Lovely Florida Weather...

Living in Florida most people think warm weather, all the time. This is not the case, well not for this Floridian. Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day around 72 degrees. Yes, I must admit this is lovely weather but when your 2 year old decides that he is going to go swimming in his new swimming pool it's pretty cold.

We had a few errands to run yesterday and while we were out I bribed my son. I told him if he would be good while we were shopping I would get him a small little plastic pool. He didn't not let me forget that I promised a pool. The entire time we were in Wal-Mart he kept saying, "Carter gets a pool if he is good?" I tried to change that to a matchbox car, a ball, nothing was going to take the place of that pool. So, once I was finished getting all the little things I needed it was off to check out in the garden department. He spotted the pools, and how could I say no to a little boy that was saying, "Carter's pool momma? Wow! Thank You!" So, here I went lugging my cart, and this fairly large pool to the truck. You should have seen me trying to shove it in the back of my truck. The entire ride home, he kept saying, "Carter's pool momma? I swim?" I was thinking, he can't get in that pool today he'll freeze to death. When we got home, I unloaded it and his little face and pleas were just heartbreaking. So I filled the pool and told him to let it sit in the sun for an hour, in hopes that the water would warm up.

The struggle to go inside for an hour was just that, a struggle. He had to sit by the window closest to the pool and watch it. After that hour passed we went out and with no hesitation he jumped right in. His first response, "Oooh, momma this is cold!" I tried to tell him. He stayed in it for about an hour. His Daddy arrived home from work and just laughed at my great decision of the day. When it came time to go inside the little guy was shivering but saying, "I'm not cold!" Yeah right!!! It's 9:03 a.m. now, and he's already asked if he can get in his pool. They forget nothing!

I am certain that this little pool that cost me a whopping $11.88 will be one of my best investments of our summer. Now, if our Florida weather will just warm up and stay that way for awhile. We are ready for some SUN! :)

We added a new four legged member to our family about a month ago. His name is, Tater Porter. Yes, I know, very country, but it's what Carter insisted on. Tater Porter, for those that don't know, is a professional bull rider. We had taken Carter to the PBR when it came to town back in February and every since he has pretended to be "Tater Porter". All dressed up in his wranglers, boots, and cowboy hat that Mr. Porter himself signed. When we picked up our new little friend, Tater, I suggested to Carter that we name him, Porter. No way, he wasn't having it. Every time I would call the puppy Porter, Carter would say in a very stern voice, "No Momma! That's Tater Porter!" So my two year old named his very first furry four legged friend. Tater is quite the pup. He is into everything, chewing, barking, chasing Carter, you name it. We've even caught him relaxing in the back of Carter's toy Tonka dump truck. Now that's when I should have had my camera. These two seem to hit it off right from the start. Watching them together is hilarious sometimes. The years ahead should be full of great times with two wild boys, Carter & Tater!

Welcome to the family, Tater Porter!

Days I Remember...

My first time at blogging.  As I sat and thought of a title, I thought of how fast the days since having my son, Carter, have flown by.  Prior to having him I was sure that I had the perfect life.  Was I ever wrong!  The moment I held him, I was over come by a love that was and is stronger then I ever dreamed possible.  The days of us cuddling him, and jumping to his every whimper turned in to days of making sure he wasn't climbing on chairs, or pulling on things that could hurt him.  He has yet to slow down, actually, I think he has kicked into high gear!  Those 'cautious' days, turned into the days of first steps, then running.  Now each day is filled with that never ending question, "Why?".   He is so inquisitive and learning something new lights up his face, as does mine!  Each day he shows me something new, tries me a little more then the day before, asks "why" 5 more times then the day before, but at the end of the day when he crawls into my lap and wraps his arms around me, I think about how quickly the day passed.  I have to remind myself that even on the days that I thought couldn't get any harder, that this is my life and I must enjoy every second because all to quickly he will grow up.  The writing on the walls, the scribbling on his feet, hand prints on the door, cookies in the couch, these are all the things that make the days I'll remember.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you will look back and they will be the big things." -unknown.

~Word to live by~

We can all use a little encouragement sometimes. Friends are great, but sometimes we just need a good reminder from God's word that all is well. God wants us to lay our burdens at His feet, and give Him the glory for everything in our lives. Troubling times, times of praise, it's all there in His word. We just have to be dedicated, and set aside the time God deserves. If we do, we're bound to receive His many blessings! These are just a few of the words I try my best to live by. May they bring you strength, peace, or encouragement!

