:17:00.007-05:00

Technically this is only our second day in Florida... but it's our third day of vacation. It could get confusing. Oh well.
Here is a picture of Madelyn and the items she found on her "adventure".

Here is Brooklynn, happy in her bouncy seat. She loves chewing on her toes. She was doing this before I took her picture.

Here is Adriauna, poor thing. She has been sleeping from 9:30am til 1:20pm, after she woke up around 9am. She woke up every so often which she goes back to sleep.

Hopefully we will have more interesting pictures to look at later on this week. Just keep praying that Adriauna gets better.

Ahhhh! Vacation! (and updates)

2011-09-05T09:50:00.004-05:00

It has been TOO LONG since we posted last. It's been before we moved and that was in June! Now it's September. I'm in Florida as I post this. The house is quiet (for now). Brooklynn and Adriauna are taking naps and Derek took Madelyn out for "an adventure". She's cute!
We are on vacation and it's been long deserved. We have never taken a vaca like this since the girls have been born. Derek and I's last vacation was to Florida in 2007.
Our move has gone pretty smooth. The only thing that we are still struggling with is Adriauna sleeping thru the night and her letting me leave her in the nursery. (Which she doesn't. She screams, and I mean SCREAMS, until I come get her or stay in there with her.)
Madelyn has upgraded to my old twin bed. Adriauna upgraded to the toddler bed and Brooklynn has upgraded to the crib. They are all learning new things everyday. Brooklynn is a rolling machine and is liking all the baby foods that I have tried to give her. She's holding her bottle by herself now, except on those stubborn days where she wants to be babied again. Adriauna is saying more and more words, and some of them we can actaully decipher. ha! Madelyn is amazing at coloring in the lines now. She's starting to recognize some letters and is completely potty trained, that happened before we moved. And on Sunday... She turns 3! My baby is growing up so much. Sometimes she acts like she's 6, or 16. Ha!
Adriauna woke up last night with a fever and is thankfully taking a nap now. We are hoping that she is better before Thursday. We were given a beautiful house to stay in for free for TWO WEEKS! Thursday is the big day that Madelyn has been waiting for for a LONG TIME. DISNEY WORLD!! We were also graciously given "hopper" passes for the Disney parks. We are so blessed!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Labor Day weekend!
-Christin

We have a new church!

2011-06-04T23:04:00.002-05:00

Last week Derek and I were offered and accepted a new church position in Columbus, Indiana. Derek will be the new Student Ministries Director. We are moving on June 17th... Just a little less than 2 weeks! We are very excited about this next phase of our lives. We were faithful to God and he was faithful to us. Our new church is hoping to find us a home to live in for free or next to nothing until we can sell our house. This is a huge blessing but also a huge prayer request. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support over the past 4 1/2 months. We would appreciate your prayers through our transition time for us and our daughters.

Spring is here and we LOVE it!

2011-05-10T08:41:00.003-05:00

Spring is here... and God is moving in more ways than one!
We had a great day outside yesterday after Derek got home from work and the girls woke up from their naps. Here are some links to see pictures of our day. (Sorry you have to copy and paste again. I can't get the links to come up! It's frustrating!)

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.531019736569.2026507.153800544&l=76ee8d15a8

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.531018903239.2026506.153800544&l=437cb0cb41

Hope everyone has a great week!

Pictures

2011-05-06T13:22:00.005-05:00

Hi all! There are some things in the works, but I have to make you wait a little longer to get the news. Sorry! In the meantime, here are some pictures to look at. Some of them might be doubles from the last time. Just copy and paste the links.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.523900388799.2025317.153800544&l=a90df78014

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.530787172629.2026405.153800544&l=ce3db0865a

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.530905575349.2026446.153800544&l=279a6dc6fe

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! Have a great weekend!

Nothing New

2011-04-14T12:29:00.002-05:00

There's really nothing new to share. Derek's still plugging away at Lowe's. No exciting news on the church search. He's still sending out resumes every day.
Brooklynn had her 2 month check up yesterday. She gained exactly 3 pounds and 2 1/4 inches in one month! She's a-growing!
For some reason we haven't been able to post pictures lately. So instead of to upload pictures for a half-hour just for them not to work - go to this link. It's from my facebook photos.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=523900388799&id=153800544&aid=2025317&l=a90df78014

Have a great weekend!

"Blessings"

2011-04-07T14:21:00.001-05:00

Here's another song that has blessed me this week. It's called "Blessings" by Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home,
It's not our home

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

It's been a while...

2011-04-03T09:39:00.004-05:00

I tried posting new pictures a couple of days ago, but it was so SLOW. I eventually gave up. We'll see if pictures are able to up load today. If not, you'll just get this.

Madelyn is doing great at potty training. She's so independent lately with it. Sometimes if you try to help her, she throws a fit. Not fun. She's getting great at coloring and staying in the lines and she still loves being a big sister and helping. Derek asked her the other day if she wanted to have another baby in the house. (Don't worry - we're NOT pregnant again!)She said no. And I'd have to second that, for right now.

Adriauna is still not walking on her own. Getting closer though. She has started to like to color and is not always try to eat the crayons now. :D She has gotten attached to a new stuffed animal giraffe that she received from my aunt and uncle. She usually has to take it out of her crib and has to have it when she goes to sleep. If she doesn't have it when she wants it, she points at it and says "GIGI". (That's what we named her.) Adriauna is saying "momma", "hi", "daddy", "papa", "bye", "please", and "thank you". She might be saying more, I just can't think of any more right now.

Brooklynn is getting bigger! She's smiling alot and sleeping alot. She's 2 months old today! She's starting to outgrow some of her 0-3 month clothes, which is mostly because they're all hand-me-downs. Nothing much else to report for her.

Derek is still working at Lowe's, being a light for Christ. Doors have been opened then closed for us and some doors are still opened - for our next ministry opportunity. We're waiting for God to show us where we are headed next. But I have to admit that I'm getting a little impatient.

