Merry Christmas a few days late...

Yay! Christmas is finally over! Don't get me wrong-- I LOOOVVVEEE me some Christmas. But I am so relieved that it's over so I can semi relax. December has been one crazy month--especially the last two weeks. First was Sarah's passing (this is a whole other post) and a 15+ hour drive to Utah for the family memorial service and burial, 15+ hour drive back, friends coming to stay, Christmas shopping (that really didn't begin or finish until about December 23), vomiting all night, and trying to finish projects, projects, projects!


My BIG project this year was Christmas stockings. You're saying, "Big project???" Yes. They were extremely time consuming, but all worth it. I wanted to make three, but only finished two. Good thing Ruby doesn't know better so she wasn't disappointed. These puppies got finished just minutes before Christmas Eve dinner. It was a close one.

(Notice the fabulous velvet Ric Rac ribbon on the top)

My Mom told me I should make some more and sell them next year for Christmas. NOT gonna happen for a few reasons. (1) They take wayyyy too much time, so to make it worth my while they would end up selling for at least $50 each. I wouldn't pay $50 for a stocking, would you ? (2) By the time I finish them I'm so giddy and want to just stare at them all day. I think they are Carrie originals and sticking in the fam. If you like them, maybe you can bribe my kids some day to hand them over. But good luck. This may be the only thing they get when I die.

Then there were the Christmas jammies! It's a Christmas Eve tradition in the Giles fam to open new jammies (usually sewn by Rita herself...sometimes complete with slippers!) so I made pj pants for myself and Nick. Too bad the "ho ho ho" on the front was upside down. Oops... Grandma Giles sent Ruby her Christmas jammies.

Christmas Eve at Nick's Uncle Greg & Aunt Cheryl's house for dinner

Ruby with Daddy flashing her "Merry Christmas" smile
(Notice her top 3 teeth? That makes 5 total!)

Then there were the projects like a table runner, an apron for a friend, a wreath that didn't even get started, and just general holiday decor like these chair wreaths and bows. My color scheme was red & gold this year.

This year Christmas was a blast with Ruby. We saved all the wrapping paper from our gifts and put it in a big pile in the middle of the floor. She went to town. So cute.

She also learned how to clap on Christmas! I still can't get enough.



We bought Rockband 2 for Nick's family for Christmas. We figured this would be hilarious for everyone to rock out. And we women in the Warner family don't hate the Xbox anymore. But only because we are amazing at this game. My personal favorite is the drums, but I also had a blast doing vocals for Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" and Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger." You will have to imagine this because thankfully, I have no photo documentation.

Hope you all had a VERY Merry Christmas!

Sarah's Passing

Sarah Adleen Giles, our little princess and beloved daughter, granddaughter, niece and friend, passed away in the arms of her father and mother on December 9, 2008 after a short battle with brain cancer. Sarah was born on January 16, 2006 in Austin, Texas to Brian and Christine Butler Giles. Sarah’s cheerful and affectionate disposition, her friendly, outgoing and playful spirit, her kind, sensitive and patient soul have brightened our lives. Sarah enjoyed baking cookies, singing, picking flowers, feeding the ducks, swinging, coloring pictures, playing dress-up, swimming, reading books and taking walks. Sarah especially enjoyed playing with her older sister and brother and kissing her baby sister. It has been our privilege to have her in our family, even if for such a short time. We have been greatly blessed to live with such a noble spirit. Sarah is survived by her parents, her brother Nathan, her sisters Maren and Caroline, her grandparents Don and Renee Butler of Provo, Utah, Rita and Bill Tanner and the late Kirby Giles of Fillmore, Utah, five aunts, three uncles and many cousins and friends.

A Viewing will be held in Provo, Utah on Monday, December 15, at the Edgemont 21st Ward Building (2900 North Timpview Drive, Provo, Utah 84604) from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery.

Winterized

Houston Highlights

In the Seattle Airport waiting for our flight to leave to Houston. Ruby had just eaten and Nick was playing with her over his head. This was the result. I laughed so hard and immediately got out the camera. It was about time she puked on someone besides me.

"What? Did I do something?"

One of the days all of the guys went to the Texas Longhorns football game in Austin while we girls stayed and played with Caroline, Sarah and Maren.

Sweet Caroline (bah bah bah) in her blessing dress and headband made by yours truly. Isn't she beautiful? And I can't even describe what an angelic baby Caroline is. I think I heard her cry once the entire time we were there. And that was for about .5 seconds. She is so sweet! She just hangs out and falls asleep without making a peep. What a blessing she is! And her siblings ADORE her. Especially Sarah.

Maren, Sarah and Nathan cruising around in their new motorized truck Grandpa Butler gave them. Sarah has a hard time getting around, so this allows her to have some adventure. Look at the neighbor kid. He totally wants a ride. About this time this kid's sister began to ask me a series of questions about Ruby.

