The Dorwin Doings

I Can Only Imagine...

2011-11-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

The glory of God shines most brightly in the glory of His grace
November 16, 2011

I am a mother who lost her 9 year old son on the way to school one morning, in a horrific car accident. My 5 year old son, 4 years at the time, saw his brother die in the backseat of the car with him. I am a bereaved parent. We are a bereaved family.

What has God revealed to me after one year of suffering? Too much to put on paper, but I will share with you where I saw His Light during the darkest time of my life.

I became a new follower of Jesus in my mid-to-late 20’s. Chad and I were Baptized in 2007, as Carter and Bradley watched when we symbolized our faith in our loving Savior. After the accident, I needed to know God more than what I already knew. I needed to know (and believe) the Truth -- God’s Words -- His Promises. God truly spoke to me through His words in the Bible. I had been reading the Bible about ten years before the accident, but the Bible came alive to me like never before. I began to seek an intimate relationship with the Lord like never before. I found myself begging for God to help me….I was so lonely……so weary. Grief is intense loneliness. Missing Carter is intense loneliness.

I cannot do this without God. I am not strong enough to face Carter’s death without being held by God, every day. God is in me and with me. I thought I was dependent on the Lord before I lost Carter, but I didn’t have a clue.

I have learned to comfort myself with the Promises of God, which are solid and sure and good. I wanted to experience the presence of God in my life in a way that I never had before. God speaking into our sorrow was the most comfort.

I know what it means and to experience God’s grace – every day!! God gives me enough grace to go from breakfast to bedtime without seeing Carter. I cannot think about years to come without seeing him – it overwhelms me and I drown myself in tears. But God gives me enough grace each day to do what He has called me to do. God gives me the grace to accept Carter’s death and also to be faithful to Him as I grieve my loss. This is a gift only God can give. God keeps us loving and following Him even if His plan is not our plan.

We raise our boys to know Jesus and to give the comfort of Heaven to them some day, but I honestly didn’t give much thought to Heaven before Carter died. I believed in it and also found comfort in it, but I didn’t long for it. My family was right here, next to me, on earth. My focus was here on earth – on what we can see and touch. But all that changes when you lose a child. Then, Heaven matters --- a lot! Now our focus is on our life to come. Losing Carter has geared us to fully live a life for Christ, with our remaining time here on earth. True faith is what we cannot see.

Through suffering, God changes us and I am thankful that it is for the better. It is to leave our selfish desires behind and to fully turn to Christ and live for Him. We can never go back to how it was. This is what God has for us now. God has revealed to me a life that follows Him and to live out His will, not mine.

Through suffering, it takes my eyes off of earthly comforts and strengthens my faith to completely depend on God. I can see God taking care of us. It is the dark valleys where your faith really develops and you feel God’s presence completely surrounding you. Through God, I find hope. He is everything I need. In life changing events, the Lord is there no matter what. God remains unchanged, loving, and present in our lives.

It’s been a blessing to share a connection with Jesus that we’ve never had before, because we’ve been able to share in His sufferings.

Accepting the unexpected death of a child calls for completely trusting God’s plan. This is not easy; and I have to surrender this to God every morning. It calls for a faith that submits in God’s sure purposes for suffering in this life – and His sure promises of the life to come

We now live one day at time. We do not plan for years to come, like we once did. We don’t have enough strength for the years to come, but God grants us strength for just one day and tomorrow we will go to Him for more.

God will provide everything we need, and will use this loss for good in all of our lives.

The most normal place that I feel is in a room with other grieving people. It makes me feel normal. Then I don’t feel so crazy. I have learned through my grief counseling -- It’s okay on some days to be sad; it’s okay on some days to feel good; it’s okay on some days to hide; it’s okay on some days to engage; it’s okay on some days to be weak; and it’s okay on some days to be strong.

In living for Christ, we believe that having “less is more” (Laurie Marshall, Sister-in-Christ). Our real treasures are in Heaven. I want to slow down and enjoy my family and my time with Jesus. I want to be there for my husband and my son.

God has opened our eyes, heart and mind to see Him all around us – enough to see things that He shows us Carter also lives in us. We see some pretty amazing things at just the right time! Then Bradley will say, “Jesus gave that to us because Carter is here!” Orange things have popped up where one would least expect it ….. and ducks ….. and butterflies ….. The song, “Mighty to Save”, seems to come on when we most need it or when Bradley needs to know that Carter is with him.

Then the brutal question comes of, “How many kids do you have?”, or “Do you have just the one son?” My initial instinct wants to walk away from the question and say, “This is not my life. If you only knew our family before…” But I know God wants me to be strong, and as I still shake and my voice quivers when I answer their question with the words- “I have a son that is forever 9 in Heaven and a son that is 5 in Kindergarten.” I then give praise to God for giving me those words. Carter will always be recognized and part of our family, even as the years go on, because God has blessed us with two beautiful sons that love Jesus.

Our conversations with family and friends have changed. Instead of talking about “earthly” things that we once talked about, we find ourselves talking about life and death and faith. We find ourselves talking about our life to come with Jesus. Everywhere I go and people I see, I wonder……do they know Jesus? I feel compelled at every conversation to bring the most important person in my life – Jesus – into the conversation. With strangers, I feel compelled to talk about Jesus and what He has done for us before I can walk away from them. If they don’t know Jesus, it hurts my heart to walk away from them without sharing how much He loves us.

We talk openly about Carter. We think about Carter from the time we get up in the morning until we rest at night. This has changed over the year in a way that now when we think about Carter, it also includes Jesus, Heaven, and our life to come - from the time we get up in the morning until we rest at night -- it is still all that we think about. Each step we take and everything that we do, we ask ourselves if this is pleasing and good to God. It is so comforting to know that we will all be together one day in Heaven because we all know and love the Lord. Please talk about Carter to us – tell us the memories and stories that you have of him. We welcome it and want to hear his name!

Each morning, I am weak, as I face reality that Carter is no longer here. I go to God and pour my broken heart to Him, asking for strength to get through the day and do His will. He is by my side, holding me up and answers my prayer for strength. Through God, I am starting to sleep better at night. Through God, I get a couple hours of sleep at a time without waking and feel more rested in the morning. Praise God!

I am learning to live with the pain. God is helping me do this. “The reality is that the intensity of grief lessens but it never ends. It will always be a part of who you are.” (“When Your Family’s Lost a Loved One – Finding Hope Together”, Dave & Nancy Guthrie).
“Our pain and suffering may or may not be relieved in this life, but they will certainly be relieved in the life to come.” (“50 Day of Heaven, Reflections that Bring Eternity to Light”, Randy Alcorn)

How do I find relief in the midst of my pain? Serving others is what I find to soothe my enormous ache inside me. I want to spend my time on earth serving out of love for God and for others. I want to spend my time working to be like Christ: being humble, obedient, faithful, serving, submission to the Father’s will, patient, and building the faith of others.

I believe our only true hope is to depend on God in our suffering and He will help us. We have a Savior who understands our suffering, loves us beyond our belief, and has prepared a glorious and eternal future for us. He gives us the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter and our Guide as we struggle through this fallen world. Our true strength and our true hope is in Him.

God is renewing, reeducating and redirecting my mind : “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Our fondest hope for our boys is that they would love God first – that they would grow up knowing how to love and give of themselves to others, and that one day they would achieve Heaven. Carter has fulfilled our desires for Him, and he has become everything that we could hope for. Because Carter did keep God number one in his life, and asked Jesus to live in his heart, we know Carter is now in Heaven with Jesus. Our hearts break because he has gone to Heaven before us, however, our hearts rejoice knowing we will see him again one day.