It's been a big struggle for me because I don't want to move too far away because my family is so close to where we have been for the last 6 years. It's been extremely a blessing to be this close so the girls can be around family. I'm not telling God that I won't go where he wants us, because then I'll just be more miserable if we end up in a place where He doesn't want us. It's just a big waiting game now. We're still trying to "stay afloat". Friends and family are still blessing us financially as Lowe's pays substantially lower than what Derek was being paid. God is taking care of us, like we knew He would.

Hope everyone is having a good Sunday! (Madelyn and Adriauna have colds so we decided just to stay home today and not "church-hop" like we have been doing.) Praying that you are all blessed as we head into the Easter season.

Francine Rivers Give-away!

2011-03-22T08:01:00.001-05:00

Remember the first time you really connected with what you were reading or when you first discovered an author whose words always seemed to lift you off the page and carry you to a different time and place? Francine Rivers is that author to many people. She may even be that author to you. If she is, you’ll be happy to know that there are several ways you can learn more about her and connect.

FrancineRivers.com—This is the official website for Francine Rivers. You’ll find information on her books, her life, upcoming events, and even access to her personal blog.

Francine Rivers Facebook page—This is a must for the true Francine fan. Here you’ll find the latest news and information on everything Francine Rivers. You can connect with other fans, discuss her books, and even receive exclusive content.

The Francine Rivers Facebook page is well on its way to reaching 100,000 fans. To celebrate this milestone, we’re giving away some fantastic prizes!

Until April 4, you can get a free e-book of Leota’s Garden. You don’t even need to own an e-reader to take advantage of this special offer.

Visit one of these sites to download your free e-book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Sony (currently not available, coming soon)

Christian Book Distributors

We’ll also be holding a drawing with these prizes. (Each prize listed is for the regular, non-e-book edition.)

Grand Prize—complete Francine Rivers Library

Subsequent Prizes –

First Place Prize (1)—1 copy each of Her Mother’s Hope/Her Daughter’s Dream

Second Place Prize (2)—1 Mark of the Lion boxed set

Third Place Prize (3)—1 copy of A Lineage of Grace

Fourth Place Prize (4)—1 copy of Sons of Encouragement

Here’s how you can enter for a chance to win:

You must complete one or more of the following actions:

- “Like” the Francine Rivers Facebook page

- Invite at least 10 friends to “Like” the Francine Rivers Facebook page (using the “share” link of Facebook or through e-mail).

- Share this contest on your blog, Twitter, or Facebook page.

Fill out the form below to let us know which actions you completed. Each action counts as one entry.

We’ll choose the winners at random and announce them after the Leota’s Garden e-book giveaway ends on April 4!

Thank you for participating!

Wow, What a week this has been!

2011-03-20T06:52:00.002-05:00

This has not been the best week, considering our past 9 weeks. I was feeding Brooklynn yesterday, Adriauna and Madelyn were sleeping, Derek was at Wal-Mart and this song came on the radio. It's "Stronger" by Mandisa.
I'm always amazed at what songs come on the radio when I am really listening. God was telling me - "It's gonna be alright. I really do have this all under control." Anyways, I thought I would share them with you. Have a great Sunday!

Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather

Oh, don't hang your head
It's gonna end
God's right there
Even if it's hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you ...

Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it's gonna end
God's right there
Even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares

'Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
In time it's gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger

Brooklynn is 6 weeks!

2011-03-15T13:01:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that it has already been 6 weeks since Brooklynn was born! The time has flown by. She is doing really well sleeping at night (and during the day) anywhere from 3 - 6 hours. She is holding her head up well, too.
Madelyn loves to hold Brooklynn, sing to her and help with various baby duties. Adriauna likes to kiss Brooklynn, pat her head and tries to ease her discomfort by bringing us the pacifier when Brooklynn is crying. Isn't it amazing how little kids pick up on stuff. Adriauna also thinks she can help by bringing us the Mylecon when Brooklynn is fussy.
Here are some pictures of Brooklynn at 6 weeks.

From the Heart

2011-03-11T10:17:00.004-06:00

So I've been struggling with fear lately with all the Middle East and turmoil in the States stuff going on. Christians all over the place are discussing how we're getting close to the end times. I've always had trouble with fear when it comes to this discussion and I'm not sure why. I think it's more now that Derek and I have 3 wonderful amazing little girls. And I worry about what might happen to them more than me. Whenever these thoughts come to my mind, I'm always praying that God takes them away and lets me just focus on what's at hand and my family and friends. Derek helps me keep my focus too.

Anyway, a little bit ago Madelyn and I were laying on the floor coloring. I love this time of day when Adriauna and Brooklynn are both taking naps; Madelyn and I get a little one-on-one time. The radio is turned to Star 88.3 and the song by 33 Mile "Arms that Hold the Universe" comes on. Totally puts me at peace. I love this song! Here's the chorus:

And the arms that hold the universe are holding you tonight
You can rest inside, it’s gonna be alright
And the voice that calmed the raging sea is calling you His child
So be still and know He’s in control, He will never let you go

Trust that God is going to take care of us! Hope you all are having a great day! The sun is out!!

Update

2011-03-10T13:07:00.003-06:00

Well, Derek has put in his 4th day at Lowe's! Check won't come til the end of the month, but some amazing friends and family have been very gracious over the past 7 weeks. We know that even though some doors have closed on us recently, God has an incredible plan for our family. We just have to be patient and wait for His timing.

Here are some pictures of the girls!

We had some friends over for supper this past week. Their son and Madelyn love playing together. Here they are watching "Du Du Du Du Dut DORA". BTW, whenever Adriauna hears the Dora song or hears someone say "Dora" she starts to bounce and sing!

God's Divine Movement!

2011-02-28T08:53:00.006-06:00

This past few months I would say that our lives have been blasted by different things but also really blessed! I departed earlier than expected from my current job, we had a beautiful girl come into our lives, many people listened to God and where there was a need you filled it! I want to thank everyone for their generosity! I thank God for supplying me a job at Lowes, even though I won't be starting for another week! I know for us this has been a huge Faith Growing time for our family! I would like to call it bittersweet! We are looking forward to what God has in store for us in the days to come! Its been a great ride!

I leave you with this! There is this song by Jesus Culture called "one thing remains"
Here are the lyrics!