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Jesus said, "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean...But things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean'" (Matthew 15:11,18 NIV)

How often do we let our thoughts, and our tongue make us unclean? As Christians we are to act like God, love like God. What is in our heart, will come out of our mouth. May we strive harder each and every day to be more like God with a pure, clean, loving heart.

Proverbs 4:23 says "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Proverbs 12:25 "An anxious heart weights a man down, but a kind word cheers him up."

Proverbs 27:18 "As the water reflects a face, so one's life reflects the heart."

What does your heart say about you?

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"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD" (Psalm 40:2-3 NIV)

Have you ever found yourself so confused, and lost that you didn't even feel you could turn to God? He is there, always. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. When we are broken and need to be restored, He will do just that!!! What a blessing to know we have a friend that is ALWAYS there!!!! We do have to be patient sometimes, but God's timing is always perfect!

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Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you"

How amazing to know that before we were ever conceived... God knew us! When I became pregnant for the first time, this verse really spoke to me. Although I had just become pregnant, God had already knew the exact date I would find out, what the sex of my child would be, and the date and time he would arrive. Our God is so amazing. No child is a mistake, God has a plan for everything. He knows our next breath, He knows everything about us. Even the things we wish we could hide from him!

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"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV).

God wants us to have a dedicated time with him. Not just five minutes when we are already rushed. For us to really seek God, we have to be patient and allow time for God to speak to us through reading our Bible, and reading His word. May His word be a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. May we hide it's words in our hearts that we may not sin against God. Sometimes it's hard for us to hear God because we are too busy, but if we will be still we're sure to hear what He's telling us.

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Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" (NIV).

All to often it's so easy for us to just stay angry and pout. Anger is something we all have to learn to control. As a mother, and a wife I know how difficult it can be to control your anger sometimes. Some days you've worked all day cleaning, taking care of the kids, and you feel like no one notices all the work you've done and it makes us angry. Or someone wrongs us, cuts us off in traffic, miscommunication within your marriage. It's okay to get angry but do not sin when you do become angry. Communication is key, be sure to talk things out. Don't let it carry over into the next day, it'll start that day out just as stinky!

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xoxo They are my loves xoxo

Every girl dreams of finding that one person that makes her heart go pitter-patter.  I was no different then any other girl. I wanted 'that' guy that made me spend hours getting ready, get goose bumps when I saw him pulling in the driveway, or get butterflies in my stomach when he would call. I met Travis on October 3, 1997 (wow, that was a long time ago).  I knew from the minute I saw him that I wanted to be his girlfriend... for a long, long time!  I was a senior in high school, and he was just out of high school.  My days revolved around him, what he was doing, and I did everything within my power to be by his side every moment.  He made me smile, laugh, and I knew early on just how much I loved him.  

I'll never forget the night I met him.  We were introduced by a friend of mine. We met at the County Fair (I know... how country, right?).  He was there with the dairy cow exhibit. My friend told me he was a country boy, but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw. He was dressed in his Wranglers, a cowboy hat, and a green long sleeve Copenhagen Skoal shirt. Not an outfit I probably would have picked out for a 'first date' but hey, it obviously worked huh?  It wasn't the outfit that caught my eye, it was the cow poop on his boots, and the leg of his jeans.... yep, you read that correctly!  If you've read my blog for anytime at all, you know my husband is a cow lover, then a Jennifer lover. He grew up on a dairy farm, and his heart has always been in farming. He is now living his dream, on the same dairy land that he grew up on. Pretty cool, huh? Back to the poo, it wasn't what caught my eye.  It was his shy smile, and his beautiful eyes. 

We dated for what seemed like forever, to me.  We had our fair share of fights, disputes, but we also had our fair share of laughs, good times and memories I'll never forget!  Being the country boy that he is, we didn't do the normal wine and dine dates.  Nope, you could find us at the local party around a fire, doing what most young people do, looking (for what we now call) trouble. We were just young, and had no cares in the world! Most weekends were spent in his small town, with his buddies and their girlfriends.  Those of you that read my blog from those neck of the woods know that nothing beats a good 'ol classic country song, and a dirt road.  Oh, the memories we've all shared!