"What his name?"
"HER name is Ruby."
"He like Hannah Montana?"
"No... SHE is still too young to know Hanna Montana."
"He like High School Musical 3 and stuff?"
"Not quite yet. SHE'S just a baby."
"Oh. Cool. Can I ride in Nathan's car?"

An exciting moment! This is the first time Ruby really sat up by herself without falling backwards. She's so proud of herself.

Me and the wee one.

Ruby and Uncle Greg. Tell me that this isn't the CUTEST picture you've ever seen. I dare you. Ruby had been a little clingy on the trip due to the fact that she hadn't seen any of my family in a while. But the minute she saw Bart & Greg sitting in the row behind us at church she was ALL smiles. She was giggling and smiling and just LOVING them. She even let them hold her. Here Greg is reading her stories and she couldn't get enough.

Grandma Giles & Ruby right before Mom flew back home to UT. Too bad Mom's eyes are closed, but no surprise. That's just how it works. It was so cute--when she (my mom) was about to leave, she waved bye-bye to Ruby and she waved back! I'm glad that she got to see one of Ruby's first, since we don't get to see her very often! Ruby has been waving at everyone ever since. We'll go to Costco or somewhere and she just waves and waves and waves!

Sarah holding her baby sister Caroline. Such a proud big sis!

From the minute Sarah first saw Ruby up until we left, she wanted to do everything with Ruby. She loved handing her toys, tickling her belly, swinging, and most of all--holding her. She'd look up at me so sweetly and ask, "I hold her?" "I hold Baby Ruby?" It was the most precious thing in the world. Sarah always wanted Ruby to be by her. During Sacrament Meeting on Caroline's blessing day, Sarah traveled back and forth between rows so she could come and "sit by Ruby" "hold Ruby" and hand Ruby toys.

Sarah kissing Ruby's little hand.

This picture is definitely my favorite. Ruby and Sarah both are just so happy. I promised Sarah I would send her some pictures of her with Ruby. This one is going in a frame.

Ruby chillin with the remote in our hotel room.

Sarah holding Ruby one last time before we left to come home.

Before we flew out, we stopped by Brian & Christine's house to say goodbye. Sarah wanted to swing with Baby Ruby, so we went outside and strapped the girls in. It was a beautiful day-- sun shining, a little breeze in the air. I looked over at Sarah. The sun was hitting her beautiful little face just perfectly. Her hair was blowing a little in the breeze as she went higher and higher. She was laughing and having the best time. At that moment my eyes filled with tears. I really felt the love of our Savior. And especially the love He has for little Sarah. How He really does have a plan for her-- which, sadly for us, does not mean a long earth experience. How she will be missed. She adds so much silliness, love, joy and light to the world.

When we told Sarah we had to leave, she didn't want us to go. I say us, but really Baby Ruby. She said, "No...watch Chip N' Dales with me." I about lost it. I had to leave the room. The lump in my throat was getting exponentially larger by the second.

I cried the entire way to the airport. I didn't want to leave her. Our fun had just begun! I didn't want to accept that it would most likely be the last time we would spend time with her here on earth. However, I felt so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to be in her presence for a few days.

Life Lessons I learned from Sarah :

1. Find joy of the simple things in life.
2. Stay cheerful through adversity.
3. Keep trying, even if my body doesn't do what I want it to do.
4. Pure Christlike love for everyone.
5. How much the "little things" mean to people.
   

A couple more memorable moments:
I loved pulling her in the wagon to go pick flowers for her mom. When she saw THE ONES, I'd stop the wagon, lift her out and then we'd pick as many as she could fit in her hand. She got so excited to give them to her mom--she'd immediately start walking as fast as she could with her flower-filled-hand outstretched.

I can't even explain how tender it was to see how much Sarah loved Ruby. Her face lit up when she saw her. Christine said she talked about her nonstop when we weren't there. Ruby loved being with Sarah too. They had a special connection.

Occasionally Sarah would get tired and a little upset. Remedy: her daddy. She is Daddy's little girl. It was so sweet to watch him with her. He would sit her on his lap and tell her stories and make her giggle. She was totally fine after that!

Thanks again, Brian & Christine for such a wonderful time. We will never forget the sweet memories! Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you! You all are amazing.

Love Aunt Carrie #2

...And we're back

Holy blog neglect, Batman. I have an explanation, I do. It rhymes with cash (which is quite fitting because it cost A LOT to get fixed). CRASH. Yep. Our computer crashed. It was a sad day. Luckily they were able to recover all of our precious photos of Ruby and now I have a brain to NOT save them all to my computer. Anywho... then we headed to Houston, Texas, to visit Brian & Christine for a few days. So that's where we have been.

I've got lots of pictures to post from our trip, but I'll just post a few until I get some more time. It was a great trip! The boys got some Man-cation time with lots of meat and Texas football, and I got time with my sweet nieces and Mom and sister-in-law Christine!

Ruby enjoying her first swing experience

Maren, Ruby and Sarah swinging. Ruby loved being with her cousins!

Sweet Sarah picking flowers for her Mama. There is even a little spot in her wagon to put them until they can officially be put in water. Sarah is the most precious thoughtful little girl.

