Deep Fried Oreos

There was a little (very little) response to my last post, and the deep fried oreos. Here's a brief explanation about Deep Fried Oreos.

They are simply what you would think they might be. Oreos that have been battered and fried in a deep fryer. Usually you get 5 or 6 in an order. That's really all you can stand to eat before your pancreas and arteries yell for help. You can get them at fairs, festivals, and other similar events. If you have never tried them you really should. They are wonderful.

On that same note you really can batter and deep fry just about any food. Cream corn, snickers, pickles(I personally wouldn't recommend it but hey walk on the wild side), twinkies, milky way, hot dogs, the list goes on and on and on and on ............................................................................

A Few Things................

I LOVE about being from the south(and somethings specifically about North Carolina)

1. Southern Food. Fried Chicken, Livermush, Deep Fried Oreos, Cornbread, Pinto Beans, Grits(with mustard). I like most everything.
2. Hot summers. There's a magical sound that's only found on a summer evening. Crickets. In my opinion, that's one of the strangest animals that God created, but I love to hear them chirping. I also like to see the lightning bugs. I'm sure there are crickets and lightening bugs in other parts of the world, but I like to imagine that God made them especially for southerners.
3. SEC Football. Alabama all the way. Roll Tide Roll.
4. Redneck jokes. I think you have to be in a place where you can see the inspiration for these jokes to truly appreciate them, and to realize that they could very well be talking about you or your family.
5. Slower pace of life. I know, I know life is very busy. But, maybe just maybe, it's a little slower here than there.
6. Southern accents and southernisms(much like Nikkisms, they are only understand by those from a specific area, or state of mind). I love the way we talk down here. I actually had a patient tell me once that he couldn't understand my southern accent. To which I responded, this is the only one I have. Where else can you here ya'll, bless her heart, hun, sug, and all that great stuff.
7. Sweet tea, and Dt. Sun Drop (for the boys in my life)
8. A lot of our men still act like gentleman, and we(me) as ladies LOVE IT!!!! I don't, and will never be offended when a stranger calls me ma'am, opens the door, and gets something off a high shelf for me. In fact my son(s)(if God gives us more) had better do the same when they are adults, or they will have their Mother to deal with.
9. Churches are everywhere. I know that not all of them are God and Bible believing churches, but some of them are. And, that's a lot more than other parts of our country are blessed to have.
10. Even strangers are friendly and helpful. Helping your neighbor is still important.
11. The Blue Ridge Mountains. They are absolutely BEAAUTIFUL. All 4 seasons those mountains as my daily backdrop are gorgeous.
12. Giving our children family names. This may be a tradition everywhere, but I love it. Clayton has a family name all the way around. Clayton is my grandmother's maiden name, and Avery has been given to the first boy born for 4 generations.

There's so much more, but that's what I can think about right now.

Random Updates

It's time for some random updates about the Carswells. Just because I know all of you out there are so very interested.

1. Clayton's "word of the day", every day is "uh-oh". I have no idea why. Anytime he drops something, which is a lot, he says it. If he falls down, he says it. If he throws something he know he shouldn't, he says it. And, he says it randomly and for no reason. Well, no reason that Chad and I know about.
2. I have started buying groceries every week. Don't laugh. This is a major accomplishment for me. I have trouble deciding anything, especially what we are going to eat for a week. And, to have to decide ahead of time is a major chore for me. But, I'm getting much better.
3. We made pizzas in youth on Sunday. That was a lot of fun. The pizzas were great too. Thanks Fords.
4. I have lost 12 pounds since 1/1/09. I'm pleased with that. It should be better, but I haven't been exercising at all. Many excuses, none of them good.
5. I have read 8 books since 1/1/09. They are all in a series, and I think I have finished the series to date. Hopefully there will be more soon. I love to read, and I do most of my reading on my lunch break.
6. Chad has finished school for this year. Only one more to go, and he will have a master;s degree. YIPPIE!!
7. Clayton is still trying to walk, not quite ready to let go just yet. He has started to throw things too. He likes to take all of his bath tub toys and throw them out of the bathtub, and then wait for Chad and me to throw them back. We did this for about 30 minutes last night. The floor was completely flooded, but he had fun.
8. I will finish my Women of Faith devotion book tonight. It's been titled "Living Above Worry and Stress". Perfect for me. Then to beat it all, that's what Daddy preached about on Sunday evening. If God feeds the sparrows, and care for the grass of the field, then He will surely care for me since I am His child. I know this, why do I not always live like it?
9. Which study should I do next? Contagious Joy, Managing Your Moods, of Encouraging Others? I'm afraid I need them all, desperately.
10. I'm ready for summer. Not just spring, but summer too. I do not like winter at all. I know it's necessary, but I don't care for it. Too cold.

