Merry Christmas!

Hi girls! I wanted to write a quick note and say Merry Christmas to you and your families. So, it's been kind of a tough year all around but I pray you will have a wonderfully happy Christmas and New Year. Praise God for the start of a new year! I hope it will bring us all together at some point, but we can worry about that later :) I love you all so very much.

I have some sad and scary news as well. I found out yesterday morning that my sister (who was 6 months pregnant) had to have an emergency c-section. Her blood pressure was really high and her platelets were really low. (I don't really know what all that means but I don't ask questions.) Anyway, the baby is just over 2 pounds but as far as I know is still alive and is on a respirator. My sister has already had a miscarriage and she and my parents have been very nervous about this pregnancy. Please keep her and her husband Joe and her very little baby girl in your prayers right now. They can really use it.

Gingerbread House!

Hello Friends. here is what we do in Connecticut.


and another!

Merry Chirstmas y'all

Table Rock Lake

Hey girls,

Here is a picture from October break when we went to the lake for the weekend. Hope you all are doing well. MISS YOU!!

how amazing is God? Seriously

well, the past few weeks have been tough. I have been fighting a slew of battles and of course not just by myself...thanks for being great friends and keeping me in prayers and offering words of encouragement. with that being said church yesterday was incredible. I went to the evening service after a good day of talking to my friends and updating them about my situation. (how i was unhappy at my new old job and very sad and just not feeling good about my walk with God.)

so, when Pastor Steven was beginning night church he wanted to pray for a few people first. He called up Juan and prayed for him and then he was standing there..letting the Spirit guide him and fill the room...and he walk across the room and said "I want to pray for you" and looked right at me and told me to come up to the front! It was totally God sent! I needed that more than ever!

He told me to close my eyes and he began to listen to the spirit and told me he saw a beautiful chandelier, shinning brightly in all different color. He said "that is how God sees you." He said he saw gloved hands moving in polishing different areas at different times, but working really quickly. He said he thought this was God and then he realized it was the Holy Spirit. Then he prayed for the Holy Spirit to come over me.

It was incredible. I really felt God moving. I was at ease for the first time in awhile! I went to work today and talked to Stephan (my boss) told him I felt a little unhappy and told him what i felt i needed and he was more than happy to oblige.

So far today is a good day. work was okay and God is an Awesome and wonderful God...

A good verse

I read this in my devos this morning and thought it might be an encouragement...

"Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls-
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength."

Habakkuk 3:17-19a

I pray you all have a wonderful day!

just another update...

Hey girls! Sorry about my absence of late. School full time and work part time is keeping me hopping. Anyway, it is really nice to be able to hear about your lives and what's going on. It makes having to live in Missouri and be so far away not seem as bad. I will be praying for all of you and your specific situations. Jen, it's okay not to know. That is what God is teaching me. Plans are overrated. Megs, I cry (and hope) with you. And Beal, you are so very loved.

If you all could keep us in mind right now we are having a bit of a financial struggle. Thankfully, God sees us through each month of bills though it doesn't ever work out on paper. But this month is especially tight and Joe especially is prone to worry. God has always provided in the past and I know He will again. Also, my dad is out of work and has been since January. He is such a jovial guy that it is not seeming to bring him down too much, but my parents really need health insurance.

So anyway, those are some things you can pray for me about. I hope my silence has not made you think I've forgotten. I love you guys.

Oh the happy times...

So I found out yesterday that I'm not pregnant...still. And I' know that it hasn't been that long, but we've been officially trying for about 6 months or so now. So I went to school depressed and mad and annoyed and frustrated..and to top it all of we had a chapel today about abortion with very graphic pictures in it. It took all I had not to rush out of the gym sobbing my eyes out. Satan sure like to kick us while we're down.

we broke up...

and I did cry a lot. I know that God has someone perfect out there for me...it was really sad though. ok. insert other happy not sad thing about breaking up and such.

miss you girls.

update on my life!

so, i am not sure who still reads this blog! for all y'all that do here is an update about me. Carissa.

Monday Night about 7:30PM
so, last night Omar and I had it out. not really, but he is playing "I don't know what I want card," he is a 31 year old child and I just don't need this crap anymore. I am tried of being dragged around...so, I told him to figure out what he wants...if he loses me again I am not going to come back. I know him so well, I knew something was off and he was reverting into his old indecisive self...So, we are extremely rocky right now.