I once was his girlfriend, five years later his fiance, then in October 2003, I became his wife. The journey has been amazing.  Sure, there have been bumps in the road, maybe even a few flat tires here and there but one thing is for sure, we love one another.  Travis is completes me. He's the one that can make me smile when I look out the window at him feeding cows, or working on one of his many projects.  Having him around is such a peace to me.  When he's not here, I feel lost.  I feel as if I am unable to function.  The touch of his hand, a reminder of his love. The way our hands fit together, perfect match! His commitment, faithfulness, love, humor, and touch make me love him more everyday.  I love his quiet personality, the half smile he gives me when he doesn't totally agree with me.  I love the way his eyes light up when I can really make him smile.  I love to watch him with the boys, he's a wonderful Daddy. I love the way he keeps us afloat. He's a hard-worker, a provider.  He starts everyday with the plan of making things perfect for us.  That is his outlook, his goal, his dream. We fit, we're comfortable, and I can't wait to grow old with my love. I couldn't imagine my life without him. He is my rock, my shoulder to cry on, and my best friend.  

Babe...I love you more then I could ever explain to you.  You've given me more then I deserve, and you have given me the greatest two little blessings I could have ever dreamed of. I thank you for all your hard work, your dedication, and the love that you give to all three of us.  You want to make us smile, trust me when I tell you... you do!  I pray that God continues to bless our family, and that you and I share a lifetime of dreams, hopes, and love together.  Until the end, I LOVE YOU forever!! You are my sunshine xoxo, Jen

~My boys~

Little did I know how much our lives would change once we married.  Our love grew stronger, and we decided to start a family. I realized that being a mom would be a blessing, but what was ahead in my life was nothing like what I had dreamed about, it was better!

Where do I even begin with the two of them?  They are truly my heart in every way possible. The laughter, the joy, the warmth that they bring to my life.  I always knew I wanted to be a mother, but I never understood the love that I would feel for one small person. They can make me melt just by sleeping so peacefully. Their giggles warm my soul like a ray of sunshine. I could never imagine my life without either of them. They both bring different cards to the table, and for that I am thankful.  

My first born, Carter, Born August 19, 2005 (5 days early).  He's a very energetic, sometimes mischievous, always helpful, loving child.  He's not much of a morning person, but give him a few and he's like a little ball of excitement until late at night. He has more energy then a wild bull in an arena!  He may be rough and tough, but he has a very tender heart. He loves to make people smile, he loves to sing and dance, and he loves to mimic his Daddy.

I truly believe he will grow up to be a very caring and compassionate young man.  He loves peanuts, country music, hunting with his Dad, and popsicles!  I love to watch him interact with Tucker. It amazes me that at such an early age, there is already a very distinct bond between the two of them. He asks for a baby sister, all the time. It makes me wonder if he knows something that we don't!  He actually told me he would just pray and ask Jesus for one! :)  He loves mud, dirt, sticks, frogs, but can not stand lizards! Weird, huh? His imagination is like an open book that has no end. Each day he comes up with a new adventure, story, or plan. If you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, he'll tell you a baseball boy, or a cowboy.  He is a four year old movie buff.  LOVES to watch movies, and he has since he was very, very young. His favorite of all time is Smokey and The Bandit!  He pretends he is the Bandit... hat and all! I can only imagine him growing up, driving fast, and being a lady's man!  Carter is a pure joy. I love him with every beat of my heart.  

Carter-bug, You amaze me each day when you wake up.  You have such a forgiving, caring spirit about you.  I thank you for bringing me through cloudy days with your shining personality. You will never know the love I have for you. I look forward to each day, miss the ones that have already passed, and dream about what you'll grow up to be. I know God has great plans for you. I pray that you will seek God first, follow His guidance for your life, and that your life will be filled with blessings from above.  May you never face hardships, or unhappiness.  You are my heart, I love you sweet boy!  To the moon and back... Momma.

Then there is that sweet little, chubby, redhead, round faced fella we call Tucker-bear. Tucker joined our family on March 4, 2009 (6 days early).

He is our second blessing, and a momma's boy! I love it, especially now that Carter is all about being with Dad! Tucker is more shy, yet just as lovable! He loves to eat, anything! His eyes sparkle with that bright blue color that everyone wishes they had. He has a quiet personality, but if you work long enough you can get him to open up and smile, giggle, and light your day! 