“Being with Him won’t simply be better than life here, but better by far. So we don’t consider it a lack of love on God’s part, or a failure of faith on ours, when He takes one of His own to be with Him. We just feel sad that we are not there with Him yet.” (“When Your Family’s Lost a Loved One – Finding Hope Together”, Dave & Nancy Guthrie)

After one year of not being able to hold Carter and smell his hair, the pain of his absence is indescribable. I don’t have the words of how excruciating this is for me. As I am flat on my face, I can only trust God in this - He will see me through it - and believe that what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.

Missing our precious Carter Mike so much, as he celebrates one year with Jesus. We love him so much! We pray my brother can one day celebrate his birthday again on this day, with joy. We love you, Jamie.

12 months since Carter went Home

Click on the link below for "I Can Only Imagine", MercyMe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwzItqYmII

Pressing Toward the Goal

2011-11-07T06:39:00.000-08:00

Lord, help us keep our eyes on You and focused on the task of bringing glory to Your name by doing what You ask. Our Daily Bread

"For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who had died." 1 Thessalonians 4:14

"I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!" Philippians 3:7-11

"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:14

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKISYTwnn0A

Where I Belong

2011-10-27T19:20:00.001-07:00

"God is #1", said Carter Dorwin.......PSALM 62:

"I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

So many enemies against one man - all of them trying to kill me. To them I'm just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air.

Don't make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don't make it the center of your life.

God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you; unfailing love, O Lord, is yours. Surely you repay all people according to what they have done."

/////////////////////////////// //////////////////////////

God spoke to me this week when I read:

"Scripture promises that God will one day avenge all injustice (Rom. 12:19). While we wait, we are to do what we can to work for justice and leave the results in God's hands."

"The call for justice must be strong to show what's right, to thwart what's wrong, But let's reject the smallest part of vengeance harbored in the heart."

"The scales of Divine justice always balance - if not here, then hereafter."

"Vengeance in Mine, I will repay," says the Lord." Romans 12:19

God, I do not understand what is going on and why we have to enter the court room once again, but I trust that You do. I am numb in the valley of the shadow of death, but I know You are holding me steady, and You won't ever let me go. Take my heavy burden today -- I need You. Amen

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOtsB4O1p3o

A dream of Heaven

2011-09-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

John sees into the future, from Revelation 1, 5, 21, 22
I see a throne. And on the throne is a king. And the King is Jesus. All around the throne people are bowing down. They are giving Him their treasures.

There are loud cheers and clapping, clapping and bright laughter like a thousand waterfalls and everyone bursts out singing a new song......

"This is our King! The Lamb who died, so we don't have to -- our Rescuer. All Honor and Glory! Forever and ever." And every creature everywhere, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, joins in.

And then

From all around

A wide

Immense

Beautiful

Silence

And I see Satan - God's horrible enemy - thrown down, defeated.

I see a sparkling city shimmering in the sky: glittering, glowing - coming down! From heaven and from the sky. Heaven is coming down to earth!

God's city is beautiful. Walls of topaz, jasper, sapphire. Wide streets paved with gold. Gleaming pearl gates that are never locked shut.

Where is the sun? Where is the moon? They aren't needed anymore. God is all the Light people need. No more darkness! No more night!

And the King says, "Look! God and His children are together again. No more running away. Or hiding. No more crying or being lonely or afraid. No more being sick or dying. Because all those things are gone. Yes, they're gone forever. Everything sad has come untrue. And see - I have wiped away every tear from every eye!"

And then a deep, beautiful voice that sounded like thunder in the sky says, "Look, I am making everything new!"
"The Jesus Storybook Bible", Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones

Click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJMBkctHcHM

Waiting here for You

2011-09-16T08:51:00.001-07:00

"I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!" Psalm 116:1-2"The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die." Psalm 116:15

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

The Broken Chain. Author: Ron Tranmer

Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair, I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer ... I know He stilled the tempest and calmed the angry sea, and I humbly ask if, in His love, He'll do the same for me....And then I just keep quiet and think only thoughts of peace, and as I abide in stillness my restless murmurings cease.

Author: Helen Steiner Rice"Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God." Psalm 86:1-2

My Journal Entry: 1/2/11

My birthday present from God! A dream with Carter in it!! The boys were getting their cub scout shirts on. I was buttoning Bradley's shirt, as the boys were going on a fishing adventure with the cubs. Carter had not packed his fishing pole. Another scout, Carter's friend Ezra, had about six fishing poles and offered one of them to Carter. This fishing pole was not going to work because Carter wanted his fishing pole. I got frustrated because I didn't want to go back home, so I said, "Carter, just use one of his poles..." By the look on Carter's face, he wanted his fishing pole. Then I woke up and was so happy God brought this dream to me. This dream was an ordinary day for our family prior to the accident, and it felt wonderful to be there again. Thank you God!! I love You!! I was at peace today -- I live for the future --"Heaven is better"!

Click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em8EAHrW9fY

Save a Place for Me

2011-08-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Jesus,
I am grieving a huge loss in my life. This process is not quick, nor is it a steady progression. Even after a good day, a good laugh, or a renewal of hope, I start to cry again. Some days are so difficult, and I wonder if I'll ever fully heal. When the dark days come, remind me that You are by my side and that You care about my pain. When I am full of despair, please carry me. Lord Jesus, please comfort me in my grief and heal my heart. I trust You that Your promise of eternal life and the future You have planned for me is far better than I can ever imagine. I ask for the faith to be able to live as if I believe that today. I trust You. Thank You for the courage to face whatever lies ahead. Amen.

"I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:20-23

"......the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 6:23

My journal entry: dated 11/29/10-
My first dream about Carter: I went to pick up Carter from daycare. I was looking around for him and couldn't find him. I started getting that sick feeling in my stomach when you can't find your child at first. Then I immediately woke up and realized the truth of why I couldn't find him at daycare.

My journal entry: dated 12/1/10-

Dear God, please fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me strength. I miss Carter so much. I want to see him with Jesus. I want to be with him. I miss him. I love you God. Amen.

Click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVDmNoe5ndc

If We've Ever Needed You ...

2011-08-24T08:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,
I am still mourning for my great loss. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do, and it is there as soon as I wake every morning. I miss Carter so much. I'm grieving and it's so difficult. I look over at Bradley sleeping, and am so thankful, Father. Thank You for Carter's life and the time I had with him; I just miss him - we all do. Please be patient with me. We try to do things as a family and it is not the same - someone is missing; someone very special to us. Thank You, Lord, that expressing my pain is healthy and can actually bring me closer to You. Thank You that You are compassionate and patient. Please help me to feel the comfort of Your presence as I move through this time of grief. Lord, I need You. May Your Kingdom come! Amen.

"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

"I desire you more than anything on earth." Psalm 73:25

Click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeEnSSrdoNQ&feature=related

Friends & Family in the Night

2011-08-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your prayers and encouraging words on our blogger. They truly warm our hearts and lift us up! More times than I can think of, I will read one of the comments on our blogger at a moment when I most need it.

Thank you for shining God's light onto us when we need it. Please leave your e-mail address in our comments if we don't already have it, so that we can keep in touch.

"For you are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ" Galatians 3:26

Remembering Carter......Always

2011-08-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord,
I'm not doing very well today, and I feel helpless to encourage myself. My faith today is nothing that would make You proud. All I know to do is to say what is true about You. I am weak, but You are strong. I am not hopeless because You sit at the right hand of the Father interceding for me. And I am not worthless because the Son of the Living God gave His life for me.
Amen.

"We are weak, but you are strong!" 1 Corinthians 4:10

"The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26

Click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB1NJV3rG6k&feature=related

Forever Remembered, Forever Missed

2011-08-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord,

Give me this day to endure the sadness of my loss. Moment by moment let me be aware of Your presence. Day by day help me to remember Your understanding of loss and to consider Your great love for me. Amen.