Tuesday afternoon about 230PM
I got an email back about the Artnews job. I didn't get it. SO, this week is looking up!

I had another meeting with Stephen Steiner (my old boss at GSB) and we are finalizing everything for my move back. I am not sure if this is a good idea, but I guess it's my only option and Omar says that anything is better than where I am now...(we are still listening to his opinion even though his right to have one should be revoked.)

So, it's now 3:03pm and I want to be back with you girls! I miss you so much. So, I bought a ticket to go home the 17th till the 24th. I am going to go see Cristina's little tot and hang out with my moms!

let's hope the rest of the week looks a littler brighter.

rock the vote!

OK. Let me preface this post with "i've had a beer or two" and am watching the Mets game.

so, I was no political science major, but I have been challenged to take a stand...or at least study up on politics. Bare with me as I try and sound intelligent about an issue I don't know much about.
I want to know what you girls are thinking? have you read up on the candidates for 2008? Barack was actually in NYC today and although I didn't go I was able to catch a live feed of his speech. It was exciting and directed to us, generation y and unfortunately, as with most youngin's and Americans they want a change.

being a nyc girl I have a found place in my heart for Giuliani and what he did for NYC. (although I wasn't here during his term!) I was watching a blog about his "12 commitments to Americans" and I just wasn't feeling his approach to this election. I feel he is hiding behind the 9-11 attacks and is trying to win the vote with that. I also read an article in the Art Voice (Which in all fairness is highly democratic paper) was saying how Rudy, although did a lot for NYC and crime, didn't really have his hand in anything regarding terrorist and or plans against attacks.

So, I am just starting a topic and I am hoping to get/hear opinions! Since no one is reading/blogging or posting >:O (that's a mean yelly face.) Take a look..let's chat

http://www.barackobama.com

http://www.joinrudy2008.com

posting times

hey all! SOOO...big news here. I had a job interview for a part-time short-term job at Art in American for an Ad Sales spot! It went well, but I would really like a full time position. So, I emailed my resume along Wednesday to another publication, Art News, and they called me the next day! I have a job interview today at 11am! so, keep me in prayer!

so, God is really opening doors for me to get into the art world.

Also, on a separate matter...JEN. are we still heading out to SOUTH JERSEY next weekend? let me know what works for you! call me I will be around all night!

cheers

Breaking the cyber-silence

So, no one has posted in a little while. I have taken it upon myself to break the awkward silence.

So hey, school has started. Is anyone else really upset about that? This year so far has not been terrible. I'm teaching more classes and got roped into being the "producer" of this year's fall production. Have any of you seen Our Town? I cried during try-outs. TRY-OUTS! There's no way I'm making it through the entire play.

We had our High School Retreat last Thursday and Friday. This is always my favorite time of year. It's two days of no school and all fellowship with the kids (which is the greatest thing about teaching). The worship was amazing and we had such a fun time. The kids did a skit that they saw here ( http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5). Sorry I'm not cool enough to be able to get the actual video here. If you have a few minutes you should check it out. It's really powerful. I cried. I pretty much cry about everything.

Micah's job hunting. You can pray for us about that if you think of it. We need a plan soon and he's struggling with what exactly he wants to do. This in turn, frustrates the crap out of me.

Someone else update!
Love you girls!

So, I don't know why I've lived this long without watching "Sense and Sensibility". I saw it for the first time last night...oh my goodness- what an amazing movie! And I made Justin poor Justin watch it too. I was thinking of you all and wishing for an all day movie day with you all.

and question... Columbus day is fast approaching in 3 weekends- are you guys still thinking of coming down? i hope i hope i hope. Let me know either way though....

My profile name

So, I had to change my profile name to Mrs. Benson cause I just started a blog with my 9th grade girls Bible class. ...just in case you were wondering. :o)

I hope you girls are having a wonderful day!

Hey girls! This is where I live! my little shack in the woods. (just in case you were wondering.) Yeah, I moved out of that refrigerator box I was living in for a while. It just got so soggy when it rained. And yes, that little window air conditioner is the only one we have. (as if I wasn't hot enough already.)

back to the Arts!