He loves his furry blankets, and you better have one if you plan on him going to sleep! He's a better sleeper then his big brother, most of the time! :) There's still so much that we are learning about Tucker-bear. He's keeping up with Carter, and already wanting to be around him all the time.  Tucker is my more laid back little guy. He's an outdoorsman already! When we go outside he is so content.  Travis has surely gotten himself two little hunters to follow in his foot steps! 

Tucker has a very sweet smile, cheeks that everyone wants to pinch, and a chuckle that just melts me!! He loves for the dogs to lick his toes, hear the cows moo, and to chase the cat. He's sure to bring much excitement and many laughs to our family in the years ahead.

Bear-bear, I love you. Your sweet smile, and sparkling eyes tell me that you love me. You are growing so fast, I can't believe you are almost one. I can't wait to see you start walking, I'm sure you and your big brother will keep me on my toes. Your life is something I look forward to each and every day.  I love to hold you and rock you to sleep.  There's something so sweet and special about the way you love on your blanket as you are falling asleep.  The way your face lights up when I open your door in the mornings, makes me know how truly blessed I am.  I love you more and more!!  xoxo Momma

These three consume me. They make my days happier, my heart more full, and my cup truly runneth over!  Thank you Lord for bringing me to this point in my life. Thank you for my husband, and my children.  I pray that you will lead and guide me to be the wife and mother that each of them deserves. Watch over our family, and may your blessings be upon us.  

Much love...

About Me

Hi, I'm Jennifer!  I am a Christian, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a friend, and a blogger. I have two beautiful boys, and a husband that I adore. Family makes up the biggest part of my life. I couldn't live without them. Each one has a special place in my heart, each a different meaning, and each one has taught me something about myself. I am so grateful for the friends, and family that God has placed in my life. I don't feel any of you were by chance, but it was meant for our paths to cross. It is my prayer that each of you know how very much I love you. My life is full, my heart is content, and my soul is full of joy! All of this is thanks to my family and friends. I love being a wife and mother. My husband and children are my one true purpose on this earth. Everything else that makes up my life, blessings... just added joys to this small simple life I live. 

Travis, myself and the boys live on a 40 acre cattle farm in North Florida. I grew up in the country, but farm living is new to me. I've never had to feed cows, or tag cows, or doctor cows, but things are changing!  I'm learning each day. I've already learned that real farm girls don't wear flip-flops for reasons that I'm sure you can imagine. Granted I've learned the hard way, I'm still sporting my favorite flops! I'm in the market for some snazzy rubber boots, nothing plain and black.  I want some flare! I love knowing that my children will grow up learning things that will go with them through their lives. I love watching Travis show Carter the ins and outs of this farm thing. I wasn't really sure about living here at first, but this is home, and I love it!

My life is full of blessings, sometimes I get overwhelmed and forget, and I will make my way back to my blog and become a reader instead of a writer. It's within those first ten minutes that God reminds me that each day He gives me is a blessing. I am a southern baptist, bible believing, praise and worship girl. I need God in my life, and when those down days come God grabs my attention and reminds me that I have to stay close.  I have to seek Him to keep that smile in my heart, soul, and on my face. I'm to blessed to be stressed.  As my sweet sister would say, "what is over our head, is under His feet!"  What a promise!

I'm your average gal. I prefer jeans and a t-shirt, and you'll probably catch me in flip-flops 365 days a year. I don't like shoes, I don't like fancy clothes. It's just not who I am! I love being with my girlfriends, shopping or going to a movie and out to eat. My friends help make me the person I am.  There honesty, sometimes blunt honesty helps keep me in check. Nothing like a "get a grip" from your bestie! My girlfriends are a huge, huge part of my life. They are my sounding board, and I'm sure they get tired of seeing my number pop up somedays, but they are still there. Each one has been a huge blessing and support throughout the years!  I LOVE YOU GALS!!!

My sister, Jessica. I don't even know how to describe the way I feel about her.  My baby sister, my friend, my rock, my support, my prayer partner, my partner in crime. She is more quiet then I, but has a loving, caring supportive side that always seems to know the right thing to say, just when I need it. I wanted to take a moment and tell her just how much I love her.  Jess, I'm proud of you.  You are an amazing Christian woman, and I thank God that He sent you to be my sister.  You've given me more wisdom, and moral support then I've ever thanked you for. You are truly amazing, and I love you dearly!  East bound and down... :)

I am a cow lover.  I mean, shouldn't I be living on a farm and all? There's one old gal that comes faithfully to the back fence every day for a hand out.  Travis and Papa swear I have spoiled her, but a gals got to eat, right?  Meet, Lulla Belle.  She's such a sweet momma.  I know what it's like to have little ones on your heels constantly.  Trust me when I tell you, when she gets a break for it, she's off!  Here she comes in a mad trot looking for her scoop full of feed!