"For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better." Philippians 1:21

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered - how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you." Psalm 39:4-7

Cherished Memories

2011-07-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to view "Cherished Memories" created by Heather Hahn.

Make sure your volume is turned up!!

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a55354e6a4d304d544a384e5459344d7a4d314e546b3d0d0a&sb=1

Thank you, Heather!! This is so beautiful! We love you so!!

"Be confident of this, that God who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

July 27, 2011

2011-07-28T10:16:00.001-07:00

I prayed that Carter was celebrating his 10th birthday in Heaven with Jesus.

Carter's tree planted for him at Badger High School

Carter's favorite place to be, Moelter Farm, where cub scouts run free..... Carter's engraved stone and flagpole at Moelter Farm-

This orange balloon was released with hopes to reach Heaven!

Carter's tree planted for him at Eastview Elementary School

Journal Entry: July 27, 2011

Carter's 10th Birthday

Dear Carter,

Today is your 10th birthday and we miss celebrating it with you here on earth. I've been praying all day - praying that you are celebrating your birthday in Heaven with Jesus and having the very best party ever!! ......Praying that you can see how much you are missed here on earth......Praying that you are watching Bradley grow up and to know just how much he loves you .... how much all of us love you!!

Bradley talks about you all the time, Carter. From the time he wakes up in the morning to the time he goes to bed, it is ..."Carter this" and "Carter that" .... telling me all about the adventures the two of you had together. He misses you so much! The first thing every night when I ask him if he has any special prayers or to thank God for something, the first thing he tells me is .... "Carter!" So you are always first in our prayers! He is not the same without you, Carter. Your going Home has been a difficult suffering for all of us. We love God with all our heart and we trust Him, but the suffering and pain of you leaving us remains.

We read so much about Heaven and where you have gone. God gives us comfort through it! Only God's Words and Promises really comfort us and keep us going each day. It must be so wonderful to be there in Heaven every day with Jesus ... so beautiful, without any pain, suffering and sorrow. I can't wait for the day when you can show me all of God's blessings and Promises -- all the beauty to Heaven.

I've grown so close to God to get me through these last 8 months. I cry every day, but I see God's love, work and blessings every day, too. I still think back to the accident Carter, and I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you. I would still trade places with you. But this is God's will, and when I surrender to Him, I accept what has happened, no matter how hard it is.

I still find myself praying selfishly at times, for my selfish desires of wanting to go Home and to be with Jesus. I have some real hard days where I pray and ask for another chance to start all over again with you, knowing what I now know. God has revealed so much to me. Praise God for the Bible with His Words and Promises to help us understand and give us hope. I see God's work now more than I ever have. When I get caught up in the selfish, worldly desires, I think about where you are, and everything comes into perspective again. I am so glad this is not our permanent home!! I am so thankful God gives us eternal life - to live a life for Him - to carry my cross with Him - to be humble and obedient. Losing you Carter, gives me a real understanding of what Jesus did for us.

Carter, you are missed by so many! Your good friends miss you badly. Your cousins, Carter....... they miss you so much! Your Grandparents, Uncles & Aunties really miss you. I have people reaching out to me from everywhere sharing their memory of the love you showed for Jesus! I am so blessed to hear these stories -- so very, very proud of you, Carter! Heather said to me - when you went Home, Jesus had open arms and said "Welcome Home my faithful servant!" It really made me see who you were with your time here on earth -- a faithful servant! The love you had for Jesus and for Heaven was amazing. You are my inspiration, Carter! You inspire me to love like you did. Thank you for loving everyone. Thank you for standing up for Jesus when you knew it was right and when it was hard. Thank you for sharing His love so others would get to know Him.

This day is hard for me, Carter. Bradley wanted to make you a cake and have a party for you. I knew that I needed to be with God and be close to you. People everywhere miss you, Carter, and love you. Thank you for showing people how to love Jesus. Thank you for loving me so much that you could always put a smile on my face. I look forward to that day again!

I love you, Carter ... I miss you terribly. I thank God for you! Happy Birthday, Baby!

Love, Mom

8 months since you went Home

My heart was filled with joy as I returned home to find the house filled with orange balloons!

All the balloons were weighted down with little rubber duckies!

Thank you Auntie Shana and Andrew for making Carter's birthday so wonderful! Thank you for making a special memory for Bradley, too.

Click on the link for "Forever Reign", by Hillsong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m84URv4Sgxc

"Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection." Proverbs 30:5

Forever 9

2011-07-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

My Journal Entry: Mother's Day
~
May 8, 2011
~
Dear Carter,
I love you so much. I miss you more than anything I can compare it to. My heart is so broken; I can hardly breathe at times because I cry so hard. I thank God that I had you; that God gave me - you; and yet, I wish I had you longer. I miss our fun together - our foolishness, silliness, our laughs, and your sense of humor.
~
I don't know everything about Heaven, but I hope we have the same fun there. I have a hard time having fun and feeling happy these days. So much of my happiness came from you. You always made me laugh. I am so lonely without you. I miss having you by my side. I feel so alone - you always made me feel good and so loved. I cry so much, I sometimes wonder how I will ever continue life on earth without you. But I want you to know that I will. I trust our Lord - I love Him so much and I am hopeful. I will serve Him and live my life for Him.
~
I pray every day and ask God to give me the patience to wait for Him. I feel impatient to go Home or for Jesus to come back to earth very soon. I pray for enough strength to do God's will. It seems so long to wait, but our Father gives me enough grace each day to make it through. I can't think about the next 30 to 40 years without you. But I know God gives me enough grace each day to go from breakfast to bedtime without seeing you.
~
I think about you in Heaven and all that you are doing. I imagine you with Baby Jacob, Baby Dorwin, Meme, Dorothy, Sharon, your pets (Orangy, Purry & Leafy), and SO many others. I pray that Jesus has introduced you to other babies and children in Heaven because you have always been so loving with babies. I think about you with Hannah Hahn, Hannah Borowski, Jonathan & Benjamin Mitchell, Kelly (Grandma Deb's organ donor), Treyton Kilar, Emily Rose, a colleagues baby, Briana and soooo many others.
~
I have such a clearer picture of how good of a brother you were to Bradley. You were so protective of him and more patient than what I ever gave you credit for. You loved Bradley so much, and now he really, REALLY misses you!
~
Some days I wonder how we are all going to make it without you. That's how much we love you and how important you are to us. This accident has caused a huge hole in our family. But I trust God that you are safe in Jesus' arms and Jesus has been holding us "tightly" since November 16, 2010. Nothing is the same without you and it never will be.
~
God shined through you, Carter! Your love for Jesus has made such a positive, loving, Christ-like influence on so many people. Your faith, Carter, and love for Jesus has turned people to God. Some have drifted away and it brought them back. Some are "seeking" God and are thirsty for Him. Your life here on earth has made a huge impact on MANY!! You are missed by so many!
~
Life is not the same without you. I will continue to live for our Lord, but I cannot wait to go Home to Him and be reunited with you. We can then worship God TOGETHER, face-to-face! I love you, Carter. I miss you, Carter. I look forward to see you in Heaven. Please wait for me. Please meet me at the gates when I come Home.
~
Missing you so much on Mothers Days! Six-months since you went Home!

I love you, Carter!! Love, Mom
~ Click on the link to "I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin
~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa8w7mGug0c

"For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later." Romans 8:16-18

"We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you." Psalm 33:20-22

We love you Carter. We have loved every minute that we have had with you.

FOREVER 9, on July 27, 2011.