I told you this was random. Have a great day y'all.

Fireproof

Last night Chad and I were finally able to watch this movie. And, I must say that all of the hype is right on the money. Great movie.

I won't give the plot away in case you haven't seen it yet. I will say this though. The way the love of God is described is absolutely amazing. It is described simply, but thoroughly.

God loves me unconditionally, without wavering or moving. I am beginning to think/know that He expects the same from me. I am guilty of seeing the negative, irritating, or wrong in everyone around me, although I only see myself as right, wonderful, and perfect. Why is this? I imagine it's pride.

In recent days, God has been using different mediums to challenge my heart and mind about the love(or in some cases, the lack there of) that I have for others.

So, now I ask you. Do you love others like you love yourself? And is your marriage, and your life "fireproof"?

I took Clayton for his "1" year old pictures this past Friday. Look how they turned out. This child absolutely loves the camera. He sees it coming, and immediately poses. I am being completely honest. I guess he loves the attention(and who wouldn't to give this heartbreaker some extra attention?).

Moving on. Clayton's Popa picked up this outfit for him in the great state of Alabama. If you are a frequent reader you know that Chad and I like football(a lot), and that UA is our college team. So, we had to deck Clayton out in his Tide pride.

P.S.

I haven't forgotten about "Scripture Day". I have excuses, they aren't good so I don't think I should dignify them by sharing. I will do better. My Jesus, and my family deserve better from me.

Happy 1st B-Day Clayton

Clayton Avery Carswell is "1" today. He was born 2/15/08 at 10:56am. He weighed in at 8lbs 2 oz, and 21 3/4 inches long. Long and skinny, just like his Daddy. He is still long and skinny, no extra fat on him at all.

This past year has been so wonderful. I didn't know I could love someone the way that I love that monkey. He makes everyday brighter and more exciting/interesting. I am so thankful God saw fit to bless us with a precious red headed little boy.


Handsome from the start. He looks like his Daddy and has from day 1. He has been the best baby. Healthy, easy going, goot eater, great sleeper. I couldn't ask for anything more from him.


What a difference a year makes! Stay tuned to see what the upcoming year has in store. I'm sure it will be exciting.

Good, Good, Good

So, I'm still in my Women of Faith devotional book. Last night I had a list of verses to look up and find the promises of God in them. Very cool assignment(almost like homework). Anyway, the verses were great and it was pretty cool to dwell on what God has promised me.

Sometimes, we get caught up in "keeping up with the Jones's". It's easy and I do it too(gasp, I know). I get caught up in things, and the things that I want. Note want, not need.

As my mind is prone to do, it rambles A LOT. I began thinking about all of the good things that God has promised to me, and done for me. I'm not even talking about salvation in this instance. I'm simply referring to things like food, shelter, and clothes. He feeds the sparrow, so of course it stands to reason that he would take care of me as well.

Not only do I have all of my needs met, I have also been given most of my wants as well. In the psalms, King David tell us that God is interested in the desires of our heart. That's pretty cool. Let's wrap our mind around this, we are provided with all the things that we need, or the resources to obtain those things, and (this is my favorite part) God also graciously bestows to us our desires that are in accordance with His will. How cool is that?

"The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures"

Prince Clayton

All is well for now at Mansion Carswell. Clayton's fever has finally went away. But, today he is really congested, coughing, and a runny nose. Maybe he just has a cold. I called the MD and that's what they seem to think. I didn't have to take him in yesterday or today since his fever got lower, and then eventually went away.