So, I think I have decided that I want to get back into my arts background. I have been looking on NYFA, New York Foundation of the Arts, for avialiable jobs! I am putting a cover letter together and I am going to have to revise my resume. eeek! I am not a huge fan of cover letters at all! I think it would be fun and interesting to work in a Museum and then go from there! Keep me in your prayers and I am open to any ideas.
xo

More Aquarium!

Look I am touching the Sting Rays! Also note that the little beeboopers had to encourage me to do it!


Stu, Me, and Jen sitting by the shark tank! Of course you can't actually see the sharks, but they were there! no Great Whites

Aquarium Fun!

this is us...being sea creatures!

The summer is over.

I do not want to go back to school tomorrow. I want to stay home and watch re-runs of Dawson's Creek.

Girls! Let's quit our jobs, move to Hawaii and become pineapple farmers.

I love pineapple.

Update

Micah told the elders about our plan to leave the church on Thursday of last week, which went fine. They were mostly surprised and asking what we had heard from God in terms of our decision. They plan to meet this coming Saturday to talk about the timeline for our leaving. Initially, they wanted us to wait a couple of weeks to tell the church but last Saturday and asked us to tell the church the following day (Sunday). They didn't want word to start leaking out and have everyone freaking out.

Sunday Micah and I got up in front of the congregation and made the announcement. About 30 seconds in, he started to cry. Those of you who know Micah know he's not a crier. I've seen him cry all of four times in all the time I've known him. So he started and then of course I started. So there we were - two big losers, crying in front of the church. It's so hard because we KNOW it's the right thing and what God is calling us to do, but to stand an see the faces of the people and kids we'll be leaving was horrible. Everyone has been so kind about it. The kids are upset and idealizing and saying they'll never go to youth group with another youth pastor, but they'll get over it.

We feel at peace and know God will provide what is next. Thanks so much for all your prayers.

On another note, I would just like to mention how much I hate teacher inservice days. We had a TWO HOUR LONG MEETING about our retirement plan. I nearly sawed my fingers off with my pen.

HURRY UP!!!!! Now wait....

Ok...so today was a productive day. I got all my internship applications out in the mail and I also applied for a job that would involve some traveling come February. So, I mailed it all off today and now I just have to wait and see if God opens any doors. I have to say it is a good feelings having the responsibility out of my hands. Now, I just get to wait....

I don't want to go to school

Inservice starts tomorrow and I'm pretty sure I'm going to have the hottest date there. ;o) I'm so excited Justin will be there. Yay!! Not ready to start though and I'm totally petrified because I found out on Thursday that I'm teaching 9th grade girls Bible. I'm not quite sure of how they expect me to prep for 5 art classes a day when they take away one of my biggest prep times. I'm a little annoyed, but kind of excited that I get to have a chance to impact more kids. Plus, Justin will be teaching the 9th grade boys so atleast we can prep together.

Hope you're all doing well and hope the rest of your summer is grand.

this is wild!!!!!!

Crazy-go-nuts

After a horrible summer full of many long conversations and prayers, Micah has decided to leave his job at the church. He's telling the elders and pastor of the church tonight and is extremely nervous. We have no idea what the time-frame will be or how long he has to look for a job or what the heck we're going to do, but we know that God will provide. Despite the hourly panic attacks and bouts of hyperventalation, we're doing great. I know I've asked you to pray a lot this summer, but I know you all do so I'm asking again. More fun updates to come!

Me= even more sad and pathetic

So I promised Robin that is she got out of the hospital in time, I'd have her over for a HSM2 party. (We watched High School Musical for her Bachlorette party. She loves it.) That is me as Miss Darbus and Robin as "The Playmaker." We even made Creme Brule.' See what you guys all missed?!?! I'm sure you're glad you didn't come afterall! ;o)

And yes, I lost some braincells too in the process, but it was worth it!

Me = sad, sad, sad and pathetic

I just wanted to let you all know that I just watched the first 20 minutes of High School Musical 2. Goodbye my sweet, sweet braincells.