Higher than the mountains that i face
Stronger than the power of the grave
constant in the trial and the change

One thing remains

Your love never fails
It never gives up
It never runs out on me

Because on and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelmes and satisfies my soul
And i'll never, ever, have to be afraid

One thing remains

In death
In life
I'm confident and covered by the Power of Your great love

My dept is paid
Theres nothing that can separate
My heart from Your great love

God's Divine Movement!

2011-02-28T08:53:00.005-06:00

2011-02-25T09:17:00.003-06:00

Old Man Winter decided to grace us with his presence again. Derek and Madelyn went outside yesterday to play in the snow. Madelyn told Derek that he had to build her a "snow castle". He built it and she played. She had fun throwing snow balls at the back window where Adriauna and I were watching the "castle" be built. When Derek decided that he was done for the day he asked Madelyn if she was ready to come inside. She said "No Dad, you have to finish my castle." They came inside... :)

Still working on Adriauna's walking. Last night I stood her up against the couch to see if she would walk to me by herself. She took a couple steps! Then she just thought we were playing a game so she just starting falling towards me. We had a couple close calls to her face-planting on the floor.

Brooklynn is doing well. Both girls take the initiative to try to entertain her. She sure is growing. She's in "1" diapers and is taking 4 ounces every 3-4 hours.

Derek had his drug test yesterday at Lowe's. He was told that the guy doing his orientation is going to be off of work all next week. So there's not a chance of him working next week - which is kind of a blessing, kind of not. Brooklynn has her 1 month check up next week and I was getting anxious about taking all 3 girls by myself. We were definitely spoiled with Derek's more flexible schedule at the church. He was able to go with me to all the girls' and my doctor appointments with us.

People are still blessing us! And we're still trusting that God is going to provide for us. We're showing the house tonight! Which is a praise. At least people are somewhat interested in our house. That gives us hope. We know that Grandma Liz and Grandpa Harold are warm - in Florida! (Madelyn said she wanted to see you earlier this week. We both agreed with her!) Praying that you are all staying safe and warm in this weather! Have a great weekend!

Growing, growing, growing!

2011-02-15T08:45:00.003-06:00

Here are some of the latest pictures of the girls. Madelyn adores Brooklynn and Adriauna is mesmerized by her. Brooklynn's belly button has already fallen off. If you asked Madelyn about the belly button she would tell you "There's POOP in there! EW!". Adriauna is getting better at sleeping through the night, thankfully. And we're still working on walking with her. She's definitely our dare devil. Madelyn is doing a great job at being potty trained. Although we still haven't been brave enough to try it out in public yet. She got a card in the mail that she could also color from my Grandma and did an amazing job at staying in the lines!

God is continuing to open doors for us and faithfully we are walking through. Derek has had two interviews with churches in the last week and just got back with an interview at Lowe's this morning. With one of the churches, he made the "Top 12" out of 150 applicants. So whether or not that is the place where God wants us, being in the top 12 speaks very highly of him. (Nope, not a little biased at all. Ha!)

Brooklynn Mae Carpenter

2011-02-03T19:20:00.003-06:00

Brooklynn Mae Carpenter was born on February 3 2011 Weighing 7lbs and 4ounces. God has really blessed our family with another beautiful girl! We are so blessed and we love the new addition to our family!

January 2010

2011-01-25T11:25:00.006-06:00

Here are pics of Madelyn and Derek "sweeping snow" according to Madelyn. They went out a couple weeks ago and then yesterday. Yesterday, they built a mini "frosty" that Madelyn has been asking to make for a while. She's been asking since fall... because that's when Derek broke out the kiddie Christmas movies. The other pics are just of the girls around the house.

We are working on potty training with Madelyn. It's going well. She likes to ask people to "pray for my panties". It really caught my dad off guard the first time! Madelyn is loving being a big sister to Adriauna and seems excited about this new one. Adriauna is getting more of a personality. It's fun to see her learn new things. She isn't walking quite yet, but then neither did Madelyn until after Adriauna was born.

I've been having contractions for a couple days now. I'm being induced on Feb. 3rd, that is unless this girl decides to come first. We'll keep you posted and put pics on once she does come.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Christmas Time!!

2011-01-04T14:50:00.001-06:00

Prayer!

2010-12-29T13:27:00.003-06:00

As many of you might already know and maybe you don't. I have resigned from my position as youth pastor at Sonlight. We are asking that you would pray that God would open doors for our family! We are trusting that He will open many doors for us. We love the ministry with the youth that was taking place at Sonlight. We feel that God has called us away! I ask that you would continue to pray for our family during this time!!

Daddy Scaring Madelyn!!

2010-12-17T13:35:00.003-06:00

She loves to be scared!! Its funny!!

Happy Birthday Adriauna!!!!

2010-12-15T08:37:00.000-06:00

Some Family Photos

2010-12-09T14:47:00.002-06:00

We had some Photo's take By Zach and Laura Schible!! They did an amazing Job!! here is his website http://www.ztsphotography.com I would Highly Recommend them if you need pictures done!! Thanks Zach and Laura

The girls!!

2010-11-30T08:34:00.000-06:00

The Girls!!

2010-10-25T15:08:00.001-05:00

Updates

2010-09-14T19:22:00.002-05:00

It's been a long time since we've posted anything on here. I (Christin) just got done with youth group praise team practice and Derek is in a board meeting. The girls and I are in the nursery. I actually like these times because it means that I am able to get on the internet, which is usually a rare occasion. Madelyn is watching her Veggie Tales movie and Adriauna is playing.

Madelyn turned 2 this past Saturday. It's hard to believe that she's 2. We asked her all day "Is today your birthday?" "Are you 2?" She always answered "Noooo!" I don't think she understand what we were talking about. We aren't having her birthday party til the end of the month. She's talking more and saying new phrases. Sometimes it's hard not to laugh at her when we really shouldn't. A couple weeks ago she wasn't listening to Derek. I can't remember what it was specifically now. But he was asking her to come to him and she wouldn't. She laid on the floor and said "No! I'm sleeping!" and then pretended to snore. We couldn't help but laugh! She loves being a big sister and calls her lil sister "'drinana".

