A Tree for an Angel

Every year we put up a real Christmas tree
with homemade ornaments. This year, I wanted to do
something a little different...We got a real tree, and I decided
to add blue and silver ornaments, in memory of
Carissa!
The Tree didn't seem complete, so I gathered all of Carissa's stuff
and started putting them on the tree.

1st we put the bow that was in her casket spray on
the very top, with her picture underneath. Then
we added a barney movie, her cinderella shoes and tea set.
We put on her dora the explore purse and back pack.
And finally we wrapped light blue snowflake
ribbon around the entire tree. Everyone loved
coming to our house and seeing the tree. It was beautiful!
My girls declared this tree to be the prettiest tree we
have ever had. I truly loved it, and having something to
remember Carissa was great! We love and miss her!

Carpenter Christmas Party

Every year we have a Carpenter Christmas
Party...this includes all of my Mom's brothers
and siters and their kids.(all my cousins) We
love to get together, eat, and the "host" family
comes up with a program. This year the program
was lip singing to Christmas songs, with certain
props. Some songs were: Grandma(my Mom)
got ran over by a reindeer, Feliz Navidad(Chelsea
and Aunt Sherry shook it down), All I want for
Christmas is you(Back up singer Nikki)...and other
songs. It was lots of fun, and we had a great time
visiting with everyone. Can't wait for next year!
P.S. I do have LOTS of blackmail pictures...

100 Years Old!

My Mom and her Grandma, Thelma Carpenter,
who will be 100 years old on December 27th.

Five Generations, My Great Grandma Thelma Carpenter
My Grandma, Donna Carpenter, My Mom, Cashlyn and me


My kids and their Great-Great Grandma. When
she walked in the house, we all wanted pictures, and
she said my hair is in rollers. We didn't care. She said
"Won't I be so beautiful?" She is a cute, little old lady.
Grandma has buried 3 of her 4 children, lives in Thatcher
with very little assistance, loves the gospel, and is full of life.
She is independent, humorous, and we are glad she is
still around. We love our Grandma's.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was lots FUN this year. Charlayne and Russ had everyone at their home in Chandler, and we are so glad they put up with all the kids, lots of messes, and just let us come and go. We had lots of good food,thanks to all the cooks, but most of all the best company. Meghan's barbie car was a highlight...all the kids wanted to drive it. Cashlyn didn't like olives, and didn't like them on her fingers. We all ate until we were stuffed, and then stuffed again.

 

A THANKFUL Heart

I LOVE this season of Thanksgiving, and of the CHRISTmas Spirit. At times like this it is easy to reflect on the good of your family, community, and all around as many truly engage in a Christ like attitude. This year is no different for me, except I have cause to truly be Thankful, not only for the blessings I receive, but for a Savior who sends miracles, love, kindness, tender mercies, and much more that now I can see with a different eye.
About 6 months ago, my life and those that I love most had a unforgettable life changing event. Carissa Gwen, my little 2 year, was killed in a tragic accident. Since that day, my life has not been the same. I may be the same on the outside, and in my mannerisms, but deep down my heart is different. Life is different. Nothing will be the same again, yet somehow, it will. My perspective on life is different...The most important things in life aren't THINGS. There are miracles that happen everyday; I have to choose to see the good, to see the miracles. This month of Thanksgiving, is also a time of reflection. So here goes:

Carissa's memory lives on, she is forever in our hearts. I reflect on her short life, the joy and happiness she brought us; we are eternally grateful of having the opportunity to have such a sweet, innocent, energetic, loving spirit in our home. I think of her everyday, and most often wish her here with me. But I know she is in Heaven, watching from above.

The life of my cousin Jeremy was one to be patterned after. He loved life, laughter, and lived everyday to the fullest. Although Jeremy left his mortal existence too soon, in our eyes,...heaven is blessed by his contagious happy go--lucky attitude, filled with determination to be a better person.

I am THANKFUL for
MY Family
MY Sweet(not so little, anymore)Girls
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Eternal Families
A husband who holds and honors the Priesthood
My home
My husbands job
Sisters & a Brother who are always there for me
Cousins, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts
TEMPLES
Parents who lovingly give, and always welcome everyone to their home
Memories of LOVED ones
A healthy body
My husbands family, who were strong enough to join the church, and help us in all we do, and in whatever we need
The chance to be a mother
The opportunity to reflect upon all that God has given me, and the opportunity to give THANKS to him.

I look forward to this season of THANKSGIVING, and of Christmas. I am thinking of something(any suggestions are welcomed) where we can remember Carissa in our home during this time, and would love for all to participate in her memory as well. She is our Angel, our guiding light, we will strive harder to obtain Celestial Glory because this is where she will be and we want to be with her!

