The End

Two years have come and gone since Karin put on her Nikes and started running the streets of Heaven. If you are counting, that is 2 birthday parties for Salina, missed, 2 birthday parties for Noah, missed, countless Recognition Chapels, field trips, soccer games and vacations. I don't think you can ever make up for those things. I am sure God can and when we get to Heaven and see her again, none of it will matter. I still miss her nonetheless. I miss her for her kids, if that makes sense.


I have received hundreds of emails from people saying how much they appreciate me providing this Blog. While I am not fond of the attention this blog has brought (I hate having attention drawn to me!) I greatly appreciate every email. I print them out and have them in an envelope waiting for the day I can read them without bawling my eyes out. I fully realize that that day may never come. You will never know what your sweet words have meant to me.



I think it is impossible to know how far Karin's story has reached. How many lives have been changed by a woman, a family, that maybe you have not even met. How many cancerous moles that have been removed that would be been dismissed as a freckle. How many prayers brought before the Father for a single dad juggling all day long. How many . . . .


Jeff would like me express his thankfulness and appreciation to YOU! If you would have told him 2 years ago that he would have gotten this far he certainly would not have believed you. Everything that you have done has made this journey slightly more bearable. If you are gonna walk this road, it is better to walk it with a thousand people standing behind you than one. Thank you, thank you, thank you. No mere words could express his (and my) appreciation. Just know that God knows what you have done and you will have more "jewels in your crown".

God is big. His Word says that "everything works together for the good of those that love God and are called to his purpose" (Beth amplified, Romans 8:28). In plain English, that means that Karin's home going is going to be good all around. What the Word doesn't say is when it will be good, how long we have to wait for the good, etc. And that, is why God is God and we are not. We (thankfully) see a second at time. God sees the whole picture. I trust God. That is not always easy or fun. But it is right.





So, this is nighty night for this Blog. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I probably should have done this months ago but for me it was one little thing of her that I could hang onto. You can email me or call me if you want. You can "be-friend" me on Facebook and see pics of the kids. I'd love to share. Salina will be coming to our house the last week of July. We can't wait! Jeff will be a nervous wreck until that flight touches down. Pray for him! :)

Sorry, I know this is all jumbled together. I am just trying to tie up all the loose ends.



God is faithful.





Beth

Here they are!

I'm here, I'm here. Just don't have much to say.

Jeff and the kids have been at the cabin and are skiing today. I'll be sure to get some pictures from him and post on here.

I know several of you have been lucky enough to catch Jeff on TV on the Food Network on Diner's, Drive-In's and Dives. It was filmed when Jeff & the kids and Enola were in New Orleans last Spring. You can catch a glimpse of Salina and Noah but apparently they wanted no part of it. Shocking for Noah, in my opinion, the big ham that he is. Anywho, it is already being re-run so I am sure you can catch it again.

Look here next week for some pictures. 'kay?

Where does the time go?

Annual Father/Daughter Dance - in it's 12th year. Gulp.

Okay, this is random but Jeff is looking for the above charms. Have any of you faithful readers seen them or know where we can get some? Karin had some that Jeff has worn until several months ago when they were lost at Marine World (or whatever it is called now!). Email me at bethey12 (at symbol)yahoo (dot)com.

Bff - I miss you today. Even though there are other moms in the pick up line, none of them are you poking your head of your SUV to tell me something. ME

I am always amazed by the things that God uses to show Himself faithful. Reminders that it is all going to be okay, eventually. This is one of those gentle reminders. Brought to you with permission from Jeff. Tissues again . . .

Best Christmas Ever

by Salina

"My best Christmas ever occurred just about two years ago. My Mom had just passed away due to a terrible desease called cancer. When my mom was in the hospital we had to pay a lot of bills. Me and my brother, Noah were a little bit scared that the next year for Christmas my mom would not be there to celebrate it with us. Well it turns out we were right.