Adriauna has been sitting up and holding her bottle on her own for some time now. She's still not quite happy with laying on her stomach, so little bits at a time to get her to try to crawl. We'll be driving in the van and Madelyn will start laughing for no reason we can see. We'll look back and she'll be looking at Adriauna. We can't see what she's doing, but it's funny to Madelyn. She'll sleep through the night every so often, so Derek and I are still playing the "every other night" game.

Since the last post, Derek and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. We left the kids at my parents house and headed to Indy for a couple days. We found this amazing cupcake shop down by Keystone. Gigi's Cupcakes... worth every penny. (You'll need 300 pennies for 1 cupcake.) I love being at home with our girls.

Sorry for the lack of pictures lately. Hopefully we'll get some posted after Madelyn's birthday party. Hope everyone is having a great start to fall! Keep us posted on what's going on with you in your lives. God bless!

Our Girls

2010-07-19T10:21:00.002-05:00

Here are some more pictures of our girls! Great Grandma and Grandpa Vanders stopped by so we enjoyed the time with them! Hope you enjoy them!!

Wow! Surprise Surprise!!!

2010-06-28T14:26:00.001-05:00

Well we are expecting another child in the Carpenter Family! It was a definate surprise for us because Christin was on birth control! But we know that God has great plans and we are excited for this new blessing that is apart of our family! Please pray that all goes well as Christin is just 8 weeks prego! We are excited and nervous in all the same!! Have a great week!

2010-06-03T19:44:00.001-05:00

2010-06-03T19:20:00.002-05:00

Girls Having Fun!

2010-06-03T19:10:00.000-05:00

Growing up

2010-05-06T09:48:00.003-05:00

Well sorry it;s been a while! The kids are growing up and getting big. Christin and I have been doing well! We are getting ready to have a pretty busy summer with camps and other events going on in the church. It's been really fun playing with Madelyn outside and watching Adriauna start getting a little bit of a personality! God has really blessed us with these kids! Here is a few pics for you!!

The Girls

2010-03-09T14:08:00.001-06:00

Madelyn Coloring

2010-02-11T14:15:00.002-06:00

The Girls!!

2010-02-11T13:18:00.000-06:00

Madelyn and Food!!

2010-01-13T15:38:00.001-06:00

MOV08232
Originally uploaded by derekandchristincarpenter

Madelyn loves Great Grandma Klines Noodles always makes for a great time at the dinner table! What a little blessing!!!

2010-01-13T15:24:00.000-06:00

Some pics of Adriauna and Madelyn

2010-01-13T14:48:00.000-06:00

Madelyn being Crazy

2010-01-07T08:57:00.003-06:00

Well she is making me proud by really getting into her food literally!! Sorry it's been a while but we are all doing well! I thought you would like this video!!

The Carpenter Family!!

2009-12-16T20:37:00.003-06:00

Today we got together to take a little photo of us all together, Madelyn was pretty dramatic and kept saying hi to the camera and also pointing at Adriauna saying baby, baby! We are have a good time together.

Little Adriauna

2009-12-15T17:30:00.001-06:00

We welcome Adriauna Marie Carpenter

2009-12-15T15:23:00.002-06:00

Adriauna Marie Carpenter was born on December 15 2009 at 12:29pm in the afternoon! She was 6lbs and 10oz and 18.5inches long! We are so happy that God has blessed our family with another child! Thanks for your prayers and support!!

A Baby to come!!

2009-12-15T10:25:00.002-06:00

Well we are in the hospital and have been here since 6am and we are playing the waiting game for Baby #2 to enter the world. Christin is sleeping and I am just being quiet and patient! that is our update for now we will let you know when things progress! Until then just continue to pray that things go well and we have a smooth delivery. Just kidding getting ready to Go now just found out that were going and on we go

Just 7 Days "my thoughts"

2009-12-08T14:37:00.003-06:00

Well it's just 7 days and now close to only 6 days until baby girl Carpenter # 2 will enter the world. I am excited, scarred, and a lot of mixed emotions at this point. I wonder and have wondered how do you love not only 1 child but 2 the same way?? So here I am 7 almost 6 days away from being a dad for the second time and wondering how am I going to do this! I don't remember these feelings with Madelyn but it is weird. So I have thought a little to myself, and this is what I have come up with, God help me to love you more that I love my children and the love that I have for You will pour out into my kids lives. God help me to love my wife more and more every day she deserves it. God be with us when we both enter the hospital to bring this little miracle into the world and keep us safe! Help this miracle to be healthy and for things to run smooth.

We would appreciate your prayers and stay tuned for pics and the name!! Sorry it's a surprise!

Much Love
Derek

Late Birthday Wishes and Such

2009-12-03T11:05:00.004-06:00

Derek's birthday was last Friday. He is now 28!! He's an amazing husband and father! I know God couldn't have given Madelyn and I a better guy! He's been absolutely wonderful during this pregancy - even with the mono escapade. He's done 90% of the housework and taken care of Madelyn. Derek - I love you so much!

So for his birthday, he wanted to go out shopping, so we did - on BLACK FRIDAY. We left the house about 9:15am and didn't get back until 4:45pm. It was a long day, but we got most of our Christmas shopping done. She's so social. We were eating lunch at Panera Bread and just about the only table left was by the front door and the windows. She was so occupied by looking out the window and waving to them and saying "hi". It was hilarious! She did eat some of her lunch after some persuasion.

Thursday was spent at my Grandma/pa Kline's house. Food, food, food. My parents, sister and Derek and I gave my little cousin his belated birthday present - a green "Oliver" tractor. His name is Oliver. He loved it. Later we saw on Facebook that he took it to bed with him that night. So cute! Madelyn loved playing with her older cousins and my sister let her help "wash dishes". Madelyn played in the water and then threw a fit when Whitney took her away from the sink.

Friday morning, as I mentioned before, was spent in Fort Wayne shopping. Then Friday night we were off to the Clark side for Thanksgiving - pizza. We knew we would all be "turkey-ed out" so we opted for the non-traditional feast. Madelyn was so tired from all the shopping she fell asleep on the way there and then stayed asleep for a while after we got there. But she sure did stay up late! While eating dinner, Derek's temp crown fell out so he called his dentist and they made an appt. for 8am Saturday morning. Reminder: his dentist is still in Marion. Late night - early morning for Derek.