In Memory of my cousin, JEREMY

 
Jeremy Bowles passed away peacefully in his sleep, November 3rd 2008, after a 14 year battle with Crohn's disease. Jeremy was known for his love of life and family. He had a contagious laugh, that he will be remembered for. Jeremy would often laugh so hard to the point of breathlessness. Jeremy was a great example to all and will be sorely missed. He left behind, his wife, Sara and 4 small children.

DAIRY QUEEN OF HEBER IS GRACIOUSLY DONATING ALL PROCEEDS TO HIS FAMILY ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12th, FROM 3-9 PM. WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE AS MANY SUPPORTERS AS POSSIBLE, SO PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD AND COME AND GET A TREAT! This will be a tremendous help to his family.

Halloween!

Cashlyn as a candy corn girl!


Courtney is a fifty's chick!



Chelsea as the witch. She won best costume
at the youth halloween dance! She looked great!

Halloween this year was bitter-sweet. I love to dress my girls up, and make sure they have cute costumes. Over and Over I kept thinking...what would I have dressed Carissa in, and then I decided I didn't know. Since she wasn't here, I don't know what she would have dressed up as, because I really didn't think about what she would have been, just that she would have looked so cute as a candy corn like her sister, a princess, or whatever the costume might have been. I still had fun and my girls were cute.

Annual Pumpkin Carving

We have made it a tradition to carve pumpkins with as
many Baum cousins that want to come. This has been a fun
night and something to look forward to. The girls love
picking out their design and attempting to carve it into
the pumpkin...the Mom's and Dad's are the ones who usually
finish them. The best part, is when everyone is done, we turn
out the lights and watch all the pumpkins glow. The carvings
look amazing. What a great tradition, who ever started it!

Tis the Season!

It is the most wonderful time of the year-
At least for Hal. It's the season for hunting.
Chelsea went out with her dad and got a deer, for
the second year in a row. She was so excited, and he
was proud of her perfect shot, right threw the heart.
Hal loves to be out in the woods: hunting, bugleing,
calling, putting out cameras, scouting and of course
shooting his own deer. (he drew a tag this year,
he is still waiting on an elk tag). Oh well, it is the most
wonderful time of the year....for someone.
I should be grateful that my husband isn't around to
bug me as much, but I am not that trilled. A day
here and there...but NOT the whole season, which
in our family lasts from January-December!
TIS THE SEASON...

Happy Birthday Cashlyn!

CASHLYN'S Birthday was September 20th.
We had a great time celebrating her special day
twice. 1st at Gma Wendy's and then at Gma Baum's.
Thanks for all the great gifts...she uses them regularly.

Cashlyn is our sweet baby, who brings lots of work and
joy to our family. She still loves to look at Carissa's pictures.
I think of how cute, and fun they would have had
as they grew up. I know Cashlyn misses her sister.

We love her, and are excited to watch her grow up.

Conference

My blog is almost current, but before I forget I wanted to post about the Saturday Conference Session.
I enjoyed and loved listening to conference. It seems that when we truly listen, the speakers and the spirit testify and tell us specific things we need to hear. I loved listening to Sister Allred and her conversion story. What a sweet testimony about missionary work, and how not only is she a member of the church, but lots more because 2 missionaries taught her family. But the thing that stuck out in my mind, what I wanted to post and remember is...
FAITH is NOT only a Feeling, IT is a DECISION! What a powerful phrase. Lots that we do in the church and in our daily lives, are Decisions...not just feelings. It is a testimony to me, that unless we act, we are not making decisions(right or wrong)...we are simply feeling. And I know this conference has taught, that we are to act. What Elder Holland said about Angels watching over us, and helping us...that just hits too close to home, and I am glad that even though I think that Angels are near, I now have a confirmation from a prophet of the Lord, Angels are Near. How inspiring and touching. I also loved when Pres. Uchtdorf said...hope, faith and charity cannot exist without the other. What a wonderful blessing and opportunity to watch and listen to living prophets today.

This Little Piggy went to the Market

Chelsea had a pig for 4H. It weighed three times as much as her,
but she still had to feed & water it everyday. Then in September
Chelsea got to take her pig to the fair, where she would show
the pig infront of a judge. Chelsea did well, she got 2nd place
in her weight class.(255 pounds) She also sold her pig(THANKS
to the HOME Center for buying it). Chelsea wants to raise
another pig next year...the parents say, we will see!

A Labor of Love

Labor Day Weekend was full of FUN Family

Time. After spending the day shucking, blanching,

scraping and bagging corn we figured it to be cheaper

to buy the corn from the store. But what we learned

was harvesting what "we" grew, and spending

quality time with the family is what is important.

We also had a FUN cookout at the park, where we

played kick ball, and catching frisbees...a cheap, fun,

activity that will have lasting memories.