The next Christmas we had she was not able to be there to watch us open our presents. We got through it, but it was hard to understand that she would never be there. After we all finished opening presents my dad talked to us about mom. During this talk my dad told us that mom actually was celebrating Christmas with us. She was spending it in heaven with Jesus. He told us that she was probably having a better Christmas than us because she was with Jesus. When the talk was over we all felt better knowing that mom was ok.

Knowing that mom was having a great Christmas just like we were made that Christmas the best. We gave mom some presents, prayed for her and then went to bed. All the dreams we had of mom made it feel like she was actually there with us all. Merry Christmas mommy."

The End

You should be proud, Karin, you should be proud.

Grab the Kleenex. . .
The below picture is what sweet Salina made for her father for Christmas. He was not expecting it and said it was the most wonderful gift ever.
Yes, Jeff, you are right your cup runneth over, more and more everyday.
That girl, she is crafty like her Mama.

This is a sweet pic of all the Carter grandchildren and their Royal fathers performing the Living Nativity in Chuck and Enola's living room. I almost cry when I think I did not get to see this live. I think it is one of the cutest things ever. Well done, kiddos.

I posted this last year (from Tom & Terry) but it so good I felt it would be good to read it again. I can picture her saying these very things.

Merry Christmas From Heaven
I still hear the songs
I still see the lights
I still feel your love
on cold winterey nights

I still share your hopes
and all of your cares
I'll even remind you
to please say your prayers

I just want to tell you
you still make me proud
You stand head and shoulders
above the crowd
Keep trying each moment
to stay in his grace
I came here before you
to help set your place

You don't have to be
perfect all of the time
He forgives you the slip
If you continue the climb

To my family and friends
please be thankful today
I'm still close beside you
in a new special way
I love you all dearly
now don't shed a tear
cause I'm spending my
Christmas with Jesus this year

Have a very blessed Christmas.

Check out the counter. :)

Today I do know what to say!

Happy Birthday Jeff! How's the sunglass pic for a great gift?

I never know what to say. . .

I added a new song over there. I love this song that basically is about not taking life for granted. We all do that - but Karin's beautiful face should be a reminder not to. Perhaps we should all live with more intention and less going through the motions.

The Carter's tree is up, Enola and Salina have been making Peppermint Bark and they have been shopping. I am praying this year will be easier than the last.

Here's the annual Carter Disneyland picture. Enjoy.

1 Thes 5:16-18
Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.

I thankful that she's in Heaven with You, Lord.

Happy Birthday sweet Noah! You are one of my favorite guys on the planet!! God made you especially special.

Have a fun day at Disneyland. xo

Noah for President!

So, remember how my 3 kids and Salina and Noah believe they are all brothers and sisters?

A couple of days ago Morgan and Cole (same ages as Salina and Noah, respectively) were talking about the election. I don't even remember the content of the conversation but I remember asking Jack if he knew who the president was? I knew he was not going to say W. but I was interested to hear what he was going to come up with - he is 3, after all. Without skipping a beat he said, "Noah. Noah is president."

So, feel free to "write in" Noah today on your ballot.

Happy Birthday Salina! Thirteen!! (Teen! wow!) I love you sweetie. Wish I was there. I am very proud of you!

Happy Birthday Bff

Happy Birthday, sweet one. You are very missed.

Today, in honor of you, I will:

Thank the Lord for the sunrise.
Make a nice dinner, and use my good dishes.
Make an Angel Food cake (your fav) from scratch, because that is what you would expect.
Turn up the music, loud.
Kiss all my children
Tell yours how much I love them.
Not worry about the dust, the dishes, the homework.
Tell Rod how wonderful he is and how lucky he is have me. :0
Rip out the carpet while Rod works. . .just kidding.

You should take great joy in knowing you will be forever young while the rest of us get wrinkles.

So glad God gave me you and your sweet family.

Love,
Me

I'd like to welcome Natalie Grant to Bff's playlist over on the sidebar. I have been waiting for this song to be available in playlist form ('cause you know I could not figure that out on my own!). Anyway, take a listen. It has been around a few years. You may have heard it on KLove (or whatever Christian station you got).

Kids are great. Jeff is great. And they are held in the palm of His hand while Karin looks on.