Colds, chilly weather, and hunting

It's that time of year again. There's a chill in the air, pumpkins are out, and it just feels more like Fall. Anyone that has ever been in Florida for Fall or Winter knows that we really don't truly understand the meaning of cold. I beg to differ because as I am this morning.... I'm freezing my watoosie off! This time of year seems to put a little pep in your step and a smile on your face. It excites me because it starts the holiday months off! Nothing like starting them with cooler temps rather then high 80's in October.

My little cowboy, Carter, has been battling a runny nose since the end of last week. I figured it was just your normal Fall cold and it would pass. Well the poor little guy seems to be getting worse so we are headed to the doctor this morning. Of course, as any child does, he hates to go to the doctor. I told him that if we don't go and get him some medicine that he won't be well enough to wear his Woody costume for Halloween this Friday. That's all it took to change the mind of a three year old that the doctor is not such a bad guy after all! :) He's bound and determined that he'll be wearing his costume this weekend!

This cold, well maybe I should say cooler, weather is already to cold for this warm weather lover. I'm not a fan of these temps, at all! I mean it's 9:30 in the morning and it's only 44 degrees outside. Ooh, makes me just want to stay inside with a blanket and hot chocolate. My dear husband on the other hand, he is in his "dream" world right now! The chill in the air sparks his favorite time of year. Sitting in a tree stand, waiting for the big buck and freezing his fanny off in the mean time. Will I ever understand this? Probably not. I can't seem to make him understand that shopping is a much more fun experience, LOL! He has his joys, I have mine. He thinks I don't want to hunt with him because I just don't like it. Nah, it's not that I don't like the thought of hunting but umm, hello... it's cold, there are mosquitos and most of all, I HAVE TO BE QUIET. That in itself is next to impossible. Put me in a confined area for about 3.5-4 hours and expect me not to wiggle, squirm or want to talk about something, are you kidding me?!! I'm telling you the two of us couldn't be more different, but for some reason we seem to tick.

So, enjoy this lovely weather, stay warm, and keep your little ones bundled so you aren't fighting a cold like I am. Nothing like having a sick toddler, they are so pitiful and as a mother I'm sure we all feel so helpless.

Happy Fall to all!

God Bless!

Jen ****Yes, this blog today is pretty pointless, but oh well! :)****



...UPDATE ON C...
The doctor said it's just a cold, that we caught before it turned into a sinus infection. He said to let it run its course but if C gets worse to fill the RX for the antibiotic he gave us. Prayerfully, we won't be needing that.

Little Tucker William

Thursday morning we went for my 20 week (can you believe that) ultrasound. As all of you know, we were told 5 weeks ago that we are having another boy. The tech this morning confirmed that this little lady, me, is officially out numbered by boys!!! We couldn't be happier. Another little cowboy to add to our family.

Little Tucker William, is growing just as he should be. According to the ultrasound he is a whopping 11 ounces, and is in the 35% percentile. He and I are both doing very well. My nausea has pretty much left me and went on to some other unfortunate soul. I feel great, and Tucker is sure to let me know each and every day that he is in there doing well. He is quite the little kicker and doesn't liked to be cramped in any way, shape, or form.

Carter was with us for the ultrasound today. He was a bit hesitant at first, but eventually said hello to his baby brother. He is very curious about all this baby stuff, and I can't wait to see how it really plays out in just a few more months. Should be very interesting!! :)

So, that's all for now. Just chugging along one day at a time counting down the weeks. They've flown by thus far. I think building the house has really helped keep my mind off of it. Speaking of, we should be moving in this weekend and the first of next week!!! Hooray!

Take care & blessings to all!!

Love,
Jen

The MIRACLE of life

The exciting news of a couple expecting a child has always been something that could make me smile. The thought of a precious, innocent child joining this world just warms my soul. When I found out that my friend Heather was expecting, I was found with these same emotions yet again. I'm a complete softy when it comes to babies & new mommies! There's nothing like seeing a new mother interact with her child. The love is instant and it amazes me how, the new parents just can't seem to take their eyes away from that little one for half a second.

