Happy Thanksgiving 2009

We had a very nice Thanksgiving this year. We traveled to Gary and Bonnie's house, Nick's parents, in Fowler, CO. The invitation was also extended to my parents, so they were there as well. We have the most amazing family that surrounds us, as they all really get along very well. We frequently celebrate the holidays with both my parents and Nick's parents. It's a real treat! (I cannot wait to tell you about our family Christmas.)

We had a very pleasant time at their farm on the Arkansas River. Lots of good food and plenty of good conversation. This is also the holiday to celebrate what you are thankful for, and after some reflection I decided Nick and I are blessed! We lead a good life, satisfying, and rich. So what are we thankful this year: family, friends, chocolate chip cookies, a living room full of good conversation, reliable transportation, beautiful views, fireplace, cozy blankets, good books, cats, sunshine, thriving business, hard work, time off, and unconditional love. The list continues, but these are the few that come to mind.

I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving, sharing the holiday with those you love!

PAR-TAY!

This is the young woman's small group I am apart of at our church. The cool thing is that we are all about the same age - 20-something, but we are all in different stages of life experiencing very different things. This is an amazing group of women who have lots of insight on life. Essentially we "do life together," encouraging each other and supporting one another. We started a bible study, Princess Unaware, in September and just finished in December. In this photo we were celebrating with two moms and hosting a duo baby shower, one new mom and one experienced mom. It was a blast!!

Lets Hear it for the Team!

I was recently part of a chili tasting fundraiser hostd on November 15. The event was for Tammy and her family - Osborn Chili Tastin' & Cancer Stompin' Fundraiser. The funds raised helped to offset the cost of her medical treatments, as she is battling stage 3 invasive breast cancer. Please read the post titled "Heroes Among Us." I have never taken on an endeavor such as this, but it was tons of fun and lots of hard work. I had the immense pleasure of working with the most incredible team and I witnessed a community come together to help a family in need. It was a thrilling experience, and I look forward to the potential of helping with another similar opportunity. Who knows what the future holds?

Here are some photos of the event and some of the (lady) committee heads, this only represents part of the committee team. The talents of each committee head was astounding!! Not to mention the dedication of additional team members and the support of a community. It was a true honor to be part of such an amazing event.

Country Livin'

Well things in the country are good. There a few events that have confirmed our existence in the country.

You know you live in the country when...
you start adopting the stray farm cats. Meet Deirdre, our new cat!

You know you live in the country when...
you look out your kitchen window and see deer an arms reach away.

You know you live in the country when...
your friendly neighbors stop by unexpectedly for a snack.

Where do we start?

It has been awhile since our last post. Thinking back I figure I will start on October 29. Nick and I attended a Newboys and Seventh Day Slumber concert. This is actually a rather exciting event for me personally because big cultural events are rare in Durango. We have great local and small events in the area, but it is rather exciting when a big act come through town. Actually we traveled to Farmington, NM to see the show, which is an hour south of Durango.

The evening was incredible! We went with some very dear friends, enjoyed yummy Mexican food, and had a blast. The music was absolutely great! It was a very inspiring show with lots of good talent, and the artists had incredible hearts. This was definitely a fun and memorable evening!!

Heroes Among Us

There are everyday heroes that walk among us. My very dear friend and mentor Tammy was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive breast cancer about eight weeks ago. In a time when discouragement and sorrow would enter your life Tammy is praising the Lord and has inspired those around her. Her husband Justin has displayed immense courage and an upbeat attitude that only comes with the hope and peace of God.

Their home is life as usual with a twist. You do not have to be quiet or tiptoe, in fact when you enter their home words of praise are written on the wall, the house is filled with laughter, family and friends gather to talk about their blessed lives, and the love of a community fills the room. Although Tammy’s bald head show the signs of the chemo that is no reason to keep the obvious a secret. She is radiant and displays true beauty! This home and this family have become the center of change in Durango.

It is the web of people, the network of relationships, which truly makes this story amazing. For the first time I am seeing the Body of Christ so undeniably lived out that I am astonished. We are working together to help and care for a sister in Christ, a dear friend, a friendly smile on the sidewalk, a lasting impression, and a human being we know needs help. There are people from all walks of life, people who never meet or good friends serving side by side to improve the situation, to make the world a better place.