Praise You in this Storm

2011-07-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below:
~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUWbmtbzDno
~

".....Until this time I had never really longed for heaven. I believed in it. I made my moral choices in the hope of attaining it. But it was so far beyond my imagination that my attitude had been to embrace God now and trust that I will love him enough to give myself unreservedly to him when the moment comes to exchange time for eternity."

"But something had changed..................something that tied me to earth, that made the physical beauty and the beauty of the natural world idols to me. Physical beauty rots in the grave and natural beauty groans in travail, while both await their liberation from slavery to corruption. I found myself longing for heaven, longing to be with my son, longing to leave this valley of tears. But more, I was longing to be with God. Something in the longing was changing. It was no longer simply to be rid of the pain. It was no longer simply to see {Carter} again. It was God himself who was the longing behind all my other longings. "

"A Grief Unveiled, One Father's Journey Through the Death of a Child", Gregory Floyd

Just To Be With You

2011-07-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below for Paul Baloche's video: "Just To Be With You". The lyrics to the song are below the video.
~
http://www.onlylyrics.com/hits.php?grid=11&id=1038234
~

"John-Paul {Carter} has been received into the loving arms of God. The sacrifice of Christ has assured Johnny {Carter} a safe passage into everlasting life. The Lord is coming back to take us home. There will be a reunion. We will be together. These are truly words of comfort. They do not say, "Stop grieving." They do not say, "You should be feeling better." They do not say, "Snap out of it." They say, "A better day is coming." And that assurance of a better day has the power to console me in the midst of my pain. We are knit together with Johnny {Carter} in Christ and in the Church. We are still family, and will be forever."

"Yes, You heal the brokenhearted. But not the way people think. You heal us to the point of recognizing that we will never be whole until we are home with You. It makes the images You give us for life so much more real - a battle, a journey, a narrow road. Through it all, Your love carries us and works it to the good."

"A Grief Unveiled - One Father's Journey Through the Death of a Child", by Gregory Floyd

I Want to Be Just Like You

2011-06-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below:
~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z8bXcBRIU0
~

Mighty to Save

2011-06-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Anyone that knows Carter, they might remember him feeling very uncomfortable having to get up in front of a large group. He needed a little boost in his confidence.
~
During VBS last summer, Carter was on the stage singing with his VBS friends. Pastor Michael came over and handed him the mic during the "Mighty to Save" song. With no fear what-so-ever, Carter grabbed the mic, and sang loud and clear to a solo of "Mighty to Save".
~
Needless-to-say, I was a very proud (and tearful) mama!! He knew all the lyrics to the song!!!
~
"Mighty to Save" has become one of our favorite songs in our family!!!
~ One of Carter's memorized Bible versus at AWANA: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhgE3vsqhfo

Blessings

2011-06-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

"So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:18

Click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOOFAaUGfRE&feature=related

Your Hands

2011-05-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx1c43ARCKc&feature=related

God never leaves our hands. One day He will set all things right.

While I Am Waiting...

2011-05-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

Luke 24: 6-7
~
"He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day."
~~
The Resurrection helps us find meaning even in great tragedy. No matter what happens to us as we walk with the Lord, the Resurrection gives us hope for the future.
~
The Resurrection assures us that Christ is alive and ruling His Kingdom. He is not a legend; He is alive and real.
~
God's power that brought Jesus back from the dead is available to us so that we can live for him in an evil world.
~

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHztEiKko0E

Held

2011-04-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

"Held", Natalie Grant ~ Click on the link below: ~~ ~~~~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-hJ87ApWtw ~~ ~~~

Homesick

2011-04-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

"Homesick", Mercy Me

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ywDqzvKvvI

Hallelujah

2011-03-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX2uM0L3Y1A

God calls for us to trust, to hope, to wait....

2011-03-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

I must wait for God, for He controls and directs my life. I have learned that He is in control, not me. Life will be lived out not as I have planned but as He has planned.
~~
~~~
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope" Psalm 130:5
~
~~~
Carter and Bradley singing at VBS 2010 ............

"As I long to be with Him, I must wait until His appointed time. I must hold onto His promises of deliverance and of eternal life. These are documented in His Word and are my hope, a hope rooted in the trust that God will deliver what He promises."
~~"Trusting God through Tears", Jehu Thomas Burton~~

Carter loved the song "Man in the Mirror", by Michael Jackson. Something I will share is that Carter was listening to that song right before he went Home to be with Jesus. I never thought much about this song, and have not been able to listen to it since Nov. 16, 2010. Today, God gave me the strength to go on-line and read the lyrics to this song. I also listened to the song with the lyrics displayed on You Tube. After reading the lyrics, I can understand why Carter loved this song so much. This song truly explains the kind of boy Carter was ...... he has a very big heart and was always thinking about the needs of others. It was in his heart to help others and it bothered him when he saw bad things happening. I will paste the link to You Tube if you get the chance to listen to it. This describes Carter .... we have to change ourselves, first, if we want to make this world a better place........we are selfish people and the changes that need to be made has to start within ourselves. I thank God for giving me Carter to show me this valuable lesson. Our Carter loves Jesus with all his heart and he has shown it in so many ways with just the short time that he had here on earth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUrqFkR7QlI

Carter is alive! Carter is safe!! Heaven is better!!! Love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind!!

I believe!

2011-02-16T06:37:00.001-08:00

I believe God's promises are true.
I believe heaven is real.
I believe I will see my child again.
I believe God will see me through.
I believe nothing can separate me from God's love.
I believe God has work for me to do.

Carter Mike

2011-01-17T16:50:00.000-08:00

Theme: God's word is true and wonderful. Stay true to God and His word no matter how bad the world becomes. Obedience to God's laws is the only way to achieve real happiness.

Psalm 119

Our Carter....

