Six years ago...

Today marks the six year anniversary of the day we took our adorable, little Tyler to the temple to be sealed to us. I can't believe it's already been six years. And I can't believe how much my gratitude for adoption, temples, and families has grown.

That day was so special- one I will cherish forever. Our court date was two days prior. It too was special. We became an official family, recognized by law for our time on earth, but it wasn't until our sacred sealing in the temple that we became an eternal family, recognized by God for all eternity.

I look at this picture and see pure joy. Tyler's arrival into our family was nothing short of miraculous. Heavenly Father brought him to our family through the hands of a loving, selfless, and dedicated birth mother. I hope that when she placed him with us she envisioned his life to be everything that it is today.

(other posts about this experience found here and here.)

Tour de Cure

Saturday was the big day. I rode in the American Diabetics Association's Tour de Cure. It was a great experience and I want to thank those of you who supported our family in this cause. I was able to raise $200.00- exceeding my goal of $150. Fantastic! It is my hope and dream that a cure will found during Robby's lifetime. Thanks again for your support in this dream!

A few weeks ago John surprised me with a new jersey and matching shorts from the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Along with the new get up, he gave me a sweet letter (one I will cherish forever) in which he told me how proud he was of me for championing my own cause, and hoped that the outfit would help me continue to do so. He also explained that it was high time I had matching shorts and jersey- something that sets a serious cyclist apart from a recreational rider- this is a major compliment coming from John, and one I was delighted to receive.

As part of my goal to raise awareness for the disease, I made this sign for the back of my jersey. I got a LOT of compliments, and several people thanked me for reminding them of why they were out pedaling their legs off in the heat that day. We also made shirts for John and Tyler that looked like this:

And for Robby, we made a shirt that said "Future Red Rider." Riders who participate in the race are given a special jersey that identifies them as "Red Riders."

And all three shirts looked like this on the back:

This year the event began at the Texas Motor Speedway, which I have to say was quite awesome! We parked on the infield and the ride started with one lap around the race track (hallowed ground for many NASCAR fans). Very cool! That place is WAY bigger than I ever imagined and the turns on the raceway are banked WAY steeper than I ever imagined as well.

The ride was excellent- scenic and well supported. I survived and finished with a respectable time. I even took a turn at the front of a pace line for the first time ever (riding for years with John allowed me the luxury of never having to pull a pace line).

65 miles later, I hit the finish line. I looked around and my cheering section was nowhere to be found. I gave a quick call to John and he told me they were in the parking lot making their way to the finish area for the second time that day.

Oh the irony of it all- diabetes had spoiled the day.

John had arrived about 1 hour prior to my finish time since he didn't want to miss me coming in. Bless his heart, he packed the boys, the chairs, and drinks all into the 100 degree weather.

As they got settled into their chairs and started their serious business of cheering for the finishers, John checked Robby's BG only to discover he was at 460. To put this into perspective- Robby's BG should be between 90 and 200 (normal is between 80-120). He had just changed the CGM that morning and it was still calibrating, which is why he was unaware of the problem until it got bad. After making a quick inspection of all of Robby's "hardware," John discovered that Robby's insulin pump had fallen out. He packed everyone back up and headed home (luckily we only live about 15 minutes from the speedway). Given that it was 100 degrees and that Robby's BG was above 460, he was crazy thirsty and drinking a ton, at which point he accidentally spilled an entire bottle of water all over himself. As John began the process of changing Robby's clothes (that's why he's not wearing his cute shirt we made him in some of the pictures), he noticed that the second CGM had come off before it had even had time to be calibrated.
Oh my poor, sweet husband. He changed the wet clothes, changed the pod, and placed a new CGM and booked it back to the Speedway.

...and that my friends is why we ride for a cure.

(above is a picture taken after all the trauma had ensued and below is a picture of the boys checking out a few of the cool race cars before all the trauma ensued...aren't they adorable?).

Riding for a Cure

Okay, so here's the deal- there are plenty of reasons why a cure for Type 1 Diabetes is needed:
diabetes is expensive

diabetes hurts

diabetes can cause numerous long-term health problems

But for me, there is really only one reason why I think we need a cure for Diabetes:

Over the years, cycling has gotten me through some pretty rough times. When we were in the middle of our infertility battle, I turned to biking for an escape. Thanks to a super supportive husband, I've been able to do the same with this particular challenge in our lives. I have loved getting out on my bike and pedaling away my stress, anxiety, and heartache. It's therapeutic.

In researching a few races and rallies, I was reminded that the American Diabetics Association organizes the Tour de Cure- a series of fundraising cycling events. There happens to be one held in Fort Worth on July 24th. The money raised from each event goes directly toward supporting the ADA's mission:

To prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lievs of all people affected by diabetes.

You bet I'm in.