Smelly Bum

I have NEVER heard Ruby laugh this hard. It was so funny. I guess the face I pulled when I told her that her diaper was SMELLLLLLY was the funniest thing ever. She had been laughing like this or even harder for 5 minutes or so BEFORE I even got the camera out. At times I thought she was in pain or crying, but nope--just laughing her pants off.

Blowing Bubbles

Here is Ruby eating her shoes and discovering that she can blow bubbles! It's really cute and it makes me laugh until she starts doing it with food in her mouth...what a mess! (Sorry about the shakiness... I don't know what my deal was. Oops!)

Conference Deliciousness

For as long as I can remember, my mom made pumpkin pie every October General Conference. Since we now live outside of Utah, I decided that it was my turn to carry on the tradition. It was my very first time making homemade pie crust and the pumpkin pie filling! I don't know that it tasted as good as my mom's pumpkin pie, but it was pretty tasty. My next goal: make the pie crust look pretty! That's going to take some practice, I'm afraid.

And now to the tastiest item on the conference menu... little Miss Ruby! Today she sported some of her fall clothes complete with my new favorite baby item: Baby Legs. They are fabulous! Baby leg warmers that act as tights but make diaper changing a breeze. And for some reason they look so much cuter than regular tights. All of you out there with baby girls must purchase a pair.

As much as I LOVE pumpkin pie, I must say that this little girl is dessert enough for me! (Notice tooth #2?)

DWTS Two Bits

Could someone please trip Samantha Harris on Dancing With the Stars? Was ABC REALLY that hard up for a Dancing With the Stars host? I mean c'mon. Her dresses are pretty. There. I said something nice. But, I can't stand her. She's anything BUT charming and is so awkward. I vote her off. Join me anyone?

Thank heavens Kim Kardashian got the axe! She was like concrete. Poor Mark danced his heart out and she looked like a wilted mess. Don't get me wrong-- she's beautiful. BUT she was a joke. Let's hope Cloris is next. A little too much old woman cleavage for my taste.

One person I'm rooting for is Misty May-Treanor. Everyone knows she is an amazing volleyball player, but how many of you have MET her? (Carrie inserts raised hand here) The summer after my freshman year in high school, our volleyball team traveled down to Long Beach, CA for volleyball camp. Misty May was there (she had just been named as the national player of the year as a setter) and I mustered up the courage to ask her if my friend/teammate, Kristen Child, could get our picture taken with her. And we did! She was really nice and of course amazing to watch in demos. As for dancing, I think she's holding her own thus far. She could beat anyone down with that bicep of hers.

Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby

Ruby's pretty pink paisley (whoa alliteration) dress from Aunt Lexie. Pre-church photo shoot before her dress got slobbered on, spit up on, peed or pooped on.

This is one of Ruby's new fall outfits. Holy spandex.

Holla at your girl

This is my beautiful big sister, Melinda. We shared a bedroom when I was little. She was a good sport to put up with my kicking the covers off. When she was in high school I loved watching her play basketball and volleyball. She is 6'1" and I always wanted to be tall like her. Basically I wanted to be just like her in every way. I love how we are great friends and age doesn't matter anymore. And I especially owe her my life lately for being my on-call Mommy Mentor. She knows everything about kids and being a mom.

Full Name: Melinda Giles Higbee
Nicknames: Mel, Lewinda, Doc, Rinda, 'Linda
Inseam: 36"
Obsessions: Twilight Series, Harry Potter, Project Runway, sewing, power tools, girly movies

33 Reasons why I love you:

1. You are hilarious
2. Your laugh
3. Your ability to adapt to change and crazy circumstances
4. You are strong
5. You are confident
6. Your very specific digital watch
7. You have beautiful naturally blond hair
8. You are so stinkin' smart
9. You are an amazing mom
10. You are wise
11. We can talk on the phone for 2 hours like nothing
12. After talking on the phone for 2 hours we still say "bye" like 5 times because we end up talking about something else
13. You were the first person I told I was getting married
14. You flew out to UT by yourself for a weekend to help me plan my wedding
15. You introduced me to H&M
16. You have awesome long legs
17. You stick up for yourself
18. Your piano skills
19. You play a mean game of racquetball
20. You are even more obsessed with Project Runway than I am
21. You still answer your phone even when it's the 4th time I've called you that week.
22. You are on my side
23. You have the most embarrassing stories ever known to mankind
24. You are an amazing seamstress
25. You flew out to UT all by yourself from NY for a weekend just to attend my baby shower and have some girl time
26. You let me come and stay at your house and even have a "Carrie" bathroom
27. We can talk about anything and everything
28. We brainstorm our 4th of July outfits every year starting in early spring
29. You have all the answers to all my new mommy questions
30. You always have awesome shoes
31. You don't think you're crafty but you are
32. You are able to completely focus on something and tune everything else out around you
33.You are a blast

Happy Birthday Mel! I love you so much! You are the world's best sister.