2010-12-18T10:16:00.000-08:00

Precious Carter

2010-11-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

~~~

My heart aches as I write about my Carter. I lost my precious son, who brought so much joy and excitement to my life. Carter had a love for life that was so inspiring, he could make anyone smile. He was a happy boy, full of excitement, with a great big heart that loved everyone. He always remembered to thank God every night before bed, even for the little things, like getting his favorite candy bar that day. He never forgot to pray and be thankful for the special people in his life. He put God first in his life and would often remind his little brother, Bradley,that “God is #1”. I will miss how protective he was of his little brother; always making sure Bradley would not run out into the road while crossing the street. I will miss how excited Carter would get about everything that we took part in. Even when we had nothing to attend, he would find the most simplest of things enjoyable – like climbing trees, playing outside, going for a walk, and collecting every possible thing that he could find outside. There was never a dull moment in Carter’s life because he lived his life to the fullest, enjoying all of God’s creations!

I will miss my little buddy that did everything with me. Carter was by my side for everything that I did, and he always knew when I needed some cheering up. He had to right words and loving heart that would give me peace. I will miss his hugs, his kisses, him saying “I love you”, the beautiful compliments he would give me, his smile, his laugh, his silly behavior, his love for life, his tender heart, his love for God, his love for his little brother, his love for animals, his love for little Toby, his help around the house, him singing “Cotton-eyed Joe”, him saying “scratch my back”, and his overall joy and excitement for everything that he did. Most of all, I will miss the connection that the two of us had. It gives me peace knowing how he looked forward to beautiful Heaven and seeing his baby brother Jacob there ……. And of course, his hamster (purry), his frog (leafy), and his fish (orangy). I can see Carter running to Jesus with open arms and so excited to explore Heaven! I, too, look forward to seeing my precious Carter again in Heaven.

He is an amazing son that I am so very proud of. He has touched the lives of so many people. I love him so much and will miss him dearly.

love,mom

Carter Michael Dorwin

7-27-2001 ~ 11-16-2010

Over Night at the Museum

2010-11-06T15:03:00.001-07:00

Carter's Cub Scout Pack had an over-nighter at the Milwaukee Museum. The museum was buzzing with all different cub scout packs from around the area.
~
Take note to the bumpy-rocky, stone-covered-floor we slept on (or at least tried to sleep on)!
~

Carter & his friend, Ezra. Ezra and Carter are both in the 3rd grade!!!

Can't get enough of those butterflies....

I am really looking forward to sleeping in my bed tonight!!!

Halloween

2010-11-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN DAY -
~
~~
Carter climbing the trees....

The boys love to do the firepit....

Carter, the Ninja, and Bradley is "G.I. Joe", however, we call him "G.I. Bradley"!!

Pumpkin Patch with the Klimek's

2010-10-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

We had a good time visiting the Klimie cousins and going to the Pumpkin Patch in Rice Lake last weekend.
~
~~

First Day of School

2010-09-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

It was Carter's first day of 3rd grade today. It was Bradley's Open House today for 4K, and his first day is next week.
When we went outside to take pictures, I wasn't expecting Bradley to grab his big brother and give him a great big hug.......

Bradley's Open House was in the afternoon until the end of the day. We were able to pick up Carter when school was done. The boys wanted to get a couple of pictures of their school... "Eastview School". Carter & Bradley both attend Eastview Elementary School.

Carter was not overly thrilled that he was going back to school so soon. But he had a great first day in 3rd grade. When I asked him how his day went, his eyes lit up, with a great big smile, and said "It was awesome!!" He is now excited for his 2nd day of 3rd grade.

Bradley is happy that big brother will be able to take him to his classroom every day.

Wisconsin Dells with the Klimek's

2010-08-31T19:18:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with the Klimek's in Wisconsin Dells last weekend.
~

We stayed at the Wilderness Territory Resort. This resort & waterpark was unbelievably big!!

The resort has about 4 or 5 waterparks. We needed another day to be able to get to all of them.

There was so much to do at the resort. Shana & Abby had a mother-daughter activity at the Polka Dot Pots and painted pottery!

Even Bradley painted a little airplane.....

Carter tried painting a little duck...

He decided pottery wasn't for him! :-)

Bradley enjoyed it...

We ate at our traditional childhood restaurant growing up, the "Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty"

It was still as good as I remember!

A stroll downtown after breakfast for Haunted Houses, Alien's Roadtrip, and fudge!! The Klimek's even took an old-fashioned picture and got all dressed up.

What a good time we had! It was nice that mom and dad could join us for the fun. Thanks Klimie's!!

King's Visit Lake Geneva

2010-08-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend with Pete, Jody & the boys when they came to visit

~

A day at the beach ~~ A. J. & Pete...

Brayden coming out of the lake...

The four boys had so much fun playing all BOY stuff!!

It was a great weekend to be in Lake Geneva, as the Venetian Festival was going on!

Lots of rides, games, music & food ~~~ Bradley & A.J.

It worked out great for the boys to have a friend their age to ride the carnival rides together.

Even the adults enjoyed some rides ~~

Carter & Brayden ~~

The adults enjoyed a night out without any kids!!

We had so much fun with Pete & Jody and their boys! Thanks for visiting us!!

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

2010-08-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

From left to right......Gracie, Brenna, Ava, Bradley, Carter, Elijah & Grace

~
We had a fun time at LEGOLAND in Schaumburg, IL......

The boys were very excited about this one......

A good time for kids & parents!!

Packers vs. Browns

2010-08-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

We were able to see the Packer preseason game on our Anniversary!

It was a good game. Packers & Browns were tied at the end with a score of 24. Browns kicked a field goal just as time expired to lift their score 27 - 24.

Badger Wrestlers at Genoa City Parade

2010-08-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

Cub Scout Camp in Janesville

2010-08-07T06:19:00.001-07:00

Carter had cub scout camp at Glacier's Edge - Camp Indian Trails in Janesville this week. I helped with Carter's pack on Thursday, so Bradley and I were able to trail along and enjoy the day with the scouts.

They had nature walks, sports, shooting sports (archery & BB gun), rock climbing wall, crafts, trading post and swimming.

I was so tired by the end of the day, I do not know how the little scouts do it for FOUR days!!

Milwaukee Museum

2010-07-31T19:24:00.000-07:00

Happy 9th Birthday, Carter

2010-07-29T05:51:00.001-07:00

VBS

2010-07-20T20:27:00.001-07:00

VBS EGYPT - Joseph's journey from prison to palace
~

God gives us hope

God gives us special abilities

God gives us wisdom

The kids visited ancient Egypt last week where they learned about Joseph's journey from prison to palace

God gives us forgiveness

God gives us a family

I was able to be an Egyptian Leader to a family of 10 children! We had fun learning about God and dressing up, Egyptian-style!

The Johnson's Visit

2010-07-20T19:50:00.001-07:00

Craig, Emmy, Evan, Malia & Cade came to visit us a few weekends ago. We had a good time with the kids at the beach!
~Bradley & Malia

Evan & Carter

The dads and the kids

The moms working on their tans

Bradley buried in the sand

Malia, Bradley & Cade getting buried in the sand

Up to shoulders in sand

All the kids.....Malia, Carter, Bradley, Evan & Cade. Cute!!

Carter fully buried in sand

We took the boat out and Evan was excited to drive Uncle's boat!

Chad, Evan & Craig

We enjoyed a night out without the kids while the babysitter painted Malia's nails. By the end of the night, all the kids wanted their nails painted......except for Evan! :-)

We had such a nice time and it was great the kids were able to play with each other. Thanks for coming to Lake Geneva to visit!!

Swimming Lessons

2010-07-13T04:33:00.001-07:00

The boys finished their swimming lessons last week at the Badger High School.
~
Waiting for their group to be called... Bradley playing red-light, green-light.
~
"Red-light"...

"Green-light"....

Carter practicing his backstroke...

Working on the swimming strokes....

Bradley practicing his leg kicks...

Jumping off the swimmer's board....

Even Bradley jumps off the swimmer's board...

The last day of lessons - Fun Day!

The little swimmers played games on the last day.

Bradley loved the noodle game...

Swimming lessons in Lake Geneva at Williams Bay beach. Lessons run every Friday during the summer.

Carter....

Bradley......

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

4TH OF JULY FUN.....

Boating......

Swimming with the geese...

Chad brought home fireworks for the boys.....

Swimming with friends at the Giesler's house....
~

Hayden & Bradley...

Carter the fish...

Fireworks at the Fowler's house~~~

Carter, Bradley & Hayden...

Fireworks on the lake~~~

Bradley & Gracie.....

Carter & Bradley would like to say ~~~~~ Let's Party......

Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope you have a great week!!

On the Lake...

2010-07-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

The boys are learning how to drive the boat.

Hope everyone has a great 4th of July!!

June is flying by!

2010-06-24T18:36:00.001-07:00

Before we know it, June will be gone and the 4th of July will be here!
~
The first week of our summer vacation, Carter had soccer camp at Badger. It is really fun to watch Carter play soccer. He is good with his feet. He would like to give a report on one of the games they played after the practice. Carter's team lost 9-2, however, Carter was excited that he made the second goal for his team. :-) Carter's soccer camp kids with the coaches

I keep catching Carter outside with the soccer ball. He has a soccer clinic to go to on Saturday at Badger.

Out on Lake Como for the first time...

Even Toby gets to enjoy the ride!

Carter was the only brave one to jump in!

We have had plenty of hot days in Lake Geneva to enjoy the beach and swimming pools. Here the boys are swimming at the condo's swimming pool...

Just about every night, we have deer that walk through our yard. There are usually two of them that come together. The boys love watching for them and try to get as close as they can to the deer! I had to quickly snap a picture before the boys see the deer!

I attended a summer institute in Burlington where I completed some curriculum work. I worked with the Gateway Technical College professors where we alligned the Medical Occupations curriculum with the technical college requirements.