I love riding. I love riding for a good cause even more...and this time it's personal. I ride for Robby. when I think of the challenges he will face as he grows up with this disease, it breaks my heart. I'm trying to do everything in my power to improve his life...whether that means checking his blood sugar a million times a day, waking in the middle of the night to give him juice, giving insulin, counting carbs, or riding 100k to raise money and awareness...I'll do it.

Here's where I need your help. My fundraising goal is $150.00. I'd love your support in this effort. Donations can be made directly to my goal account on the ADA website, and can be made for as little as $5.00.

To make a donation online, simply go to:

http://www.tour.diabetes.org/

Click on "donate"

Then enter my first name: Carrie

and last name : Carson

If you have any questions or would like to make a donation directly to me for submission, please let me know. Thanks for your continued love and support. Robby is a lucky little boy to have so many people who care about him.

Sunday Lessons

This is the conversation I had with Tyler yesterday while listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:

Tyler: Mom, why are you listening to church music?
Me: Because it helps me think about Jesus and it helps me feel the spirit.
Tyler: What does the spirit feel like?
Me: The spirit makes you feel happy and warm and when you feel the spirit it makes you want to make good choices.
Tyler: Oh, okay. I feel the spirit too.
Then he turns and walks away and yells very excitedly down the hall, "Hey Dad, I don't want to say bad words anymore!"

A Job Well Done

Okay, so a few weeks ago I had a thought and since this thought came to me while I was reading the scriptures, I dare say it was inspiration. Granted, I sometimes think about what color to paint my toenails while I'm reading the scriptures, so I really should question it's validity, but whatever- I'm totally chalking this one up to revelation!

So I've been thinking a lot lately about all the things I need to teach my children in order for them to become the people I think they should become (and hopefully the people that Heavenly Father wants them to become too). Top on my list is hard work and disciplined. I could go on and on about why these are important qualities, but I think it's kind of a no brainer.

However, I'm thinking that more and more these days, these are qualities that are less valued by society. Why is that? We outsource everything and I mean everything from cleaning our own toilets to raising our own kids (there. I said it) just so we can have a few extra minutes of leisure time. It feels to me that there is a huge pull for so much of our energy and time to be put into making sure our kids have fun experiences. That's good and it has it's place, but I've decided that just as much energy and time need to go into creating opportunities for them to develop valuable skills. So my new mission in life has been to find ways to make my children miserable. Okay, not really. But maybe kind of. I want our kids to work their tails off. Is this bad??? My parents did this for us and I think we turned out pretty good. I really just want them to know what it feels like to work hard. REALLY hard.

Anyway, part of this whole "hard work thing" has brought up the issue of reward mechanisms. For some people, the reward mechanism for hard work is feeling good about a job well done; for others it's recognition and praise and then there is the universal reward mechanism...cold, hard cash. And now enters the second life lesson we're trying to teach Tyler: the value of money. He's recently been showing signs of interest in money. He asks questions about how much things cost and why.

So now we bring the two topics of interest together and this is where I had my most recent stroke of genius. At our house, we now have two kinds of work- work for pay and work for stay. Yeah, you totally know where I'm going with this. Some jobs are a little more tricky and require a little extra time and effort, and therefore, are rewarded with the ever coveted "monies." And some jobs you do because you are a part of the family. Period. Each time a new job is introduced to Tyler it falls under the "work for pay" category. Once it is mastered, it is moved over to the "work for stay" side of things.

And can I just tell you how much I love seeing my little guy work? He is so diligent, it's amazing. Truly. Amazing. I'm still waiting for him to catch on to the fact that emptying the dishwasher and collecting all the garbage in the house isn't supposed to be fun. Please don't tell him. He'll even clean the entire toy room all by himself without uttering a word of complaint- and those aren't even "work for pay" jobs anymore. But really, this shouldn't surprise me. That is just how Tyler is. Life is fun, exciting and wonderful to him. Love that boy.

Well, last Saturday we hit the outside chores pretty hard. We were going for the weed pulling experience. What childhood is complete without weed pulling? In fact, I told John that when the boys get older, he can forgo the pre emergent on the lawn in the spring. Bring on the weeds! Our boys need some character!!! Before we hit our weediest patches, we prepped Tyler for the experience and told him that if he wanted his monies for this job, he would have to pull LOTS of weeds for a VERY long time. I wanted this experience to be mildly painful and to induce at least a little bit of discomfort, possibly even some whining. That way I would know were successful in our goal for the day (building character, not creating a beautiful lawn, silly).

So we headed out for not 15 minutes, not 25 minutes, no not even 45 minutes of weed pulling could break him! That kid pulled weeds, piled the uprooted weeds, and ran the piles in a small bucket to be dumped in the garbage can for the better part of an HOUR! 60 minutes, people, and still not a word of complaint. He worked hard and earned every penny he received...all ten of them (don't worry, we're still working on "the value of money" lesson, so this seemed like a small fortune to him. I'm not that cheap).