Saturday, Derek headed out for the dentist and I was able to sleep for a little longer until Madelyn woke up. We bummed around the house til Derek got home then started in on the next Thanksgiving feast. We has some friends over to the house for turkey; Derek wanted to make his own turkey. So we ate an early supper and then played a game and the guys played Derek's new Wii Football game he got with birthday money.

Yesterday, we had a dr. appt. for the baby. I'm 2 cm. dialated and 50% efaced! Woohoo! Work is worried that I'll go before the induction date and leave them stranded. The other secretary is off sick for a couple weeks. We'll see what God has in mind. We go in to the hospital at 6am on Dec. 15th, unless the little one decides to come sooner. Derek's parents are coming down to stay with Madelyn at the house while we are in the hospital and my mom is taking off a few weeks to help. Should be a couple busy weeks with the little one coming and with Christmas.

Anyways, I know I blabbered. I usually do. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and have a great weekend!

-Christin

Christin's birthday and Zoo horses

2009-11-07T17:27:00.009-06:00

Saturday, we had a great time riding horses with Madelyn at Christin's aunt and uncle's house! They are "babysitting" zoo horses for the winter! It was Christin's brithday. We went out to eat to Cheddar's with Nana and Papa Kline and Whitney. Then went over to ride horses! Madelyn loved it and here are some pictures for you to enjoy! Happy birthday to my wonderful wife who has turned another year older!!!

Madelyn riding on "Smokey".

Derek and Madelyn feeding the foal "Banchee"

Madelyn sitting on "Amos", a retired zoo horse

Again, Madelyn on "Amos"

Madelyn on "Smokey"

Madelyn and Sound Effects

2009-10-08T13:45:00.003-05:00

Madelyn loves to ride her little car and make sound effects. That I would post it so all could enjoy

E60: Elliott Mealer - ESPN Video

2009-10-07T13:04:00.001-05:00

It's time to play not sleep

2009-10-05T10:34:00.002-05:00

Madelyn Loves being sacred for some weird reason so the other night we had some fun with her because she didn't want to go to sleep so we played and played and played until she finally got tired!

Madelyn's 1 year pictures

2009-09-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

2009-09-17T13:29:00.002-05:00

Madelyn's 1st Birthday

2009-09-17T13:20:00.001-05:00

For Madelyn's first birthday we took a trip to the zoo! It was a blast and we will probably buy a year pass for next year! I trust that all is well! Baby # 2 will be here in December just 3 months away! Wow time goes so fast! Take care and enjoy the pictures

Happy 1st Birthday to our little girl!

2009-09-11T00:00:00.003-05:00

You are a preciouse gift that God has intrusted us with! We love you and adore you! We pray that God will guide and direct you as you grow up! We are excited to have you in our lives! Not a day goes by now that not an adventure! May you have many more years! We love you!! Happy 1st Birthday!
Mom and Dad

Verdict???

2009-08-26T12:54:00.002-05:00

Well Christin had a doctors appointment today and they told us that we will be having another girl!! We are excited and I will post some ultra sound pics later! I trust that you are doing well and havind a wonderful day!!

madelyn is getting big almost 1 year old!!!

2009-08-20T10:27:00.000-05:00

Update

2009-08-17T09:23:00.002-05:00

This is Derek, I am still alive! I am still battling this mono thing! I am back to work this week just half days! I have a lot to do and to get ready for! I thank you for all of your prayers and support and ask that you continue to pray that there will be a healing that takes place and this mono wouldn't last for 3 months. Christin and Madelyn are doing well my parents came to help this week which is a blessing! I trust that all is well! Keep looking up!!

VERDICT

2009-08-04T14:18:00.002-05:00

Another long weekend is behind us. Derek woke me up Saturday morning at 1:30am and said that I needed to take him to the ER, again. I called my parents who said they would come stay at our house and then I called our pastor and his wife and they came over until my parents go to our house. The ER doctor we saw this time disagreed with the pneumonia verdict. He gave Derek a Rx for some heavy duty cough medicine that would sedate Derek so he could sleep for more than 2 hours at a time.

My dad had to head back to Marion for praise band practice, but my mom stayed with us, did housework and loved on Madelyn so I could sleep. My mom's parents came over Saturday night with food and their mower. The yard hadn't been mowed for at least 3 weeks. Yikes. Sunday my sister came up and took care of Madelyn and did some housework while I slept.

All the while, Derek was battling this thing that we didn't know what it was. Until this morning. The disease specialist said that Derek has a rare type of mono that gives him all of these symptoms that you don't think go along with mono. The doc said that it could be 2 - 3 months before he feels like himself again. He's not going back to work this week and he'll start half-days next week.

He has to get more blood work done this Friday to make sure that his blood platelets are going up. His doc also wanted me to get blood work done since I've been around Derek and pregnant. Madelyn saw her peds doc this morning. I thought she had the start of an ear infection. It's not! Praise the Lord. Just her teeth coming in. So Derek asked her doc about testing Madelyn for it. He said that she would be very sick if she did have it.

As for me, I'm getting through. Starting to know what single motherhood is about... don't like it. It's been hard on me trying to be the mom that Madelyn needs when all I want to do when I come home from work is sleep because this baby is kicking my butt. I'm just tired all the time now that I'm doing all the housework, taking care of Madelyn, Derek and this lil one. Then to top it all off, the other secretary at work is being taken off of work for the next two weeks because of her health. So I'm by myself at home and work, respectively.

I don't want to get into the rut of complaining and having a pity party for myself. So if you hear my around town, church or anywhere and I start to sound like that, please let me know. I will not get offended. I just need a reality check. I know that some moms don't have nearly the help that I've been given and will get in the next weeks.

Again, thanks so much to all that have been helping and have volunteered to help. And then, please pray for Derek to be able to get through this and still be as healthy as he was before this all started on July 14th. I heard a song at the exact time that I needed it yesterday. It's the song from the movie "Fireproof" from the new artist that's out. I can't remember his name. The sone is "Waiting". "I will serve you while I'm waiting. I will love you while I'm waiting" Or something like that. Can't think of it right now.