School Days

Chelsea going to Jr. High...8th Grade! (wow, she is growing up fast)


This Year scCh00l came A liTtlE too soOn for me. I rEally enjOyed my SumMer...beIng Lazy, slEepiNg in, sWimMing, goinG to the ValLey aNd jusT spenDing Time with my Girls!
I do hoWever, liKe beIng Back on a r0utine, Having the girls in Bed before nine, SeeiNg the
Girl in theIr vaRiouS scHool acTivitEs & waTchiNg thEir fun, Beautiful peRsonaLities DeveLop. So heRe are The girLs' 1st dAy of School.(the post is a little late, but someday I will catch up)Courtney going to 2nd grade...she loves her teacher!

This what We did during the Summer...

Lots of Time to Reflect

I haven't been good about updating my blog every month. I am getting there, I want to post about the summer, and then about the girls starting school. But I just couldn't help but post some of my feelings about the past 2 weeks or so.

At times I feel like my heart obtained an open wound, and then there are times when I feel like my heart is not as heavy as before. During the last week, and since, I have had lots of time to reflect. Time to reflect on the events that took place during the week of May 26th, time to reflect on how it felt to loose a child, time to reflect on things that are most important in my life, and most importantly time to reflect on the life of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Time to reflect on the events of the week of May 26th, I thought about that specific day and how I would have never guessed, or expected something of this magnitude to happen to my family. I relived the feelings as I helped another sweet, spiritual, strong family in my ward and neighborhood go thru the loss of their baby boy. It was a tender week for both of us. I remember how I felt as I saw the ward and community rally around them. I remember the comfort I felt as felt my Savior near, and the strenght the preisthood was. I thought of the tender mercies given to me, my family, and this other family. Most importantly I thought of the love my Savior has for me.

Time to reflect on how it felt to loose a child, I think about this alot. I know that I am not the only woman to loose a child, and this thought gives me comfort. In talking to that sweet sister, she reminded me about Mary. How Mary the mother of Jesus, lost a child too. I have thought about this today, and I feel sad, knowing that Mary had to suffer. Mary had to watch her son nailed to a cross, and suffer for each one of us. My heart breaks, I cannot imagine watching a child physically suffer so that ONE might be saved. I love Carissa, just as each of the mothers who have lost a child love their own. But I know my love is but a small fraction in comparison to the love Christ has for each of us.

Time to reflect on the things that are most important to me, and about my Savior, Jesus Christ. I was reminded today by a dear friend, that we need to be more CHRISTIAN. We need to love as Christ did. Unless we LIVE by the things we are taught, going to church doesn't matter. The gospel of Jesus Christ is important, but not only did Christ teach the things we must do, he LIVED them. Family is the most important unit, and relationship we can have on this earth and in the life to come. The temples are the house of the Lord, and only in them can FAMILIES BE FOREVER. I always had the goal to obtain the celestial kingdom, but now my goal is 10 fold. I have a sweet little girl, who has already proved herself and I want to be with her. FAMILY, IT'S ABOUT TIME! Nothing is more important to me than The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and my family! I love the phrase: "Together is my favorite place", how true.

My heart is full, and my mind is doing circles, but I know the Lord loves me and comforts me. The power of prayer is real, and it is a blessing to pray to loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers me. The tender mercies of this past week made me realize how much I am loved, and how much Christ is aware of us. I love to serve others, and it was a great pleasure and blessing to help this family. Blessings are all around us, are we willing to accept and acknowledge them?

Through the Eyes of a Child

I just wanted to add one more thing about the birthday party we had for Carissa. My sweet niece Meghan came up to Heber shortly after we celebrated Carissa's birthday. This is how the conversation went...

Meghan "Aunt Elisa, we missed Carissa's birthday party"
Elisa-"You did, well thats Ok, Meghan"
Meghan-"But we will come next year time"
Elisa-"That's good Meghan, I hope you can come"
Meghan-"We have to come, cause someone has to blow out her candles"

I thought how sweet...it is all about the candles. Little children are so pure and simple. Who cares about the presants, who cares about the gifts. It's all because you have to blow out the candles.

3 Flowers

It is a very different feeling to celebrate a birthday for someone you love, without them actually being present. I haven't decided yet, if I liked it or not. Nevertheless, we wanted to remember Carissa and the life that she lived, so we had a birthday party (kind of) for her. It was a sad day for me, but I knew that I wanted to remember her on that day (July 8th) and for the rest of her birthdays.

The girls left flowers on her grave, one for each
year of how old she would have been.

All the Heber cousins let balloons go, in her honor.

4th of July Pictures

Grandpa & Courtney enjoying the parade


Cashlyn asleep before the fireworks


Hal at the parade with water gun...FUN!