I met Heather several years ago when she was maybe 12, if my memory serves me correctly. She and her family are some of our closest friends and I was so excited when she asked if I would take pictures when her little one joined the world. I've watched Heather grow up in a way, and she was my baby sitter for Carter (the few months I went back to work), and now she is a mommy!

When I woke up this morning, after not being able to sleep all night from pure excitement, I was antsy & ready to meet Miss Rylee Sue! We arrived at the hospital around 8ish and the show immediately got on the road. I tried to contain my excitement as much as possible but come on, seriously, who can contain themselves knowing that a child is soon to join the family?! Heather was as calm as a cucumber and passed the time like it was nothing. I snapped my pictures here and there and hope that I captured the day for them to look back on.

Then the nurse said it. Those magic words, "it's time!" The adrenaline kicks in, the nerves kick in, and the sheer excitement overflows out of each person that has been patiently waiting all day. Everyone is cheering Heather on, and wishing her the best. The real work started at about 3:15 p.m.. Heather was a pro, and never complained once. She did her job, and did it well! :) At 3:58 p.m. Miss Rylee Sue, joined the world. Her parents were forever changed at that moment. They were overwhelmed with a love that they had never known before! It was instant, it was endless, and it was obvious.



Watching the two of them, reminded me of the day I welcomed my precious little boy into this world. All those same emotions came back to me, as I'm sure they do any mother that witnesses a birth. I feel so honored, and blessed to have been a part of this very special day. I wish this new little family many years of happiness, joy, precious memories, and most of all the love that they felt today may it never end.

Heather, I'm more proud of you then I could ever express and I wish you the very best as you begin your journey as a mother. It's the most precious, amazing gift that God gives us. Treasure each and every day, every second, and take nothing for granted. Before you know it, you'll be looking at your little one who has turned into a three year old in what seems like over night.... trust me, I'm living that now! I pray God will bless each of you and keep you all safe. Rylee is beautiful and I can't wait to watch her grow. I love you both very much! Take care, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Blessings to all...
Jennifer

101 in 1001....

So, I came across this idea on the internet the other day and to say it started my little mind to swirling is an understatement. The purpose of it is to list 101 things you'd like to complete in 1001 days. Will I complete them all? Who knows. Would I like too? Most certainly! I thought it would take me days to list my 101 things, but it didn't. It took me all of about 35 minutes to be exact. Here is my list. As I complete them I'll add stars beside the goal so that if you are interested in seeing how far I get, you'll be able to see. :) I created my list on October 15, 2008. 1001 days from now will be July 13, 2011...wow! That seems forever away but it'll be here before I know it. I hope to star a lot of these, wish me luck!

~FAMILY~
1. Take a family photo with my grandparents
2. Lunch with my Granny
3. Lunch at my house once a month
4. Play outside with Carter every evening
5. Dinner & Movie with my brother & sister
6. Dinner with my Dad once a month.
7. Family movie & pizza night once a month... Carter's choice of movie!

~HEALTH & FITNESS~
8. Lose baby weight plus 12lbs
9. Walk 2 times per week
10. Drink 5 glasses water per day
11. Floss 3 times a week
12. Watch sugar intake after pregnancy

~TRAVEL~
13. Go to Grand Ol Opry
14. Visit up North during the Fall for our anniversary
15. Canada in Spring with Carter & Tucker
16. Go snow skiing with 2 other couples
17. Mediterranean Cruise
18. Go to NYC with girlfriends

~SPIRITUAL~
19. Find a church home.
20. Do a daily devotion
21. Donate to a mission
22. Volunteer with church functions
23. Make a prayer journal

~FOOD/COOKING~
24. Cook 3 times per week @ home
25. Learn to make homemade biscuits
26. Make Thanksgiving dinner
27. Make Christmas dinner
28. Try new recipe once a week
29. Try one new food
30. Plan meals for 2 weeks in advance

