Carson's top 10 for 2008

Wow, the year really flew by... Carson and I had a wonderful year. Sure, there were adjustment periods, tears, sadness, bruises, sickness, sleepless nights, smiles, laughs and many memories in 2008. However, the Lord has really blessed us.

Below is a short list of Carson's top ten firsts for 2008:
10. He celebrated his second birthday.
9. He had his first Santa party with his friends.
8. He went on Thomas the train in November, with his MomMom, Aunt Tracey and Mommy.
7. He flew to KY with Jonathan and Mommy to meet Becca and Ella.
6. He rode on his first high speed train with Jonathan to Philadelphia.
5. He stayed with his MomMom and PopPop while Mommy and Jonathan went to Guatemala in September.
4. He went on his first wildwood boardwalk ride alone in July.
3. He went miniature golfing with his Aunt Tracey and Uncle Levin.
2. He had his first performance at church playing the bells with assistance.
1. He tells his Mommy he loves her.

Slide show one of Christmas 2008

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Merry Christmas!

Make peace with each other...

Christmas: Peace with Each Other
by Rick Warren


Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 (KJV)

*** *** *** ***

Once you make peace with God and have the peace of God in your heart, you’re able to make peace with other people.

God says, “I want you to be a peacemaker. I want you to be a reconciler.” The Bible calls this “the ministry of reconciliation.”

As I’ve traveled from country to country over the past few years, I’ve seen the same problem – conflict. Between husbands and wives, between generations, ethnic groups, religious groups, language groups – between nations. The greatest need in our world is reconciliation. “Peace on earth, good will toward men.”

God says, “Once I have shown you grace, I want you to show it to other people. Show them the grace I have shown you. Be a peacemaker.”

Jesus said it like this. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9 KJV). If you really know Christ the Prince of Peace, you’re going to be a peacemaker, not a troublemaker – at work, at home, or at school. You’re going to build people up, not tear them down. You’re going to compliment more than you criticize. You’re going to love people the way Jesus loves people.

Christmas is the perfect time to show grace to other people because we’re reminded of the grace God has shown us – that he gives us what we need, not what we deserve. So let me ask you a very frank question: Who do you need to restore a broken relationship with this Christmas? That’s the spirit of Christmas – “peace on earth, good will toward men.”

You say, “I can’t do it.” When families get together at Christmas, a lot of times it brings back a lot of bad memories and past hurts and things you just haven’t let go of. You say, “I can’t let go of it. They hurt me too bad. I can’t forgive them.”

You’re right. That’s why you need Jesus. You don’t have it in you to let it all go. That’s why you’re still holding onto it. You need to be filled with the love of Christ and the peace of Christ. Until that happens, you’re not going to have the ability to let it go.


© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.

He said it first tonight...

As I was kissing Carson good night, he looked at me and said, "I love you Mommy".
He melts my heart. I am so blessed!

Is it really Sunday night?

This weekend was extremely busy for Jonathan, Carson and I. Saturday, our friend Carly came over to bake cookies for the Santa party. Carson and Carly made three different types of cookies, and cupcakes .
Saturday night, we hosted a Santa party for Carson's Sunday class and a few friends from his preschool. Santa arrived at our home around 7:00pm with a bag filled with gifts for the children. Some of the children were so excited to sit on Santa's lap while others, were hiding behind their Mommies or covering their eyes with the couch pillows. It sure was a fun filled night with laughs and stories with the children.

Sunday morning we were up and ready for Sunday school (oops, we were late). Carson played the bells with his Sunday school class (jingles for Jesus). Well, lets say, he was assisted with playing the bells by Jonathan Sunday morning. However, it was really cute and all the children did a great job.
Sunday afternoon I visited my parents and spent the majority of the day at the horse stable while Jonathan watched football and Carson napped.
Sunday evening it was back to church for the last advent service. Once again, Carson was assisted playing the bells however it was my turn to assist him. ;)
On a side note- It was an answer of prayer to have my parents and sister's family at church today. There is something to be said, when you have family around you worshiping in the house of the Lord. Praise God!

Wordless Wednesday

Carson the stud reader-

Carson loves books! He likes to lay in "Mommy's bed" and read. Carson loves to show me the pictures while he is reading. So far, he can pick out O, W, S, and Q's in words.