~~~

We traveled up north last weekend to our good friends, Heather, Jeff, Nicholas & Zachary. Chad hauled home a U-Haul trailer loaded with our stuff that was in storage. Needless to say, it has been another busy week of unpacking bins! All this stuff that we lived without for a year. Is it really necessary?!?!?

~~~

This week, we hit a fun beach in West Bend with friends. The boys start their swimming lessons tomorrow at the beach in Williams Bay. The American Red Cross teaches kids how to swim in a lake. Next week they have swimming lessons at the Badger swimming pool. Summers are packed with exciting activities!!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Work in Progress...

2010-06-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

It is work in progress, but here are some updated house pictures....

Living Room....

Dining Room....

Kitchen...

Strike a Pose....

2010-06-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Kirsten and the girls came to visit today. We did some rearranging of furniture and decorating in the house. We walked to the lake and the kids had a good time staying cool.
~
They had to "strike a pose" for the camera! Carter, Brenna, Gracie, Ava & Bradley

Cubs at Brewers, June 9, 2010

2010-06-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

A bunch of us from work ended our '09-'10 school year by heading to the Milwaukee Brewers game on our last day of school. The weather was beautiful for a ballgame. It was too bad that the Brewers lost with a final score of 9-4. Oh well, it was still a good time!

There were about 13 of us from Badger......all Brewers fans except for one!! We actually let a Chicago Cubs fan come along with us.

;-)

Dad filled the tub...

2010-06-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

That's all I have to say......

Cub Scout Camp

2010-06-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

Chad and Carter went to Cub Scout Camp for the weekend at Moelter Farm in Lake Geneva. I posted some of their pictures from camp....
~
They were able to go out on the paddle boat. Canoing and fishing....

Campfire and tents....

Carter liked catching the frogs...

They caught lots of fish....

Flag ceremony....

The scouts made rockets and launched them...

They had a good time. They had some rain, but were able to do all the camping stuff they had planned.

Carter's next cub scout camp is Day Camp in Janesville.

Memorial Weekend

2010-06-04T04:31:00.001-07:00

I have been away from the family blog long enough to forgot my camera just about every where we go. We had a fun Memorial Weekend, but due to my camera sitting on my desk the entire time, I do not have many pictures to pass along.

Saturday, we had a pool party at a friends house, who live down the road from us. The boys had a blast and Carter swam the entire day. He was a red, wrinkled prune by the end, and he literally swam until we left the party.

**

Sunday, we did a little fishing with the boys. Lake Como was busy with pantoons, fishing boats, tubing, and swimming. The docks were too full, with swimmers and boaters to do any good fishing. We took the boys to a pond that is kid-friendly. Ironically, this pond is right next to the condo we recently moved from. We headed back to our previous "home" and took the boys to the pond that we used to go for walks around.
~~
Boys are so anxious to get fishing, they did not wait for mom & dad.....
This pond is planted with fish for the little ones to catch. I could not tell you what type of fish is in the pond, but a family next to us pulled out some nice ones.

Oh, yes, and the excitement for Carter was that he ended up getting a leech on his foot!! He loved it; I hated it!

Carter caught the first fish. Yes, if you look closely, there is a fish on his pole! :-)

Carter is ready to throw the fish back in.....

Not sure what Bradley is ready to do ?!?!?

Bradley was telling me about this fishing device, that if a fish swallows your hook, you use this nifty device to get it out. I had to take a picture because it was so hot that Bradley's little face was all rosey-red.

Carter was in the Memorial Day parade with the Cub Scouts on Monday. It was a little rainy, on & off, so we headed to Kenosha and did some furniture shopping. It was beautiful weather for Memorial weekend.

Moving Day Once Again....

2010-05-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

We have been busy packing this week for our moving day, once again, on Saturday!
~
~~
Carter found this box with the name "Austin" on it and thought it was the coolest box in the world!! He wants to keep it because he thinks of cousin Austin when he sees it! :-)
~
~~ Bradley had to get a picture with the cousin "Austin" box, too.

The boys started to get lost in all the boxes...

Until they found just the right size for them!! I didn't have anything to do with the duck tape on the boxes.....really!! :-)

Tonight we went over to our house for the final inspection. I took some pictures since it will be a long time before we get the house organized to take pictures again.

The back side of the house and the patio...

Dining room...

Kitchen.....

Patio door from the kitchen leads to the backyard...

Boys in the kitchen....

Living room and front door...

Front door and stairs that lead up to the bedrooms....

Basement....

A little snack/wet bar downstairs....

Living room that leads into the kitchen & dining room....

A real wood fireplace....

Going upstairs...

The master bathroom....

Master bedroom.....

Master bedroom on the right and (soon-to-be) Carter's bedroom on the left....

(Soon-to-be) Bradley's bedroom......

Looking down from the stairs....

Backyard......

Boys on the picnic table....

Little shed in the backyard......

Boys in the woods.....

We are about a block from Lake Como. Lake Como is a smaller lake off of Lake Geneva. You can see the beach from our house. As we left tonight, Carter saw geese and little geeslings near the lake. :-)

The movers come at 8:30 Saturday morning, when we will make the move. We are moving about 5 miles from here, outside of town. We will be off-line for awhile until we get things set up at the new house. When we are back on-line I will let you know. I will also send you our new address via e-mail. Have a great weekend everyone!!

Earth Day

2010-05-07T04:25:00.001-07:00

Where did the month go??? Seems so long ago now, but we celebrated earth day with a little planting. The boys did some planting of flowers and vegetables on Earth Day.

I have no idea what Bradley is doing......

This is a better one......

We have been busy "house hunting". Just when we thought we were staying another year in our complex, we found our home! We are moving next weekend on the 15th!! I will post pictures once we get moved.

Happy Easter

2010-04-06T04:23:00.001-07:00

We had a nice time up north over Easter break. We spent Easter day at mom & dad's new house in Chippewa Falls with the Klimie cousins, Grandpa Ed, and Denny.
On Saturday, we were invited to the Klimie cousins house for some coloring of eggs for Easter. This was a fun experience for the kids, as well as the adults (& teenagers, too)!! Thanks for all the fun and to Uncle for taking the kids for a dip in the hot tub. It was such an exciting day that Bradley fell asleep on the way back to Grandma Deb's and didn't wake up until the next morning.

Chad was able to visit the Dorwin cousins and have supper at Grandma LaNita and Grandpa Bill's house.

Easter morning started out with the boys searching for eggs at Grandma Deb's house. Thanks to Abby for the pj's that the boys were wearing. After the hot tub swim the night before, the boys took a shower and slipped into some of Abby's comfy clothes for the way back.

Carter is counting the eggs, as they each had to find 15. Love those "roosters" in the morning!

The boys found their Easter basket hiding in Grandma Deb's coat closet.

After lunch on Easter....

The Klimie cousins hid eggs for the boys to find around the house. They had fun looking for all of them.

Abby & Bradley...

Andrew, Carter & Bradley. Grandpa Ed and Denny in the 4-seasons porch, or the "sun room".

Grandpa Ken & Grandma Deb....

A picture with the "Grandpa's". Abby, Bradley, Grandpa Ken, Grandpa Ed and Carter....

Bradley was watching Abby, so carefully, cut the "bunny" cake. He couldn't wait to try some!

Time for the group pictures....

Bradley carried his "Star Wars" DVD around all day.

Grandpa Ken caught the "Easter bunny" that morning. The boys were amazed at the rabbit in the cage!!

Carter loved it, of course!!

Happy Easter everyone!

Thanks Klimie's, Grandma & Grandpa, Grandpa Ed, and Denny for all the fun!! It was great to see everyone! We miss you and love you lots!!

Coloring Easter Eggs

2010-03-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

With traveling up north next weekend for Easter, it was a good time to color eggs and have time this week to eat them!

Brother showing Bradley how it is done.....

We are excited to be on Spring Break! The Lake Geneva school district is on vacation until April 6. Then on the 6th, we leave for the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells until the 8th. We have 4 students competing at State in FCCLA Star Events.

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-03-27T10:54:00.001-07:00