House pictures

Hello girls! Just wanted to send you some pictures of my house since none of you will see it this weekend *sniffle.* http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=11385&l=8f729&id=688592811

Jen and I thought maybe Columbus Day for getting together? What do we all think? Love you and miss you all and I just want you to know you're missing out on some amazing bannana chocolate chip bread. ;o)

Friday

Hi girls! Just wondering if you knew any ETA for Friday. I can pick anyone up from the train/bus station if need be. Let me know! Thanks :o)

A week from today...

Hi girls! I'm so excited about the prospect of seeing most of you soon. Just wanted to know who is planning on definitely coming and if there are any requests for the menu. Also, Molar wants to ride surreys on the boardwalk... is there anything else that you might want to do? We can always go swimming at the lake or go the beach. Just wanted to check. Love you all and I hope most of you can still make it. Lito and Duncan are excited too.

Jen's Weekly Downer Post

I wanted to let you know (because I know you'd all be praying) that my friend Kathy died this afternoon. Thanks for all your prayers. I promise I'll write something fun and not morbid the next time I post.

Just like old times

Hey girls....here is a pic from last weekend. I went home to hang with my parents and saw best friend Sarah. Played some pool, went to tim hortons, good times. (And yes, I am aware that I STILL look like I'm fifteen.)

In the Promised Land....

Hello everyone! I hope you're all doing well. Just to keep you posted, Robin finally came home from the hospital today which is a huge answer to prayer. YAY! (If you didn't know she got pnemonia while on her honeymoon in St. John and had to take an air ambulance up to Jersey). She has a good attitude about it, and says she much would have rather gotten pnemonia then gotten pregnant. it's all about perspecitve I suppose. If you want to check out wedding photos of her go to: http://www.handsonhistory.com/robin/images.html

I'm very much looking forward to everyone vititing who can on August 17th. Justin and I are all moved into our new house which has been overwhelming and stressful. I never thought a day would come when I wouldn't be rolling paint onto walls. There's still a long way to go until it's completely renovated, but it's hopefully our forever house so there's plenty of time to make things how we want.

Well I better stop before it gets too late, it's past 10:30 and we all know what happens then... :o)

Beach Day with Molar

These are pictures of Molar and I here at the beach. Don't worry there are more photo's that I will upload to our blog page soon. Aren't we beautiful????

BIG NEWS....

OK..well I don't exactly have anything to write about. I was tempted to make up some very exciting story, but after what happened to Keebs and the Valentine's Day article I thought maybe I better not. I just wanted to write this to say that I am happy that we are hopefully all going to stay in better contact with each other 'cause I miss you guys:)

Here she is... the real Miss Big D!

I just wanted everyone to know that she is still going strong here at my house. I should have made you come visit me in order to see Big D but she has been quite lonely and been called names like "ugly" and "strange" by several other visitors that just don't appreciate her like you all do.

The First non-Big D Post

This has been a horrible week. I just wanted to let you girls know what's been going on because prayer is needed. A woman whose kids I have babysat for for years is dying of cancer. She's an incredible woman and has been an amazing friend to me.

Last week she went into the hospital and the doctors changed their prognosis of a possible two years left to live to three to four months. She's in substantial pain and is heavily medicated to the point that she can't be alone. Her husband asked me to be at their house to sit with her and take care of whatever needs taking care of.

This past Friday, she went very quickly downhill. I was at the house with her all day and it was horrible. The nurses came in to see her and basically told her husband that she probably has a week or two left, if that. One of the nurses said it could be days. I sat with him and one of their daughters as the hospice care nurses came and told them what it would be like when she died and what needs to be done.

It's awful. I'm at such a loss. I (and they) would really appreciate your prayers.

Sorry to have this be such a downer. All that to say - NONE OF YOU GET CANCER. EVER.
Love you girls.

Not so big D

Has Big D lost some weight? Her photo doesn't do justice to her true enormity.

the real big D-eal!

well...here she is in all or rather most of her glory! this is not the exact Big D, but she will have to do!

WOOT WOOT for the return of Big D!

Oh, how I was hoping the blog would be named Big D. I am full of happiness and jubilation.

Big D's Back!

Birdee Pruitt: Who's Big Dolores?
Travis: She's the meanest and dumbest girl in school, but she keeps passing cause even teachers are afraid of big Dolores. She has her own gang too.