~JUST FOR ME~
31. Buy a new outfit once a month
32. Buy new shoes other then flip flops
33. Massage 3 times a year
34. Movie/Pajama day every other month

~MARRIAGE~
35. Breakfast together twice a week
36. Go hunting with Travis (even if it's freezing outside)
37. Go away for our 6 year anniversary
38. Dinner one night a week without kiddos
39. Leave a message or note once a week, saying I love you!
40. Have pictures of just us made
41. Give Travis a 30th birthday party
42. Make time for a hug & kiss each day

~DAYS I'LL REMEMBER BLOG~
43. Blog 4 times a week
44. Find two new favorite blogs
45. Comment on blogs I follow
46. Blog my 101 in 1001 *****

~FOR OTHERS~
47. Smile at strangers as I pass them
48. Buy for a needy child or family @ Christmas
49. Clean Granny's house
50. Babysit for a friend and her husband to go out to dinner
51. Donate to Children's Miracle Network

~MY CHILDREN~
52. Read to Carter once a day
53. Finger paint
54. Write each child a letter on their birthdays
55 Do camp out with Carter before Tucker arrives
56. Take Carter to the see Madagascar II
57. Make blanket for Tucker
58. Go to Disney
59. Do hand prints (keepsake)
60. Go to the zoo every other month

~PHOTOGRAPHY/PICTURES~
61. Buy new lens
62. Upgrade camera
63. Photograph Tucker & frame
64. Transfer files from computer once a month
65. Attend Bellies & Babies conference
66. 2nd shoot with Dayna at weddings
67. Post more of the pictures I take
68. Learn more about Photoshop
69. Find old family photos, copy, and frame
70. Photograph Carter helping Papa Cotton & Travis with the cows
71. Print pictures
72. Complete Carter's scrapbook

~OUR HOME~
73. Decorate one room at a time
74. Laundry on Monday & Thursday
75. Have house tidy before leaving home
76. Landscape
77. Buy rockers for the front porch
78. Buy swing for the front porch
79. Buy ferns (6)
80. Hang recent photos

~FRIENDS~
81. Girls weekend each Summer or Fall
82. Girls or couples cruise in 2010
83. Shopping day every other month
84. Dinner at our place every 3 months
85. Send cards to two friends each month, just to encourage

~FUN~
86. Host a themed party
87. Go 4wheeler riding with the "old" crew
88. Go bowling with friends
89. Go to Mule Days with Pam
90. Decorate the house for each season

~CREATIVITY~
91. Make bench out of Travis' old bed
92. Learn to crochet
93. Make 20 home made Christmas cards
94. Make a new centerpiece for kitchen table (Seasonal)
95. Make window frame with wreath using Granny's window from old house
96. Make Carter & Tucker's Halloween costumes

~MISCELLANEOUS~
97. Create will
98. Have a sketch of our house made and frame
99. Find an antique church pew
100. Have a yard sale
101. Keep computer/office area organized


Check back to see how I'm doing. Take care & God bless!

~Jennifer~

Girls Day Out!!!

Saturday was "girls day"! My friends, Renee, Traci, Tammy, and I set out for a day of fun & shopping. We didn't have a set plan or a set time to return home. Just to spend the day together doing girl stuff. Shopping, browsing, laughing, crying, and did I mention shopping?! :) To me girls day is such a fun time, and something all women should do. We owe it to ourselves to take a break from our normal routine, and just laugh and enjoy each others company.

Friends have always been a huge part of my life and that is why I try to make it a point to make special days with these ladies. As we spent time together on Saturday I realized that we are all so different but yet we are all the same. We pretty much all want the same things out of life. We have a lot of the same fears, dreams, and quirky ways about us. We all come from different places, different up bringings but yet we still have a connection. I am so grateful that I have friends that I can count on, friends that I can call when I need them to pray for me or my family. Friends that will make me laugh for no apparent reason, and the friends that will cry with me just because I need to cry.