Anyways, I'll try to keep you informed. Thanks for the love, prayers, encouragement, help and meals. And sorry this is so long...

Wow! What a week!

2009-07-31T15:13:00.003-05:00

This has been quite the week. Madelyn and I spent Saturday night with my parents in Marion and went to church with them at Lakeview on Sunday morning. It was really nice to see old friends. Sunday night, the four of us went to the Indy Airport to pick Derek up. It was amazing to finally see him again. However...

I took Monday off of work because I knew we would get in late (3am to be exact). Luckily, Madelyn slept in until 9ish. Derek was still a bit under the weather from being sick while in Guatemala. At least, that's what we thought. Monday night I was really tempted to take him to the ER again. But I didn't... until Tuesday morning. We dropped Madelyn off at my aunt and uncle's house, luckily (ha! it was God!) they were both home this week due to my aunt having shoulder surgery. Madelyn had a great day! Derek and I were in the ER for 6 hours. They figured out (they thought) that he had pneumonia. At least that's what the chest x-rays showed. All blood work came back negative for all sorts of stuff, including malaria, which is what they thought he might have. We came home to get 3 prescriptions, Mucinex and Tylenol. He had a dr. appt. scheduled for yesterday afternoon.

Wednesday, he felt a little better. My mom gave up another day of work and stayed with us Tuesday night (after moving my sister all day) and stayed Wednesday and Wednesday night. My dad picked her up on Thursday morning. Yesterday, Derek felt worse. I was afraid it would happen and it did. He wasn't able to drive himself to the dr. appt. Again, God is good. My aunt, yes the one that had shoulder surgery, took Derek to his appt. They were going to do some blood work and then he was supposed to go back today for more blood work. He texted me when he was almost home and then called 5 minutes later saying that he had to go back to the doctor NOW. I got a little more worried than what I had been all week. They did more blood work. He got home around 6.

Again, by God's grace, my aunt and uncle were already going to Fort Wayne for their own dr. appts. in the same hospital as Derek, so they came once again to Bluffton, to take him for his appt. he called this morning when he was waiting for them to be done, saying that he almost passed out while they were taking blood this morning. They've taken so much from him this week you'd think they would give him some back.

So after all of this, we still and the doctors still don't know exactly what is wrong with Derek. He goes back on Tuesday (I don't know if he will go by himself or if we can find someone to take him) to HOPEFULLY find out what is wrong.

Please pray that God would show the doctors what is wrong and the easiest way to fix him. OR pray God heals Derek within the next few days. He's been miserable the last 5days. I've been miserable the last 5 days - not knowing what's wrong with him, being exhausted and pregnant and taking care of Madelyn. My family has been such a great help and offering to help. A friend brought supper for us last night. Thanks Janel! Also pray for Derek's parents. They're all the way up in Michigan and can't get down here for several reasons - one of which his dad is having surgery on Monday - so pray for him as well.

All I do know is that family, friends and definitely God is what is getting us through this week. We owe my aunt and uncle a kid-free weekend or something! And needless to say, pictures of the Guatemala trip and Madelyn won't be coming anytime soon.

Have a great weekend!

--Christin

Guatemala Update 3

2009-07-24T14:19:00.002-05:00

Only 3 more days until Derek comes home. I can't wait! Derek was able to call me yesterday, since it was our anniversary. He said that total there was a group of 60 people down there working this week. Derek knew one of the youth pastors that was there with a different group. He said that the 60 of them had built 5 houses and 2 kitchens (I'm assuming outside kitchens) in 2 days!! Take that Home Makeover. But these houses are probably no more than 2 or 3 rooms and the walls are made of concrete blocks. But still, that's amazing.

Since all the other groups were leaving Guatemala tomorrow instead of Sunday, like our group, they were all being taken back to Guatemala City today. They were going shopping today once they got into the City. I think they were going to be working with the church they worked with last weekend as well. Derek was told that this church has taken in about 60 - 80 orphans over a recent period of time.

Tonight my parents and I are going to a viewing of a wonderful lady that our family has known for years and years. Her son-in-law is my dad's uncle. That's the easiest way to describe it. Please keep this family in your prayers. The lady whose viewing we're going to tonight passed away the morning of her sister's funeral. I can't imagine having two funerals in less than a week within my family.

Also, please keep another friend of the family in your prayers. Her grandfather, we are told, is not doing very well. He had been diagnosed with cancer sometime in the last year or so.

Since I'm posting these at work, there's no way for me to add pictures. That always livens our blog up. Madelyn has been very happy to have her Nana and Papa with her this week. Today when I was home for lunch, I was changing Madelyn's diaper. Once I was done and I had her standing on her changing table, my mom was "sneaking up" on Madelyn. Madelyn would squeal and laugh. Then my mom hid behind me and popped out, which made Madelyn squeal all the more.

The next time we update, Derek will be home and we might even have pictures for you. But don't quote me on it.

Have a wonderful weekend!! --- Christin

Guatemala Update 2

2009-07-22T10:21:00.003-05:00

I've only been in touch with Derek via texting. But he said that yesterday they went to a village about 2 hours from where they are staying. There they did a VBS and passed out the shoes that our church collected. He got car sick again, even though he rode in a different vehicle, thinking that was the problem. Dr. John is taking care of him, giving him drammaine and keeping him hydrated.

I'm not sure what they have on their plate for today. I thought that they were doing all of their work in the village where they were staying. They're not. Derek said that they are traveling every day. I don't know if they are going to the same village everytime or different ones.

I can't wait to see his pictures when he gets back. Hopefully, he's taking pictures, even though he doesn't feel well. I still have yet to scrapbook his pictures from the Mexico missions trip he took in 2007.

Keep praying, as I'm sure they could use them and are feeling them whenever something might not go as planned.

Mom and Dad made it in last night. They got to the house before I did. I was graciously invited over for dinner to some friends' house. Amazing food, like always.

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow - Derek and I's 4th wedding anniversary. It's just a normal checkup. We go in August to find out the gender. I can't really tell this time around. But I guess I couldn't with Madelyn either. Derek knew from the beginning that Madelyn was going to be a girl.