But no, it didn't even end there. He then proceeded to help John mow the lawn with his best $2.00 I ever spent at a garage sale lawn mower. And I don't mean like he pushed that thing around a few times, I mean like he seriously mowed almost the entire lawn with John.
I'm still not sure I know exactly what it is he thinks he's doing as he pushes that thing from one side of the lawn to the other several dozen times, but I suppose it doesn't matter because in the end, he is obviously satisfied with a job well done.

So Jaron, do you think Tyler can come work on your dad's ranch fixing fence posts for the summer? Evidently we just don't have anything hard enough for this kiddo around here.

He'll bless the rains down in Africa...

...gonna take some time to do the things he never had.
(bet you now have that sweet Toto song stuck in your head, huh?)

Well, I just got back from a trip to Utah to see my little brother Spencer return home from his mission in Mozambique, Africa. It was so incredibly good to see him. I am so proud of the service he gave and for the changes he's helped bring about in so many people. Cool to think that there are a few villages in Africa that are better off because of the service my little bro offered. I wish I could share all of his stories, pictures and some sweet videos of the people there. Amazing. My goodness, aren't missions miraculous? I suppose the fact that he survived living two years in a place like Mozambique is miracle in and of itself (I most likely would not have survived).

I am so glad that I was able to make it to his homecoming and to spend some time with him. I loved hearing about what it was like there and about the people he taught. I love that the gospel changes lives...everywhere.

I was also lucky to spend some time with my entire family. All of my siblings were in town for the big event. We haven't been all together in over five years. I had to leave John and Tyler here in Texas, so it was just me and Robby, but I think it was actually better and less stressful that way. I could sit back and enjoy the chaos. I loved chatting and laughing with my siblings and I enjoyed watching the vortex of activity as the cousins played together. I should mention that there are 10 grand kids on my side of the family...9 are boys- need I say more?

I'm glad to be home with my boys here, but I sure do wish I could see my family more often. I suppose I'll just have to cherish and savor the memories we made together. It was fantastic!

Welcome home, Spencer! We're glad to have you back!!!

Sunday

This past Sunday we had Robby's baby blessing. It was sweet and simple. John did a lovely job. We were grateful to be supported by our friends here in Texas and appreciate the Hatch's stepping in and playing the role of "family" as they joined us for Sunday dinner afterward to celebrate.

Robby is a sweet boy. We are grateful for the tenderness he brings to our family. He, like his brother, is another reminder to us that miracles happen...and how glad we are that they do!

A Camping We Did Go

As the weather gets cooler and as my tummy gets bigger, we thought we'd go on one last camping trip of the year. It was a nice, quiet, quick trip. I love simple moments spent with my boys.

John and Tyler set up camp, started a fire, and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.

And me? I did this...

In the morngin, John made breakfast

Tyler helped eat breakfast

They watched cartoons on the laptop,

As for me? I did more of this.

Happy Anniversary

Nine years ago today I married my sweetheart. I could go on and on about how much I love my man, how wonderful he is, and why he is my perfect match, but I think I'd rather keep that between he and I.

I'll just say that I am so very blessed to have traveled the last nine years with my best friend- someone I admire, love, and respect for so very many reasons. I'm so glad I was smart enough to hang on to this guy when I found him nine years ago. Who knew I had found my perfect match?!? I really am constantly amazed at how our strengths and weaknesses compliment each other- we are complete opposites and yet the core of who we are is so incredibly similar.

John, you're the best. I love you now like I loved you then. Thank you for who you are and who you make me want to be!

PS. Sorry that anniversary #9 isn't the "carbon fiber anniversary." Someone really should revise that list.

Did you know...

...the Saturday before Mother's Day is Birth mother's Day? For so many of us this is a special day in which we have the opportunity to honor those sweet women who make it possible for US to be mothers. Words can't express how I feel about Tyler's birth mother. Her role in our family is sacred. She allowed me to become the person I was meant to be and gave Tyler the gift of an eternal family. My feelings are so tender this day as I reflect on the sacrifices she made on our behalf.

So to all birth mother's everywhere, we honor you today.

Happy Earth Day

This was my contribution to Earth Day yesterday. Yes, that's right, instead of cranking up the AC during my run, I used two fans. Al Gore can thank me later. Although, I suppose this doesn't make up for the two showers I also took yesterday.

Oh, well. Happy Earth Day everyone. Just trying to do my part.

By the way, is anyone else sick of all of this "go green" stuff? It's driving me crazy. I won't bore you with my soapbox on this topic, but if you ever want to get me going, just ask me how I feel about this topic as well as how I feel about Barak Obama.

Anyway, I have two words for you all on this lovely "day after earth day."