As we sat at a little cafe in St. Augustine, we were having a pretty serious conversation about our faith and at what points in our life we are. God has been so wonderful to each one of us, and as I sat and listened to each of us talk, I thanked God for sending these three women into my life. Women that believe the same as I do, women that know that serving God is the way to live. I could have sat at that table for hours with these ladies and I don't think one of us would have ever gotten bored. It's such a blessing to find friends that you enjoy being around, and cherish their friendships. It was also brought to my attention that you don't always know what the other person is going through or struggling with. I have always known this, but it often slips to the back of your mind because you always think, well they don't mention any problems so all must be well. Again, it's nice to know that their are friends that you can truly pour your heart out too and know that they will lift you up in prayer.

These aren't the only three friends that I feel this way about. I have several that hold a very, very special place in my heart. Each friend I have, brings a different joy to my life and I truly am thankful for each one that is a part of my life. If any of you are reading this, and you know who you are... thank you. Thank you for your friendship, your loyalty, your compassion, your trust, and most of all your love. Life is too short to not tell the ones that you care about that you do care, I love each of you dearly and pray God's blessings upon each of you!

Looking forward to our next "girls day", and hoping it is sooner then later!

Gods blessings to you all!

Jen

"Momma, I need one of them..."

Yes, that's not proper English that I used but it is Carter's sweet little quote that I've been hearing a lot here lately. With Christmas just barely 2 months away the kids channels on t.v. are laying the toy ads on thick and heavy. It's so funny to me how each time one comes on, he jumps up stands in front of the t.v. and says, "Momma, I need one of them!"

Travis and I were laughing the other night because a baby doll was on the screen and he insisted that we get him one. We explained that he would have to tell Santa all the different things he wanted. Surprisingly enough, it worked! He is cool with that response and says, "okay" and then sits back down. So far his list consists of, Hungry Hungry Hippos, a new tractor & trailer, the baby doll, and some craft something that I can't remember the name of but I can remember it looks extremely messy! :) Travis & I can not wait until this holiday season to watch his little face light up!

This past weekend, I went to Garden Ridge to look for new mirrors for our house. On the way there, Carter fell asleep and stayed asleep while I pushed the cart into the store. As soon as we entered the doors of the store, he popped up like a jack in the box and was in awe of all the Christmas decorations, music, and lights. His nap was officially over when he walked into that winter wonderland! :) He said, "Momma, look at all the lights and there's Santa!!!!" To get a sneak peek at Christmas through a child's eyes, what more do you need to really warm your heart? As we went up and down each isle his wish list grew longer and longer. Funny thing was though, these weren't toys but Christmas decorations. He didn't care, he was just excited about Christmas.

I can't wait to have his little hands help put up the tree, bake cookies for Santa and most of all watch his little smiling face come running down the hall on Christmas morning! What a special holiday season it would be if every one could remember the spirit of Christmas the way a child does. To enjoy the surroundings, the MEANING (granted my three year old only understands it is Jesus' birthday), and the fellowship that Christmas brings!

That's all for now.

~jen~

A little at a time

So today I continued with my packing. Holy moly, where on earth did I ever get so much junk? Better yet, why on earth did I ever let it accumulate to this?! Bag after bag, I've walked to the garbage and thrown away junk papers, or just pure JUNK. One side of the wall in our dining room is 3-4 boxes high, and the other side is growing just as tall of stuff to be donated to a local fire department for their annual yard sale. Why am I not having the yard sale and reaping the benefits of my junk? Well, I'm exhausted, I'm chasing a three year old, I'm packing a 2100 square foot home, and don't forget, I'M PREGNANT! By the time 6:00 rolls around, I am close to not being able to move another muscle.

I packed until 4:30 today, when I went to pick Carter up from school. After picking him up I came back home and Travis was disassembling Carter's swing set. I must admit, it was somewhat bitter sweet to think we are actually just about to start moving "our things" to our new place.