Yesterday was my parents 30th wedding anniversary!! WOW! Today is Derek's mom's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBIN!! And tomorrow is Derek and I's anniversary.

What a week! Have a great one!

-Christin

Guatemala Update

2009-07-20T12:07:00.003-05:00

Derek and the team left Bluffton Friday morning around 4am. They were flying from Indy to Houston and then Houston to Guatemala City. Their flight from Indy to Houston was delayed because of weather and they missed their connecting flight to Guatemala. After trying to arrange the new flights, it was decided that they would have to split into two groups. The whole team was finally in Guatemala around 5:30pm Saturday, our time. Derek is able to text, at the international costs, so it's nice to be able to keep track of them that way. It would cost 4 times as much if he were to call. I definitely miss his voice, but it's not worth the money.

Yesterday he had texted saying they were on their way from the city to the village. Then later yesterday around 7:30pm I get a text saying that he's car sick and doesn't feel well. I called his parents, my parents and texted some friends to pray for him. As of late last night, he still wasn't feeling well. This morning he let me know that he was feeling better.

Saturday, my sister came up for the afternoon / evening and spent some time with Madelyn and I. It was fun; we headed to Wal-Mart and then went to Pizza Hut. Madelyn loved spending time with Aunt Dee.

Yesterday, Derek's Grandma and Grandpa Vanders were able to stop by for a while to visit with Madelyn. They had not yet seen her, so it was a good visit. Then my aunt called and asked me out to dinner with them and my grandparents. Pizza Hut again. It doesn't really get old when you have different things to choose from.

My grandma and my cousins are coming to watch Madelyn tomorrow. Madelyn loves spending time with family. My parents are coming to stay with me from Tuesday night til Friday. It's going to be a fun time. We might try to hit the 4-H fair, hoping that the storms don't interrupt our plans.

The Guatemala team is supposed to be flying back into Indy at 11pm on Sunday night. My parents are taking Madelyn and I down. I know she'll be asleep, but it will still be good to see Derek when he gets back instead of being asleep when he walks through the door. I'm taking Monday off, since we won't get back until early morning.

Appreciate the prayers for Derek and his team. They will be building a house for a widow and her family, passing out the shoes we collected to the children, and a doctor from our church and his wife will be doing medical clinics for the townspeople. Please pray that God keeps them safe and healthy; that God's love would shine through their lives; and that God would speak to the team while they are down there. I know that Derek was praying that the teens' hearts would break over what they saw and they would have a life-changing experience. Seeing how blessed they are to live where they do and to have the families they do.

I'll try to post something later in the week if I hear more about what they are doing. Have a great week!

-Christin

It's all fun and games until we bonk heads

2009-07-13T10:06:00.003-05:00

Hello

2009-07-02T10:13:00.002-05:00

Well camps are over for 2009! It was a great week with much to be happy about! The Lord really moved and many students made commitments. It was a great reminder in how and why we take so many months to invest in a week long camp. To all of you that helped this past year I thank you for your time and effort! Now we will sit back and rethink through things and get started planning on the next year. Christin and I are doing well! I will post some pictures of Madelyn this afternoon when I get the camera back. Christin took it to work and is bringing it home after lunch. We are staying busy and I am working on our things for our missions trip that is coming up so fast! Have a wonderful day!

Derek

Camp Time

2009-06-19T15:19:00.003-05:00

Well, Jr. High camp is done tonight. Then Derek is off to Sr. High Camp next week. Although, Derek will have less responsibilites next week; he was camp director this past week. He'll be able to relax a little more thisnext week.

My mom came to stay with me Sunday night through lunch on Tuesday. Mom and Madelyn had a great time. Then my Grandma Clark and two of my cousins came to watch Madelyn Tuesday afternoon. Then Derek's parents came to stay with me Tuesday night through next Wednesday after I get off of work.

Derek's parents, Madelyn and I went down to camp last night. It was good to see the teens that were there. Only the girls came to say hi to me. :) It was also really good to see some friends that I hadn't seen in a while; we got to talk and catch up.
Madelyn fell asleep in Derek's arms late last night and stayed asleep on the way home, through a diaper change, into pajamas and until this morning! That was great.

I didn't get a lot of sleep since our new weather radio kept going off. It went off about 8 times from 4:30am - 6:30am. So annoying. I'm tired and exhausted and the heat isn't helping Madelyn or I. She has Derek's temperature.

Anyway, Derek will be home tonight and then it's off again to camp Sunday after church. I have my regularly scheduled doctor's appointment this coming Thursday and I will see Dr. Davis. We got ultrasound pics at our "scare" appointment a couple weeks ago. Derek's been busy with camp things since.

Either Derek or I will post something next week about life. Have a great weekend!!

--Christin

Cute little Madelyn

2009-06-10T14:18:00.002-05:00

Nana and Papa Kline caught a great picture of Madelyn that I thought I would share with everyone! Have a wonderful week

Got My Foot!

2009-06-06T11:11:00.003-05:00

Little Madelyn

2009-06-02T08:38:00.000-05:00

We have been doing well! Madelyn had her 9 month check up the other day and the doctors are pleased. Her iron count was a little down but we have fixed that with putting her on a vitamen. She had x rays on her neck and there is nothing wrong with her bones so we know that we are dealing with a muscle and tendon issue. We head to riley in July for this. Here are a few pics of little Maddie with her purple ball that she love and her being silly playing peek a boo with her blanket. We are doing well and appreciate your prayers as Christin is going through another pregnancy, and for Madelyn's neck to heal! Sorry that it has been a while we have been pretty busy.

Much Love

Doctors APPT

2009-05-20T11:20:00.001-05:00

Today was our first doctors appt. All went well! Baby looks good! Sorry for the lack of pictures and video's things have been a little crazy! We know that the projected due date for our child will be December 26th. We ask that you continue to pray for Christin as she goes through this pregnancy! Madelyn is doing well! She has some teeth coming through now! If I can ever get her to show me her gums without trying to lick me I will take a picture! Have a wonderful day!

Madelyn Getting my nose

2009-05-05T09:16:00.003-05:00

Yep, it's true!