Can one person change the world? Yes and I have witnessed it. Although I have seen a glimpse of what must happen for the change to be effective and lasting. That one person or single family has to remove themselves from the situation and be in a posture to give credit where credit is due to our Heavenly Father. Due to Tammy and Justin’s posture lives are changed, people are inspired, and as a united body we have created a climate of change that will forever transform our lives. We do serve a living God! He is faithful and mighty!

ACT: If you want to help and be part of the change we are giving away these bracelets for suggested donation of $10, which is directly deposited into Tammy’s Medical Fund. All the bracelets are different and were made by a group of young women in the community to help Tammy and Justin in their time of need. Post a comment below and let me know if you are interested. Thanks!!

Morning Commute

You know you live in the country when your ten minute commute doubles because we are driving through a huge flock of sheep. Yes, I was on my way to work one morning and this is what I ran into. Thankfully, I had my camera to capture the moment. I was sitting in my car alone, laugh out loud because sheep on the highway is not normal.

Detroit, MI

Nick and I recently went to visit Grandma Genevieve. If fact we were there for her birthday! It was so great to be a part of the birthday celebration. There was cake and family and presents and good food and Cat. Let me tell you Nick and I had a blast. We enjoyed the company of Nick’s mom, Alexis and his extended family as well, Uncle Mike and Aunt Cindy, Aunt Michelle, and Uncle Michael and Aunt Arlene. It was a joy to see everyone and for me personally I got to meet some new family. Just to add to the weekend my brother-in-law, Neil made it out for part of the trip.

While we were there we were able to do a little shopping and of course we went to Cabela’s, a Carico MUST I am learning. There was never a dull moment between the many heated games of Mexican Dominos, good conversation, and a house full of fun and loving people. It was truly an unforgettable weekend.

PS Grandma Genevieve we miss you already! Thank you for a marvelous weekend!

The Birthday Girl!

Family

Mexican Dominos

This is Cat!

Cabela's Adventure

Carico Summer Preview

The summer has slipped away and fall is here. This is to give you a glimpse of the Carico’s hot summer days in 2009. Enjoy!

Summer hike with Tammy & kiddos

Summers day in Silverton, CO

Lake Tahoe, NV Road Trip

Crested Butte, CO

The River Waters Kickball Team

A day on the Poudre River

Our new neighbors paid us a visit!

Country Life

It has been awhile since I have had the capability to Blog. We have a poor internet connection at our new residence, so our Blog has suffered severely. I thought I would give you a short update and hope to post some pictures soon.

Nick and I have moved to the country! We now live about 35 minutes east of Durango in the Town of Ignacio. Our new neighbors consist of horses, cows, and to Nick’s delight a herd of elk. The place we are renting is on 50 acres, so there is room to breathe out here. I have been challenged as a city girl, however I am trying to embrace the joys of living in the country. I think that is the biggest Carico change at this time.

Cedar Heights Construction, Nick’s roofing business, is doing well. We are managing to keep busy. Praise God! I think it is safe to say that our summer was good, but went by way too fast. Fall is here as the trees are changing color and the air crisp. This is my favorite time of year. I am looking forward to the new season. We have a lot to be thankful for in our lives as we serve a Mighty God! We love and miss you all! Stay tuned for more regular Carico updates.

Pardon the Interruption

Nick and I moved recently and things have been rather hectic, but all is well at the new Carico household in the country. Once we are settled I will be posting once again. Stay tuned!!

Visit IV: Shopping & Rocky Mountain National Park

We finally arrived in Fort Collins, our final destination for the week. This is my hometown, and where my parents live. There are many reasons why I personally love visiting the city, but one of the greatest benefits are the restaurants and shopping. I dragged my poor husband all over town to go shopping. I can only speak for myself, but I had a great time.

I am learning that it is give and take in marriage so the next morning to went to Rocky Mountain National Park with my parents Steve and Kathy. This is a park I have visited on more than one occasion, but it is more stunning now then it was when I was young. We drove around the park, stopped to see the elk, and went on a great hike to Emerald Lake. Nick was thrilled to get out of the car and literally get within feet of a small herd of elk. I joined him on the venture and realized that elk are huge animals. The hike to Emerald Lake was great. There were three other tiered mountain lakes on the way up. The day came to an end with dinner at Vern's Restaurant, an all time favorite restaurant of my dads.

I think that is safe to say that although Nick and I have different interests we both ended up having a good time in the store or on a mountain top.