After it was loaded, we headed off. Carter was so excited that his slide was going to the new house. When we arrived he couldn't understand why we needed to say hello to his grandparents that were standing on the porch wanting to see the house. He was only concerned about his slide. We toured the house with the grands while he sat outside on the grass pouting! :) Poor kid, it's funny how their little priorities are so HUGE!! After touring the house, we went out and Travis did put the slide and swing set together. Did he ever make his little boy happy.

It's just the beginning of many days of swinging, sliding, running outside and enjoying the openness and peacefulness of our new home.

Until next time, God Bless!

With this ring...

I thee wed! Could it really have been five years ago that we spoke those words? Where does time go? As I think back, I can't begin to realize how or where the time has gone. Travis and I have been together this month for eleven years. Today, we've been married for five years, WHOA!

I married a wonderful, caring, supportive, funny, loving, intelligent, hard working man. He is far different then I am, but I guess that is what makes us tick. He's quiet, I'm a little loud. He's a thinker, I'm a "carpe diem" kind of gal. He's the "financial planner" where I think, hey if we die tomorrow at least I spent my money how I wanted too. Is that a good trait for me, ummm, probably not but hey it's true. Travis loves me unconditionally through each and everyone of my faults. He never complains or fusses, and most of the time just bends with the wind.

I think God for this man that He blessed me with. Sure, we don't have the "perfect" marriage but who really does? We argue like the average couple but over little things that really don't amount to a hill of beans. God knew that I would need a man of Travis' demeanor and spirit to live with me! :) I always dreamed growing up of the perfect stay at home mom, country life, and I can honestly say that God has blessed me with all I ever dreamed of. As I got older, I started to think of the kind of father I'd want for my children, Travis fit that bill. As a father, he is amazing. He loves Carter more then life itself and strives each and every day to give him all he ever dreams of. In return, Carter (at the age of 3) adores the ground his Daddy walks on. He looks up to him and even though Carter doesn't realize it, he tries to be so much like his Daddy. If our son grows up to be the man his father is, some lady will be very lucky to have him!

Marriage is no easy street, both people have to be willing to work, compromise, give in, say I'm sorry, and admit when they are wrong. I am so grateful that thus far the first five years of our marriage have been fairly easy. I know God has great things in store for us and I can't wait to see what the many years ahead might bring.



Travis, if you ever happen to stumble across this blog (that I don't believe you have any idea about at this time), I want you to know that I love you dearly and truly do thank God for you each and every day. I pray God's blessings on you and I pray that He will continue to be a part of our marriage and that He will bless us with many more happy years together. I thank you for being such a wonderful husband, a friend I can always count on, and the one who can make me laugh on the days when I feel like throwing in the towel. You are my rock and I don't tell you often enough how very much I appreciate your hard work and love that you provide to this family. I love you with all my heart! Forever & Always.... Jennifer

Five years ago, I married my best friend and as the blog says, it will forever be a day I'll remember!

....Jen....

I have a smurf!

Today was an average Thursday. Nothing to out of the ordinary happening for this little family. I had lunch with my friends, Traci & Renee, and then back home to work on a few pictures until it was time to get Carter from preschool.

I set off to get him around 4:30. After picking him up I was going to head to the new house to have him put his little hand prints into the wet cement. I was contemplating how to do this without us both getting wet cement on us. As I picked him up from school, I noticed that his hands were already a little dirty. I asked him what happened and he replied with, "I colored them for you!" It looked as if someone, or maybe even himself, tried to trace his hand. There was this lovely teal blue color all over both his hands. I told him I had something special for him to do at the new house and his hand would get more dirty. He was thrilled! :)

Once we arrived at the new house, we were informed that the cement was almost to dry to do his hand prints. We finally got his little markings to stick on the front step of the house. I couldn't help but think back to when I was a kid and my brother & I did the same thing and we thought it was so neat. I remember trying to erase my name because I either messed up or didn't like it. Luckily, this time, the cement guy was still there to wipe away any imprints we didn't care for. Carter thought it was the neatest thing to stick his hands in the cement. Once it dries, and he grows I can't help but wonder how many times he'll compare the size of his little hand to how big it becomes. I did that several times as a child.

