New Refrigerator!

We got a new refrigerator on Friday because our had finally bit the dust. It was really hard finding one that fit into our small space, had a freezer on the bottom and was within our price range, but we were able to do it. It is a GE (which we really didn't want), but it has a great energy rating and has an ice-maker so we will have plenty of ice to make ice-cream!

We also finally have appliances that are all the same color (well, expect for the microwave, but we really don't use that). They might not all be the same brand, but at least they are all white.

Since last summer, we have had to replace all of our appliances. It started with the washer and dryer last June, then the stove for Christmas, the dishwasher for my birthday and now the refrigerator. If the microwave ever does go (which is doubtful since we really don't use it), I would like to replace it with a convection oven, but that will have to wait! I'm thinking we should be set for at least another 10 years when it comes to appliances!

Hodge Podge Pictures

Martha and Jaina were exhausted after a long Mother's Day. I couldn't resist taking the pictures of them just crashed out.


The girls got me a label maker for Mother's Day. I've been wanting one for months and mentioned it to the girls and Dara actually wrote it down so she wouldn't forget! I guess it was even on sale so they got a great deal. I immediately labeled a couple of things because I was so excited and then did more on Monday.


Because we buy in bulk, I have been known to grab the wrong container. I love that everything is labeled now!


I even labeled the girls' school binders. They know who's is who's because they each have a different color, but I love that label maker!


Saturday after the Life Walk, my niece and two nephews celebrated their birthdays. They had a Dr. Seuss birthday party. I didn't get pictures of the kids opening the presents I made/got them, because I was writing everything down for my SIL. Hopefully she will send me the pictures she took.


All of us girls did the Life Walk again this year even though it was raining. It's hard to see everyone under the umbrellas, but we are all there. I took close ups so you can see we all participated.


The girls complained a couple of times about being cold or tired, but they were glad they made it the whole way. My friend Michelle walked with us.



Spending time at the Blessing of the Jeeps.


Martha likes to stand up in the middle of the room. I see walking in the near future!


My daredevil--standing in rocking chairs!


What a cutie. She had just sat down real quick because she had been standing in the chair just seconds before.


Martha and Jaina love the rocking chairs.


Jaina likes playing with Snow White. Thank goodness Sabra is willing to share her with her.


I just love the faces she makes!

Definitely Two Peas in a Pod!

Martha and Jaina love the little rocking chairs. Instead of each sitting in their own, they both wanted Dara's old one. First, Martha was just walking around pushing the chair with Jaina in it, but then. . .

she decided she wanted in it as well!

Martha was so proud of her self for getting in the chair with Jaina in it! Aren't her facial expressions just adorable?!

Happy Birthday, Eva!

Eva's birthday was on Friday, but we had her party on Sunday with our family and friends. She wanted a Little House on the Prairie party. We always buy the girls new dresses for their birthdays, but Eva wanted a prairie dress so I bought a pattern and planned on making a dress for her. I kept putting it off because I didn't think I could do it. Finally on Wednesday I cut the pieces, and sewed about half of it. My friend Jennifer came over on Thursday and helped me finish it. I am thankful that she had me to do all the sewing and only helped with with explaining to me what to do and helping me pin it together. I made the apron on Friday. Jennifer's daughter, Ali, wanted to make Eva a bonnet, so I sent the extra material home with her and Jen and Ali made a matching bonnet. She happened to have been given a pair of black boots that looked very similar to the kind of shoes they used to wear so she had a complete outfit!

I had been given a prairie girl cake pan a couple of years ago so I made that and a log cabin cake. I had a little problem with the cakes coming out of the pans nicely, but they didn't turn out too bad! We decorated by putting out all the Little House on the Prairie books and movies we own. We also had Little House on the Prairie playing in the background during the party.

Eva had a great time and truly enjoyed her party. It was fun to reminisce about Little House on the Prairie with everyone as well.

Papa and Nana Carmichael gave Eva this beautiful dress and a book to read.


Uncle Jim, Aunt Amy, and Madalynn couldn't make it to the party, but they sent a card with $10. Eva hasn't told me how she plans to spend it yet.


Papa and Nana Smith gave Eva some new barrettes since she plans on growing her bangs out.


Eva didn't have any crocs that fit her, so Papa and Nana Smith got her some new crocs as well.


Papa and Nana Smith also gave Eva seasons 8 & 9 of Little House on the Prairie!


Tracy gave Eva her own lockable diary and pens as well as some candy (which she is always giving to the girls!).


Uncle Doug, Aunt Charity, Lil' Charity, Cole, & Claydon gave Eva a beautiful heart necklace.


The Inglerights also gave Eva and Sabra a large bunny rabbit to share.

Fun at the Carmichael House!

I made Cora another skirt since she has been only wanting to wear skirts. If she can't get away with wearing her one skirt day after day, then she will try to wear one of Allyn's or Eva's skirts. She is just too funny! She is on day 2 of wearing this one!


Jaina finally decided she wanted to try walking, but got down to her knees before I had the camera ready.


I waited a little longer and she tried again!


Martha was jealous that Jaina was walking with "her" toy, so they shared! They walked all the way down the hallway and back together.

The Wood Stove is Actually Completed!

Chad finally put the finishing touches on the woodstove! He has to do some revamping to the door because it warped this past winter, but he is waiting until we can shut it down completely before fixing that. It looks a lot nicer now that it is all enclosed, but I liked having it no matter what it looked like because it saved us so much in propane! I am so thankful for Chad and his ingenuity!

LifeWalk 2009

It's that time of year again . . .time for us to walk and raise money for life! Every year the girls and I walk for Care Net of Cadillac's LifeWalk. The money raised helps Care Net of Cadillac offer free services such as:

*Spiritual counseling

*Pregnancy tests and individual counseling

*Parenting classes and Bible Studies

*Limited Obstetrical ultrasound

*Material Assistance (baby clothes, diapers, formula, and furnishings)

*Fatherhood Support Services

*STD & Abstinence Education & information

*Referrals to Local agencies

*Abortion recovery groups

If you feel called to help support Care Net of Cadillac, you can do so in a number of different ways!

1. Pray for Care Net of Cadillac and the LifeWalk
2. Support Team Carmichael as we walk (just let me know how much and Care Net of Cadillac will bill you after the walk)
3. Become a walker yourself (let me know and I will get you a pledge form!)

Our goal for this year is $500. Last year we raised $350. Please consider helping us reach our goal this year. We would also love for someone to join us on our walk and help keep all seven young team members safe!