So, we are going to enjoy a day together. Gonna make lunch for our hubby/daddy. Something I never do on a Sunday. We don't usually have the time.

It's very unusual for me to not be in church on the Lord's day(well, everyday is His, I think you know what I mean though). I kinda feel like I'm skipping school or playing hooky from work. That's a good thing though. I am glad that God has given me the desire to be in His house and serving Him.

Say a prayer for the prince that he feels better soon, and we can get back to our regularly scheduled insanity. Enjoy your church today. If you aren't in one, then you should think about finding the one that God has for you. He loves you, and wants you there with Him and His people.

No Party

Well all was well and on schedule for the big B-Day bash. But then, Clayton woke up from his morning nap with a nasty fever. It's been over 102 all day. That's with Tylenol and Motrin on board. So, I called the DR. and they told us to watch him tonight, and if he's no better to bring him in on Saturday. I have a feeling we will be seeing Ms. Donnie(Clayton's FNP) in the morning. He wouldn't eat dinner or drink his juice(well actually it was Kool-Aid, but whatever). He did finally drink a bottle about 8pm and then fought himself to sleep. Why do babies fight sleep? I will never know. Just give in. Sleep is your friend.

I said(typed) all of that to say(type) this. No B-Day extravaganza for Saturday. Sigh. I was really excited and the house is all clean and ready to go. Oh well, I guess God had a different plan for our Saturday. I guess now I get to play nurse and mommy all at once. I really don't mind. Clayton's not an overly affectionate child, but when he doesn't feel well, he wants to cuddle. That's what we did tonight. I sat and rocked, and hugged, and loved for a long time this evening.

Say a prayer for our little man. I don't like to see him not feeling well. I will update you tomorrow evening with his stats. Even tonight when he didn't feel well, he wanted to play a little with the dog. This boy loves his dogs. Dogs and music. Sometimes, I think that's all he needs to be happy. And his mommy, of course.

1 1/2 lbs

Yippie for me. I'm down another 1 1/2 pounds for the week. AWESOME!! The motivation from my family, work compadres, and of course my bloggy buddies really helps. Thanks for making me accountable.

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

I wanted to have my very own episode of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous"! No we are definitely rich, and probably more infamous that famous. But, I live in a dream world most of the time.

Have you ever looked at the contents of your fridge? Well, I did this week. I decided that we drink a lot, don't eat at home near as much as we should, like condiments, and that I can't throw anything away no matter how much penicillin might be growing on the, um, shall we call it a "specimen"?


So, that's my fridge. What's in yours? I know this was a little random, but, then again so is most of life. I am learning to roll with it. Not worry and stress as much. Don't laugh at me. I didn't say I was there yet, I said that I was learning.

Clayton's 1 year old B-Day Party is tomorrow afternoon. I can't wait. It's a family thing, so that makes me even more excited. He loves both sets of his Grandparents, and all his Grands(great), and of course his aunts and uncles, so this should be fun. I will definitely post pics. Hopefully, if I'm not partied out I will get them up tomorrow evening.

Happy Friday!

Hmmmmmmmmmm?

I was doing my nifty devotional book last night and I ran across a very poignant question.

"Are you really living or simply surviving?"

Wow, I really stopped and thought about how I would answer that. Here's what I finally came up with.

Most days I feel like I'm really living. I have salvation, the perfect husband for me, the cutest little red headed son, wonderful family, great job, a church that we love, and all of my needs and the majority of my wants are met. That doesn't sound like simple survival to me. I enjoy my crazy, busy life. There are days that I don't think I can do anything else, but then I remember it is God who has given us all of the opportunities for His service. We could be busy doing a thousand other things, but, we get the opportunity, rephrase that, the privilege to be busy about His work. Serving His people, ministering to His kids. How cool is that? If that isn't really living, then I don't know what is.

So, I ask you. Are you really living or simply surviving?

If your answer is simply surviving, then refocus your thoughts to your blessings and your God. If He's not your personal God, He can be, and He wants to be.