The boys went to an Easter Egg Hunt this morning in Genoa City at the Brookwood Middle School. Brookwood School is a feeder school of Badger High School.

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The wooded area had sections for the different grades, up to 3rd grade. Bradley was lined up at the preschool section.

Carter was lined up in the 2nd-3rd grade line.

I carried the bag for Bradley while he went to find eggs.

Even the Easter Bunny hopped by to see all the kids. Bradley was thrilled when the Easter Bunny gave him an egg.

The kids had lots of room in the wooded area to run.

It was a fun Easter Egg Hunt.......a little on the cold side for me. :-)

Toby's 2nd Birthday

2010-03-27T10:42:00.001-07:00

March 19 was Toby's second birthday. The boys made a cake to celebrate with Toby.

Toby spent some time getting pampered on his special day. Petco gave him a shampoo & conditioning bath, hair cut, teeth cleaning and nail trimming. He looked so nice when we picked him up (and he smelled good, too). :-)
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~~~~Toby before his pampering.......

Toby after his pampering, with his new squeaky chicken toy that Carter picked out for his birthday..............

Badger Wrestling Tournament

2010-03-07T06:19:00.000-08:00

Carter ended the wrestling season at the Badger Wrestling Tournament with a 3rd place medal.

Carter and his friend, Brandan, are warming up while Bradley draws on the side of the mat.

Carter's first opponent was from Edgerton, which was a good match, but Carter couldn't keep up in points.

A Badger wrestles a Badger. Carter has to wrestle his teammate, Nick. Nick wins this match with a pin.

Carter's last opponent was from Burlington, where he ended the season with a pin. It was a good way to end the season!

Grandpa Bill & Grandma LaNita came all the way to Lake Geneva to see Carter wrestle! We had a fun time going out to eat Friday night. Thanks for coming to cheer Carter on.

In all the excitement of wrestling and running to tournaments every weekend, it is a good feeling to have the season come to an end.

Milton Wrestling Tournament

2010-03-02T04:05:00.000-08:00

Carter wrestled in the Milton Monster Wrestling Tournament. It was another 8 Man Bracket with Wrestle Backs to 3rd Place. This was the first "Bull's Den" tournament that we've been to. Each wrestler in a bracket is called to the Bull's Den, where they all walk out to the wrestling mat together and stay with each other until everyone finishes wrestling for that round.

Carter's 1st opponent was from Kenosha. It was a tough one for him, as he was wrestling the coaches son. He gave it his all, but couldn't get up and away from him, losing with a score of 15-0.

Carter's 2nd opponent was from Muskego. Carter wrestled very well and won this round with a score of 8-0.

This tournament was the best I've ever seen Carter wrestle. You could see him using many of the wrestling moves that he's learned over the season. The one that he practiced the most was the "Half Nelson". You can see in this picture he is putting the Half Nelson on the Muskego wrestler.

Carter's 3rd opponent was from Fond Du Lac. He again wrestled very well and won this match with a final score of 15-0. He almost had the wrestler pinned many times, but just couldn't hold her down (yes, I said "her"). Anna was a sweet little wrestler (a good little wrestler) :-)

Since Carter won his last two matches, he had a 4th round to where he was wrestling for 3rd place. His 4th opponent was the Kenosha wrestler, the one he lost to in the first round. He was a little bummed out when he found out who he had to wrestle back in the Bull's Den, but I told Carter that he had the same chance of winning as this boy. They both had lost one match and won two matches.

Trophies went up to 3rd place and medals went from 4th to 8th place. He really wanted that 3rd place trophy!! :-)

I've never seen Carter get so prepared for a wrestling match.....stretching his muscles, running in place, etc. He was getting completely "psyched" for this round. Carter wrestled so well in the last round. He lost to the Kenosha boy 12-2, but gave it his all. He came off the mat upset that he couldn't beat him, but I was really proud of him.

He was so upset that he wouldn't let me get a picture of him with his 4th place medal. He didn't want the medal, but I had to remind him that I am sure the other wrestlers who placed 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th would have loved his 4th place medal. He did his very best and that's all that matters!! :-)

Blue and Gold Banquet

2010-03-02T03:52:00.001-08:00

We attended Carter's Boy Scout's Blue & Gold Banquet on Saturday. It was a nice......long.....event. The little cubs had a good time celebrating together, and they had the opportunity to watch the Webelos 2 crossover. This is when a cub scout crosses over to a boy scout.

The Banquet included a cake contest celebrating the Boy Scout Association (BSA) of 100 years! The cubs all made and decorated a cake for this event. Carter made a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.

Each den (Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos) performed a skit for everyone. Here, Carter is with his Wolf den.

Carter goes up to receive his "Wolf Totem 3 Beads" for his work in the Wolf den. He will be graduating from a Wolf to a Bear. Jeff & Marie, the first two on the right, are Carter's Den Leaders.

Pictured here is Carter with the Boy Scout Leader.

Carter with his award! We are proud of Carter for his hard work in the Wolf Den and for his accomplishments!

Mukwonago Wrestling Tournament

2010-02-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

The Mukwonago Tournament was our first time with an 8-man round robin. Carter left with a silver medal and we weren't quite sure where he placed in the 8-man bracket. After a phone call to Carter's favorite wrestling coach, Uncle Jamie, he explained to us how the bracket works and that Carter came home with a 6th place medal. This was a tough tournament for the little wrestlers. Wrestlers come all the way from Green Bay to wrestle in this tournament.

Carter's first opponent was from Waterford. Carter was beat 11-0 to the experienced wrestler.

Carter's next opponent was from Mukwonago and the score was tied 4-4 at the end. Carter finally won the match 9-7.

He almost had a pin, but time ran out.

Carter's last opponent was from the JYWC. The long match finally ended with Carter getting pinned.

It was another fun day of wrestling! :-)

Bounces R Us

2010-02-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

Carter and Bradley were invited to their friend, Elijah's, birthday party at "Bounces R Us" in Richmond, IL. "Bounces R Us" is an indoor inflatable party and play center. The boys loved this bouncy place.

The inflatable jumpers had different obstacles to go through, usually ending in a great big slide at the end.

I'm sitting above one of the slides as Carter went down.

The Disney Princess castle was my favorite jumper.

This was the great big slide at the end of the Spiderman jumper.

It was fun for both kids and adults!!

Bradley loved the big jumper full of balls.....

You can see how big the jumpers are, as Carter is wrestling Spiderman's leg here....

I'm helping Bradley up the Spiderman...

The theme at Elijah's birthday party was Batman, and all the kids received a Batman t-shirt. There were about 24 kids there.

This place was a lot of fun. The boys and I definitely got a work out!!

Chad's Birthday Weekend

2010-02-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

Chad had a fun-filled birthday weekend, starting Friday night when we had supper at our Pastor's house with his family. Pastor Michael and Kerry have two little kids the same age as our boys. The kids had a great time playing together, while we enjoyed the company of other adults! :-)

Saturday, Chad and I headed to Gurnee, IL for some Red Lobster. On the way down, we stopped at the Pleasant Prairie Outlet Mall. We enjoyed way too much food at Red Lobster and went to walk it off at the Gurnee Mills Mall, when Aunt Lou and Louis surprised Chad with a mini birthday cake. Here is a picture with the carousel in the background.

Aunt Lou and Louis in front of the carousel.

Thanks so much for surprising Chad with birthday cake and visiting with us. You guys are so sweet!! :-)

We walked through "Outdoor World - Bass Pro Shop" at the Mall. This would be comparable to a "Cabela's". We knew the boys would love this place, so we took some pictures for them to see.

We will share the pictures with you....lots of animals and fish at this store...

There is even a shooting range at this place.

Notice Chad's glowing sweatshirt.....

I had to stand in front of it to get a picture without the "glow"!

Tonight we are going to our neighbors for the big "Superbowl" bash! Maybe I will bring my camera.....

Happy Birthday Chad!

Chad's Birthday

2010-02-04T19:34:00.001-08:00

We celebrated Chad's birthday with cake, presents, and lots of fun!

The boys always feel the need to squeeze in a "silly" picture!

Carter and Bradley had a blast collecting items from their bedroom to wrap up and give to "Dad" for a birthday present. Note the Star Wars gift bags they picked for him. :-)

~~~

Bradley wrapped up his Star Wars gun.