Carissa's firework


Courtney signing the firework


Signing the fireworks & talking with the man incharge

4th of July

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

4th of July
4th of July this year was lots of FUN, as usual. We love to have the Carpenter family come up, and spend the weekend with us. There is always good food, visiting with family, and of course, an abundance of delicious food.

This year our family started off the 4th of July weekend, by participating in a Heber tradition. Every year, the men in charge of the fireworks let off a firework in memory of someone who has passed away. We went to the house, and got to sign the big firework, it was the biggest fireworks they make. We could write whatever we wanted on it. They told us Carissa's firework would be the last firework of the night. It was a fun experience, one that our family didn't know about. I guess when you join "the club" you learn about certain things.

After the firework signning, we went to Carissa's grave and put 4th of July balloons there. A lady was there and gave the kids pennies to put on the grave. She told how the pennies are like Angels from heaven. It was fun to take all the kids back to the grave, and let them throw the pennies.

Pennies from Heaven

Pennies from Heaven

I found a penny today, laying on the ground,

But it's not just a penny, this little penny I found.

Found pennies come from Heaven,

Angels toss them down.

When an Angel sends a penny,

It's sometimes just to cheer you up...

To make a smile out of your frown-

Or simply to remind you...YOU ARE SPECIAL!!!

I found a penny just for you.

Found pennies are gifts from Angels

To be kept for yourself or to share with others.

This penny was meant just for you...

To remind you---YOU ARE SPECIAL TOO!!!

The Best Family

I have been thinking alot about the events of the past few weeks. I am trying to write things down, and want to remember everyone who has done so much for us. I know I haven't sent out all my thankyou notes, but I wanted to PAY A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO MY FAMILY. We have a great family. We(Hal & I and girls) could not have survived these last few weeks without them. So THANK YOU family. My parents were always by our side, with whatever we needed. I loved that my parents opened their home to so many, and that all feel welcomed there. I am grateful for a dad, who honors his priesthood, and was able to give me a blessing when I needed it most. Hal's parents were also there, and many who know Wendy and Hal came to support us, through them. My sisters and brother did so much for us, they helped us through a difficult time. They helped us in anyway we needed, but more importantly they were there when we needed them the most. From the clothing and such, pictures, trinkets, frames, even money, our families were there from the beginning. Valerie and Haskel, and his parents, came home early from their camping trip to help out. They always asked what they could do to help, and wanted to do more. Words can not express our gratitude, love and support we have felt from our families. FAMILY is the thing that matters most. We want our extended family to know, we love and appreciate them . We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful, loving family. We appreciate every single one of YOU! We are very humbled by ALL who came to the funeral. There were lots of family that traveled far, and came to be with us. We could not have asked for any more; we know we are loved, and that our family cares about us. We love you all! THANKYOU.

Memmories of Carissa

Carissa was the best baby, and hardly ever cried. She had lots of dark hair, sweet little lips, and the biggest brown eyes that would melt your heart. For the 1st year and a half of her life, she only wanted her mom. And now we are happy to say she is Daddy’s little girl.

Carissa loved the outdoors, and loved to be with her dad in the woods. Carissa had her own fishing pole, and liked to go fishing with whoever would take her. She knew the sounds of elk and tried to copy them. Carissa could identify the difference of an elk or deer. Whenever in the woods Carissa would say, “I see the elk”, even if there weren’t any animals around.

Carissa loved to watch barney, and recently she loved Dora the explorer and Go Diego, go. After the girls went to school, that’s what we watched all morning. But the best part is: Carissa had to have popcorn. So every morning we would have popcorn, and watch her shows. Even if her sisters were watching their shows, Carissa would climb up, and put her Barney tape in the VCR.

Carissa loved to be a shadow to her big sisters, Chelsea and Courtney. She was also excited to be a big sister, when little Cashlyn was born.

Carissa would sleep with Chelsea, sing and dance with Courtney, and loved to put Cashlyn in the doll stroller and push her around. Carissa was up when the girls were getting ready for school, so she could feed the pig, and tell them goodbye. I think she just wanted to make sure Mom or Dad wasn’t leaving and she would miss the opportunity to go. Carissa loved to talk on the phone, and would call anyone who would listen.

Blue was Carissa’s favorite color, and she told everyone. She also came up with colors for everyone in the family. My favorite was when we asked her what is dad’s favorite color, she would say camouflage. Carissa knew she had big brown eyes, but also knew the color of everyone’s eyes in our family. She knew that 3 of us have brown, and 3 of us have blue.

Carissa loved her nursery class, and to sing primary songs. Her favorite was “Book of Mormon” stories. She memorized the 1st and 2nd articles of faith, and would proudly say them to all who would listen. She would say “le belief, and in HIM son” and at the end of the 2nd A of F it was “not for Adam’s concussions.

Carissa was a sweet little girl. We will always remember her, and she will be truly missed.

Remembering Carissa