We aren't even in the house yet, and already it is giving me wonderful memories. Luckily this one will forever be etched in the front step of my home. No one can say, I didn't allow him to get dirty... he played in cement after all and it will be a day I'll always remember!

~jen~

Decisions, decisions....

Our house on Cowbird Lane is coming to a close rather quickly. Before we know it we'll be packing up and leaving Green Meadows for greener pastures on Cowbird Lane!

We've been doing a lot of decision making in the last several weeks. Lights, faucets, tile, fans, tables, washer & dryer, you name it. It's been so exciting to pick out all new stuff and to know that it won't be much longer and a new chapter in our life will begin. Granted, it's not all been a piece of cake or easy by any means. There have been a few bumps in the road, a few compromises here and there. Thank goodness I have a husband that can help me make a decision rather quickly. It's actually been quite funny to me that I will go and look at things in the store for what seems like an eternity and bring it home and show Travis and he makes his decision within thirty seconds or less. Could it be because he knows if he hem hauls around that we'll be stuck picking out light fixtures for three weeks, probably. I must add, that most of his 'decorating' decisions aren't really that bad after it's all said and done. For example, I had a tile picked out for the kitchen and he picked out the bathroom tile for the master bath. The master bath tile came in first, and I LOVED it!!!! So much that I actually asked him if he thought it would be too late to change our minds on the kitchen tile. His answer.... yes. Much to my surprise, or was it more luck on my behalf, the tile place called and said they were not going to be able to get the tile I wanted for our kitchen, would the bathroom tile be an option?! God knew my heart wasn't set on that other tile, LOL!!!!



Anywho, thankfully all of our decisions have turned out to be good ones in our opinion that is. I've had a few comments here and there on my "canary yellow", "banana yellow", "mustard yellow" kitchen, but hey it's my kitchen, right?!. Just for all of those who made those accusations, the correct name for it is Carribean sunset and with the cabinets and all it looks wonderful! :) Just make sure if you come over before 2p.m. that you bring your sunglasses if you plan on sitting in my kitchen for awhile!!!

Now today, we are stuck at re-choosing our carpet. Of course the carpet I chose was WAY out of my budget, but that's okay because my new option looks better then my first. Are we seeing the pattern of how this is going for me?! I should never trust my first choice!! The original color I picked was a light beige color, now I'm going with more of a straw/tan color. I could be totally wrong on the colors that I'm calling it but that's what I see.

I'm just so glad that everything for the most part has gone so smoothly during our build. The weather for the most part has been cooperative, the workers have all shown up on time (granted they weren't all the fastest, they showed up nonetheless). You hear so many stories about building is not what it's cracked up to be, it's a hassle, it's aggravation blah, blah, blah. Well, let the Higginbothams be the first to tell you that our experience wasn't half bad.

We look forward to sharing our home with family & friends in the near future. Thanks to all who have listened to me whine about my choices and options and for reminding me that the little things I'm fretting over other people are never even going to see.

Off to look at the carpet some more! Toodles!

Jen

Did you feel that?

As I get closer and closer to the mid way mark I keep waiting to "feel" pregnant. Granted I've had nausea to great extents to remind me that something is going on inside of me but if you've ever been pregnant you know what I mean by "feeling" pregnant. I've been feeling little flutters since about week 14 or so but nothing to where I'm like, "WHOA! there's my little peanut!" Just like with Carter I feel the most flutters at night as I lay in the bed trying to get comfortable. Saturday night, we had been busy all day going and doing. As we got into bed, Travis was watching t.v. and I was doing my normal flip, flop routine trying to get comfortable. Once I finally found a place I put my hand to my stomach to see if the flutters I was feeling would get any stronger with a little pressure from momma! It worked!!! So, I grabbed Travis' hand and placed it on my stomach not really sure whether or not he would feel what I was feeling. It was about thirty seconds after I placed his hand on my stomach that our little Tucker gave a very significant "hello" to his Daddy!