I love photography, it's a true passion. I've always loved pictures, but it was after having Carter that I realized I was more then your normal picture taking momma. I took thirty or so pictures a day of that poor child.  I'm sure he felt like he was some famous something that the paparazzi was after. Travis bought me a Canon Rebel XT in October of 2006. I played around for awhile, until I realized I could do so much more then just snap a picture.  I started learning more about my camera, and taking the picture correctly. Finally talked the hubs into a new camera, and now I'm the proud owner of a new Canon 40D. It's not top of the line, but neither am I, so we're a good pair! It's now become an addiction that I would like to one day turn into a business. I love pictures because of the story that each one tells. I have more pictures in boxes and on my computer then I care to tell you about. I enjoy photographing children, expecting mothers, and newborns. 

I would love to learn to knit, crochet, and quilt. I do plan on conquering at least one of these things in the coming year. I get bored easily, and start a million projects.  Can you say A.D.D? I am trying to over come this, but I forget that I'm trying to over come it.  See, told you.  I enjoy making crafts with Carter and Tucker.  I love giving gifts that we have made, or show the different ages of the boys.  Like handprinted bags, plates/platters, or anything we can come up with. I'm a very sentimental person. I hate to get rid of things that belonged to one of my grandmothers, aunts, or anything old. Old things are our heritage, and too many people now days could care less about preserving the memories of our past. Some people have looked at me as if I'm nuts, but I want to learn how to make things using my hands. Memories that I can pass on to my children, my grand-children, and other people I love.

I have a bubbly, fun, sometimes sarcastic personality. I love to be around people of the same characteristics. I love to laugh, and smile. Smiling may give me crows feet, but at least I've enjoyed my days and made memories that last!  I have an obsession to flip-flops, lipgloss, D&G perfume, lotions, music (Christian and Country), purses, bags, Lucky Charms cereal, Coca-Cola, coffee with vanilla creamer, Target, Yankee candles (especially the apple, vanilla, and fall scents).  I love to decorate my house for each season.  I love the way the sunsets at our house. Nothing like looking through an open field at God's amazing creations!  Each night, a new painting. I love the farm living, the smell of the warm country nights, the sound of a cow mooing in the distance. I still get excited when a new calf is born.  I think I have to take a picture of each one, and give each one a name. I love to sit on the porch and swing, or sit on the steps and watch Carter and Travis playing in the yard.  I love knowing that our laid back, lazy evenings are memories in the making. 

I love to hear my boys laugh and giggle.  I love to watch them sleep.  I love the way they smell after a bath and how they are so snugglie getting ready for bed. I love the hugs and kisses, the smiles, and the I love you momma. Their tiny hands grasping my hand, the way they look up to me, the way the want their momma when they need a hug, or kiss.  I love to watch them play together.  I love that they are mine. God knew just what I needed in my life when he gave me my children. They teach me something new each and every day.  I've learned to be more laid back, and enjoy life more because of them. They have taught me it's the playing in the mud, splashing water and bubbles out of the tub, and popsicles for dinner that really matter!

Blogging.  Oh, sweet blogging. Just another adventure that I've embarked upon.  I started blogging in April 2008.  I really had no clue where I would go with it, or if I would even make a second post. I am amazed that I am now well over one hundred posts.  I'm also very amazed at the followers that I have.  I can't believe that our little simple, yet sometimes very chaotic life interests other people.  I am not sure if it's the stories I tell, or the pictures I show that keep bringing you all back, but regardless, thank you!  Thank you for supporting my blog, for your kind comments, for your prayers in my time of need, and for your friendships. So many of you have become friends, and I'm thankful for that.  I hope you'll stick around for more, you never know what will happen next on Cow Bird Lane.

Thanks for stopping by!  Come back often, or whenever you have a free moment.  You're always welcome here. Remember... each day is a blessing. Cherish it, don't let it pass you by, and always make it a day you will remember!

Much love....