Hollwood Holly

Holly is the daughter of Gary and Sandy. Holly was adopted from Guatemala when she was six months old. Yesterday, Holly celebrated her 'Gotcha Day'. She had a day filled with love and laughter.
Dear Holly,
Carson and I are so blessed to have you in our lives. It's wonderful to watch you grow into a beautiful young christian girl who loves the Lord. You have such a servants heart. You love to help, serve, and give to others.
Holly where ever life takes you, please know I am always here for you. I am so proud of you. Thank you for being you! Keep up the good work.
We love you,
Greta Jo and Carson

Carson makes me smile from the inside out.

There are so many times through the course of the day, when I think of Carson and I smile from the inside out. He is an amazing little fellow. He has a personality that ‘almost’ everyone falls in love with who meets him. Yes, he is a boy who loves to, test me, tease and be rough at times however, he can be the most loving and thoughtful little fellow. He is developing nicely into an independent toddler who loves to figure out ‘things’ such as, how things work, taking batteries out of toys, putting keys in the door, etc. I am trying to live each moment with him and not stress over him growing up. I will always be thankful for the Lords perfect timing in bringing Carson into my life. I never realized that I could love someone so much that he makes me smile from the inside out.

T H O M A S

We had such a wonderful time last weekend visiting/riding on Thomas. Carson was so excited about riding on Thomas however, once we sat on the train he did not move. His eyes were huge and he was lost for words (that's a first). We are planning on visiting Thomas again, when the weather is warmer ;)

Why God?

Lord I have so many questions; why this family, why this little girl, why Lord?
Please click the link below and pray...
http://azhderianfamily.blogspot.com/

THOMAS the tunnel

My Mom, sister, Carson and I are leaving tomorrow night for an overnight trip to Lancaster, Pa. to see and ride on Thomas the tunnel (as Carson calls him).
Photos to come...

Being real

A few months ago, I was challenged to write about "being real". I've pondered over what to write since then. However, on my way home from a wedding the other night the Lord spoke to me about what to write. I am here to share-

When I started the adoption process, I thought I would continue to be "GretaJo" easy going, pack up and go anytime, shop when I wanted, hang out with friends on the weekends, continue to talk on the phone for hours, go to bed early (as normal), have a well kept home, spend hours at the horse stable- you get the picture (the single life). I thought Carson would fit into my world and I would continue to be me.

Fast forward a few months after Carson came home- A first time mom, struggling to figure out how to be a Mom, struggling with how to fit Carson into my life with work, friends, horses, etc. The first few months of being a mom were rough... Carson and I did not have a problem bonding. However, I had the problem- trying to mesh the old with the new GretaJo. It was not working. It was a daily struggle.

Finally, I turned my struggles over to the Lord one evening while racing to pick up Carson at the day care before it closed. The conversation went like this- Lord, I have always wanted to be a mother and you have blessed me with a beautiful baby boy. However, I did not want to be a single mother. I never dreamt about raising a child alone, how do I continue with my life now that I'm a mom? The Lord revealed to me, you are not alone, I am with you. I have taken people out of your life for a reason, and blessed you with an amazing baby boy. Its time to move forward, its time to put away your childish and selfish behaviours, do not look back because there is no hope in the past. It's not going to be easy- there will be tears, lots of fond memories, broken friendships, not alot of alone time, you will struggle and you will fall however, I am always with you. Stay strong!

After the conversation with the Lord that evening, I felt like a new person. Sure, there are times I miss the old life of GretaJo, however, I am so blessed I would not trade it for anything.

Happy Birthday Mommy

Hi Mommy, its me, your baby boy, Carson. I wanted to say Happy Birthday to you. You are my wonderful mommy and I'm so happy I have you. God brought us together because He knows what He's doing. He knew how much our hearts would be joined together. I smile when you smile. I laugh when you laugh. I cry when you cry. Thank you, God, for my mommy. She is the best.

Even though I'm only 2, I love you mommy, through and through. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Your boy,

Carson

A little conversation..

Conversation between Jonathan and Carson this morning...

Carson: I rode a pony.
Jonathan: Really, Carson?!
Carson: Me (me= yes)
Jonathan: Where did you ride the pony?
Carson: Hmmm, Hmmm, Guatemama




On the way home from the daycare center yesterday, Carson pulled out a match box truck from his coat pocket.

Me: Carson what is that?
Carson: A truck, Mommy.
Me: Where did the truck come from? (I knew it was not his)
Carson: Guatemama
Me: With a smile on my face and holding back my laughter, I said Guatemama?
Carson: Said me ( me = yes)

I think this will be Carson's

last bike ride for the season. As its going to be below thirty degrees for the next seven days. Uh! cold and windy weather, dark days, naked trees, and little sun = winter in NJ. YUCK!









My sweet baby boy melts my heart.