Carter wrapped up some sea shells and a very special rock, which was actually from Toby.

Just look at all the special gifts they found for Chad...

~~A Star Wars gun and Nerf gun from Bradley.

~~Sea shells and a "Fiesta" necklace from Carter.

~~A rock from Toby

The couple of shirts that I gave to Chad for his birthday didn't compare to these awesome gifts from the boys!!

Time to tackle the birthday boy!

A very happy birthday to Chad/Dad!!

~~~On a side note, Chad felt sad that he didn't have his favorite sweatshirt that he wore in just about every picture throughout the last few years. We know Sheri and Shana will chuckle about this inside joke! :-)

Pinewood Derby

2010-01-31T06:47:00.001-08:00

I was able to watch Carter's Pinewood Derby this year! "Carter's Cruiser" raced 3 times against other Wolf cars in his Den. The Derby took place at the Fire Station in Lake Geneva. Carter's car is the middle one. In the first race, "Carter's Cruiser" took 2nd place.

The second race, his car took 2nd place again. Here, his car is on the far right.

The third race, Carter's car took 3rd place. Here it is again on the far right. Carter's car took 5th place out of 15 cars.

Bradley helped me work at the bake sale.....lots of goodies over here!

We saw racing cars, go-carts, police cars, and lots of raffles in the firestation. The Pinewood Derby was a fun thing to see.

Carter and Chad enjoyed making his Pinewood Derby car. Carter picked out the design and colors and Chad helped him paint it.

Kenosha Wrestling Tournament

2010-01-25T03:36:00.000-08:00

Carter had a good day at the Kenosha Wrestling Tournament on Saturday. He took first place in the 4-man round robin.

The first boy he wrestled was from the "Zee Bee Stingers" team. The Zee Bee boy was ahead in points throughout the match.

Carter surprised us all with his first pin ever at the very end of the match. He listened to his coaches as they guided him through the match with which "moves" to use.

He earned a wrestling pin for his pin.

The second opponent was from the "Freestyle Academy" and it was a quick match. We were, once again, surprised when Carter took him down and won with a pin. He earned another pin for his second pin.

Carter's last opponent was from Greendale and it was a challenging match. Carter won by one point with a final score of 5 to 4.

Carter was happy to have fans come out to see him wrestle. Carter & Bradley's friend (& neighbor), Spencer, came along with us to a long day of wrestling. This is Spencer's first year of wrestling, so the boys had lots of wrestling moves to talk about.

Aunt Lou and Louis also came to see Carter wrestle! They were able to catch his last match. How nice it was to see them! Thanks for coming to see Carter wrestle!

Next weekend is the "Pinewood Derby" for cubscouts. Carter has his racing car all ready to go.

Have a good week everyone!

Badger Youth Wrestling Club

2010-01-17T18:55:00.001-08:00

The big wrestling tournaments started this weekend at the East Troy Youth Wrestling Tournament. It was a 4-man round robin.

The coach giving Carter some pointers before his first match.

Carter's first match was a tough one for him. His opponent was so strong. The boy was a very good wrestler.

Carter's second opponent was also a very strong and skilled wrestler.

In the end, these two boys were last to wrestle from Carter's round, to take first place. It was a very exciting match. Both boys were very skilled in wrestling.

Carter's last match was a good one. He wrestled a boy from Elkhorn and hung in there until the end.

As you wrestling families know, there is so much time in between matches.
Here we are, passing the time until Carter wrestles again. :-)

Bradley giving Carter a "good luck" hug.

Even though Carter won 4th place, he tried his best and came off the mat smiling each time. I am glad he is having fun while learning wrestling moves.......he's a trooper! We are so proud of his good sportsmanship.

Carter REALLY wanted to win the trophy, but here he is with his 4th place medal. :-)

Next weekend, we are off to Kenosha for another tournament.

Birthday Fun...

2010-01-03T18:35:00.001-08:00

I really enjoyed my birthday this year with going out to eat and to see a movie with our good friends. We met our friends, Brian & Kirsten, at the Mayfair Mall in Milwaukee. We ate at Maggianos Little Italy for dinner, and afterwards, saw the musical, "NINE".

The four of us out for dinner....

Brian shared with the waiter that it was my birthday. When the waiter asked me how old I was, I shaved off just a few years!!!

My birthday treat was a "Happy Birthday 25th" greeting!!

Before we left for the night, the boys were snuggled up, watching a Star Wars movie.

All three of the boys......

The boys decorated a gingerbread house with the babysitter while we were out. They wanted to nibble at it tonight, but I told them I had to get a picture of it first!

They could now pick and nibble at the gingerbread house!!

Thanks everyone for the birthday phone calls, beautiful cards, and family blog greetings (Klimek Chronicles)!! Love ya!!

**It was a great 25th birthday!! He..He...

Happy New Year's!!

2010-01-02T07:49:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year Family & Friends!!

We were able to spend New Year's Day with Betsy, Philip, Aunt Lou & Uncle Louis. Betsy & Philip were kind enough to have all of us over and make a delicious meal for lunch. We sure did enjoy each other's company.......with some good food, of course!!
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The boys packed some toys and games to take over to Betsy & Philip's apartment. They played with their Star Wars toys, put puzzles together, and played Dominoes.
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Bradley, Carter, Chad and Uncle Louis. Chad is looking through Betsy's photo book from her trip to Norway. Uncle Louis is figuring out all the gadgets to Bradley's Star Wars ship.

Betsy, Aunt Lou & Philip in the dining room.....

Carter had fun exploring Betsy's apartment. The features and characteristics of their old brick home were just beautiful. Betsy and Philip live upstairs and below them is the landlord. Carter took some pictures for me of the unique characteristics. Here is a built-in hutch....

The dining room table Betsy made herself. She sanded down the old paint/stain and gave it a new look and a new shine. It was a beautiful table!

Watching "The Velvateen Rabbit" with Betsy....

Philip, Aunt Lou & Uncle Louis....

Relaxing after apple pie and ice cream....

Carter was intrigued with Betsy's attic. Betsy will appreciate these pictures as Carter kept wanting to go in the attic. He took MANY pictures once in the attic, but I will show the two. :-)

Here are the stairs going to the attic....

And here is the fabulous attic!

:-)

On the way home, we listened to the new whistles that Carter and Bradley received from Lou & Louis. They would light up and sparkle and sounded like a "duck call".

I hope everybody had a great New Year's! We went out to eat with another couple for New Year's Eve and then we went to a New Year's Eve party at a friend's house. Today we are off for the Mayfair Mall in Milwaukee.

Stay warm everyone!!