2009-05-04T10:16:00.004-05:00

I am due probably either at the end of December or at the beginning of January. Which means that from December 2007 to January of 2010 - which is 26 months - I will have only NOT been pregant for 7 months. Totally weird when you think about it. Madelyn and the baby will be 16 months apart. A cool thing is that some of our really good friends just found out they were pregnant too; this will be their 4th child.

Another cool thing is that we already have boys names picked out, if it's a boy. On the occassion that this baby is a girl, I think it will be a fight to the end. Unless we can come up with a third name that we both agree on.

Myah Nicole
or
Avery Jo

Let us know what you think! If you don't like either name, give us some options!

Big Sister!!

2009-05-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

Madelyn is going to be a big sister! Please pray for Christin and the baby as she goes throught this pregnancy that all will go well! We will keep you posted!!

Crazy Chaos!

2009-04-30T12:32:00.002-05:00

Hi all!

Things have been super busy for us lately. As you can tell because Derek hasn't had any time to post anything. At least the District All-nighter is over. Derek was in charge again this year. Derek was in Louisville, KY for FUEL for a weekend and then in a couple weeks we have FREQUENCY. He's still gearing up for two weeks at camp and a week in Guatemala this summer. While Derek is at one of the camps, his parents are going to come spend a week with Madelyn and me. Derek's grandparents are heading up this way from FL to spend some time with the family this summer.

My cousin, Andy, is getting married this weekend to a wonderful girl, Ashley. Their house is adorable! Then the weekend of the 8th, my sister graduates from Ball State! WooHoo. Can't believe we're all getting so much older. My grandparents are coming back from FL earlier than what we thought. We're excited about that.

Madelyn is and has been for a couple weeks sitting up all by herself. We still put pillows behind her just to safeguard that little noggin of hers. She's also standing really well, not by herself though. Madelyn still loves to blow "raspberrys", especially when she's eating. Although she got my cousin good last weekend right in the face, when they were just playing. Madelyn's been saying "da-da" for a while. At Easter, my sister tried to get Madelyn to say "Dee-Dee" which is my sister's nickname; and my aunt tried to get Madelyn to say "Debbie". Neither was successful.

We have a lot of cute pictures lately of the little miss. You'll have to leave comments for Derek asking for them. We would love to hear from you!

-Christin

I like to hold my own bottle now

2009-04-08T15:26:00.000-05:00

We are doing great here are a few pics of Madelyn holding her own bottle and one pic of her and mom hanging out for the day!!

Have a good one

The Carpenter's

Madelyn Eating and being goofy!

2009-03-30T14:38:00.002-05:00

This is a funny video check it out she is silly!!

madelyn Jumping in her jumper!!

2009-03-26T08:57:00.002-05:00

Fusion

2009-03-16T15:04:00.000-05:00

Christin and I took a few teens to Fusion this year and it was an awesome time. We got to meet a lot of people there. Hunter Smith the punter from the Colts and his band Connersvine was there to do the worship. We had Hunter pose with madelyn to get a picture! Enjoy

Madelyn Laughing

2009-03-16T14:20:00.010-05:00

life

2009-03-06T08:50:00.000-06:00

It has been a while so we thought that we would let you know that all is going well! Madelyn has been keeping both Christin and I busy she is trying to roll over now and has the crawling concept down but doesn't move! Christin is still working and we are keeping real busy here at the church with our youth. God is really blessing our ministry as we are reaching out to a lot of students from different backgrounds. Life is good!!

We are still doing well

2009-02-12T15:01:00.000-06:00

Sorry that it has been a while since we posted. Many things have been happening! Madelyn is getting so big and we are working on rolling over now. She loves her toys and loves to talk (typical of a female) It has been so great watching this little blessing grow up! Christin is staying busy at work and so am I! We have a lot of events planned for the youth! Well thought I would leave you with a few pictures of my pride and joy!

Much love

Our Little Doll

2009-01-15T09:17:00.001-06:00

When Christin was pregnant with Madelyn for our last anniversary with just her and I, I surprised her and asked her boss if she could get off work for a long weekend and we went on a little adventure. We got a hotel in dundee Michigan and spent some time there. We visited Cabela's which was fun for the both of us and just had a great long weekend together. To end the weekend we headed up to northern michigan to spend some time with my parents. It was a great time. While we were at Cabela's I picked up a little doll for Madelyn. The other day I gave it to her and well it looks like she likes it. Or maybe she just likes to chew on her hair but it was cute!

Carpenter Look-alike Meter

2009-01-14T12:57:00.001-06:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

More Christmas

2008-12-30T10:04:00.000-06:00

We had a good Christmas with family this year! It was Madelyn's first Christmas and though she doesn't really understand yet it was fun to see her as she got her gifts! Christmas is a great time of year to Remember our Saviors birth! Something we should remember every day! Thanks for everything and most of all thanks for taking time to spend with us over Christmas

We love you

Derek and Christin

P.S. the last few posts are some pics of Christmas, our little girl is growing up!!

christmas 1

2008-12-30T09:57:00.000-06:00

Christmas time 2

2008-12-30T09:54:00.000-06:00

ouch!!!

2008-12-18T13:22:00.000-06:00

While on our way home from a doctors appointment today Madelyn and I were in a little accident! We were pulling into our housing addition and I went to go around the corner going probably about 5-7 miles per hour and the car began to slide and slide and slide and oops we hit a little crab apple tree up rooting it Kind of stinks but here a look at the damage to the car you can see the tree via twitter on the side there

everyone is ok but the car will be getting fixed along with the tree

good thing we have insurance!

Our little Girl

2008-12-15T08:28:00.000-06:00

We have been busy on the homefront! Things are continueing to pick up as the Christmas season is just around the corner! Our little girl is growing so fast! Last week she slept 3 out of the 7 nights all the way through! We were pretty excited about that! We trust that everything is going well with you and your families! Have an awesome day

madelyn

2008-12-01T13:50:00.000-06:00

Hello

2008-11-26T09:33:00.000-06:00

It is beginging to look a little bit like Christmas in the Carpenter Household. We even have us a little stocking stuffer! Just thought you might like some of these pics

have a great Thanksgiving!1