Once again, what an amazing moment for two people to share. We prayed for a child and God answered. Now to wait and watch as this miracle comes about can't help but to draw two people closer together. I can't wait to hold my little one and once again be overwhelmed and amazed at how awesome our God truly is. I feel so blessed to be able to be a mother and experience the joys that come along with each day that passes. I can't wait for his little kicks and punches to get stronger so that Carter can experience feeling him move as well.

Blessed beyond measure,
...Jen...

It's that time of year again!

Once a year, I become a widow to the sport of hunting. It starts in October runs through early January. I'm not complaining, it gives me an excuse to do some great shopping. It's always been something that Travis enjoys, and therefore what ground do I have to stand on to not let him go? Before we had Carter, it didn't bother me one bit in the world that he would leave in the mornings at 6:30, and not return home until 7:30 that night. I mean what girl doesn't enjoy a little down time with a Lifetime movie? Well, things change. Now with Carter, by 5:30 in the evenings I'm getting real close to calling it a day and ready to pass on my 'parenting duties' of the evening. It's hard to explain to a three year old where Daddy is. Don't dare say, "he's hunting", because then it just goes into a big fiasco of "I want to hunt with my Daddy!"

As I awaited Carter's arrival three years ago, I thought that hunting season about how it wouldn't be long before Travis would have one of the greatest hunting buddies of his life to tag along. Our little boy has grown to adore his father. Walks like him, has his love of the outdoors, and creatures. As Travis talks about hunting, or watches a hunting show, Carter is right there by his side either hanging on his every word or watching intently to the show. I watch and imagine what his little mind is thinking about or... planning! :) Last Saturday, they started working their stands. Getting feed plots disked up and ready for feed and fertilizer. Making sure each corn feeder was working and there weren't any kinks. I took Carter out to the woods around 11 a.m. and he was so excited about going to "help" Daddy get ready for hunting season. When we got there, he jumped out ready to go. He was going to get the big one. Unfortunately the two of us were sent back to the truck to make a lunch run.

After returning with lunch for all the guys, Carter sat in the back of my truck talking about how he was going to shoot a deer. How do you not smile, knowing that your child looks up to you so much. When I say he adores his Daddy, that's a bit of an understatement. The highlight of his afternoon was when he got to ride in the back of the trailer with Uncle Eric. Man, oh man was he ever "one of the guys!" To be only three, you'd think he was eight. Talks like he knows exactly what the "big" guys would say. I almost forgot. He had his fishing pole with him the entire time. While the guys were putting up the last feeder he was steady casting his line out into the feed plot. Granted, he was fishing and they were preparing to hunt, he didn't care one bit because he was a BIG boy.



Today, Travis was seeding the feed plots and we once again supplied the lunch. Time we turned off into the woods he said, "Momma, roll down the windows. I have to look for deer!" As we made our way to the back of the property he was informing me that I needed to be quiet and turn the radio down. I wonder how he'll be when he is actually hunting?!

After we returned home, Travis finally made it in for the evening and started putting together one of the tree stands. Carter was right in the middle of it, helping every way he knew possible. He wanted nothing more than to be right there with his Daddy. As soon as Travis got the four sides up, Carter was right in the middle saying, "Pow, pow! I shoot that deer momma!" Of course, I grabbed the camera and start snapping shots. His first year to actually go out to the woods with his Daddy. As I watched the two of the interact with one another, I once again counted my blessings and thanked God for these wonderful blessings in my life. I'm sure one day when Carter is preparing for hunting season that he'll have a little one under his feet asking a million and one questions and I'll think back to today, and remember!

Now go on out there boys and get the big one!

~jen~