NUCLEAR ENERGY

no joke, we are the only country in the world that hasn't figured this one out. Everyone here seems to be too scared of it and too caught up in trying to "capture solar energy" that we never give it the consideration it deserves. It is WAY safer and cleaner than you think...I should know, I happen to be married to a former employee of an atomic power lab...I'm probably not supposed to know, but hey, he doesn't work there anymore so it's all good, right?

Okay, I'll get off my sopbox and go back to cranking up my AC.

Peace

Dear Friends of the Crescent 17th Ward,
It has been such a blessing to reconnect with so many of you over the past several weeks. It's been so uplifting reading about your families and all the good you have been doing in your lives.
I wanted to take a moment to recognize Paul and Emily (Calton) Peterson. As many of you probably already know, their sweet daughter Ashley passed away last night. My heart aches for them, as I'm sure does yours.

Please continue to pray for the comforting peace that this sweet family so desperately needs at this time.

How grateful I am as we approach this Easter weekend, that we have a knowledge that our Savior lives, and that because He lives, Ashley will live again too. Her family will be blessed to be with her again someday.

If any of you did not have access to Ashley's Caring Bridge website and would like to check it out, contact me at carrie.carson@hotmail.com and I would be happy to give you the information to access the site. There is also a section there in which you can leave comments and condolences to the family.

Much love,
Carrie

Happy Half-Way Day

It was one year ago today the my little brother left for the MTC (missionary training center) to prepare for an LDS mission to Mozambique, Africa. He's a great missionary and I'm so proud of all the good he is doing. He can't read this blog, but none the less, I'd like to give a shout out to him on his special day.

(I think my dad's last words of advice were "Never touch any of the monkeys...)

How would you like to receive this birthday message from your little boy half a world away?

I suppose this is what it's all about.

We miss him terribly, but we are so proud of all the good he is doing. And we can't wait to see him again in one more year!!!

Priceless

Need I say more?

President Grodon B. Hinckley

I decided that since a portion of this blog is dedicated to my beliefs, I would take a moment to mention the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley. President Hinckley was the 15th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as well as the 15th prophet since the re-organization of Christ's church in these latter days.

He passed away Sunday evening and will be greatly missed. His faith in God and love for mankind was inspiring. But most of us will remember him for his enthusiasm and quick wit. His mind was sharp and his energy seemed endless. We will miss our beloved prophet.

With his passing, my thoughts are turned not only to the legacy he left behind, but to the light of the days to come. I find comfort in knowing that sweet will be the reunion of President Hinckley and his precious wife who died nearly two years ago. How he missed her! But I also think of how unique these upcoming weeks will be as we witness how God organizes and leads His children and His church.

How blessed we are to live in a time in which we can benefit from having a living prophet on the earth, and how blessed we are also to witness that process that the Lord has in place as he continues His great work.

To learn more about Pres Hinckley, the reorganization of Christ's church in these latter days, and the restoration of the priesthood, visit http://www.lds.org/ or http://www.mormon.org/.

When the family gets together after evening chores are done...

Family Home Evening- A time set aside for families to gather for activities, instruction, and discussion.

That's not what typically happens at our FHE's, but that's been the goal for the past few years. This past Monday...SUCCESS!!!

Let me first back up and paint a picture for you so that you understand the magnitude of this triumphant victory. For the past several months, we had been diligently working on sitting in our chair (and staying there) during FHE lessons in hopes that Tyler would be more prepared for his upcoming move from nursery to primary. Several Sundays ago (before the big move to primary), I needed to drop something off to the nursery teacher. As I walked in the room, there they all were. Each child (there are about 15 of them) was quietly sitting in their seat. All the chairs where circled around their sweet teacher. I was impressed. All children in their chairs, all children sitting quietly, all children listening to the lesson....oh wait...all but one. Upon closer inspection, I realize that one of the children is sitting, yes sitting, upside down in his chair- head on the floor, feet in the air. Yes, you may have already guessed, that child was mine. I smiled, dropped off the item and walked out beaming with pride. You might be wondering to yourself, "why was she so proud?" Well...simply put, he was SITTING in his chair! Granted, we may have to work out a few kinks, but he was sitting and not running around or jumping up and down or climbing on furniture. Blessed day! That was how I knew we were starting to make some progress.

Anyway, Monday night was the product of all of our diligent work. Tyler sat in his chair, participated in the lesson, sang the songs, and gave a very lovely, simple prayer. And of course, made a mad dash to the kitchen when it was all over for his "home evening cookie." I was thrilled, and couldn't help the tears that filled my eyes when I listened to his sweet voice sing "I am a Child of God." Of course I giggled too at his interpretation of some of the lyrics...so sweet! Precious, simple moments.

*Note: The picture above is Tyler at his nursery graduation/primary activity. He keeps asking me if they are going to have pizza at primary again. I've tried to explain the difference between Primary activities and regular Sunday primary...it's not sticking.