Four things you might not know....

So I've been tagged by Mrs. Brittany Bell to tell you all four things.  So here it goes!! :)

~4 jobs I've had~
1. YMCA assistant (my first real job)
2. Allstate Insurance, data entry clerk
3. Receptionist for Callahan Family Practice (((I did this one twice, and would consider it a third time! :))))
4. Mother... the best one yet!

~4 movies watched over and over~
1. Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood
2. The Notebook
3. Smokey & The Bandit... LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one! :)
4. Steel Magnolias


~4 places I've lived~
1. Clay Hill, Fla. 
2. MacClenny, Fla. 
3. St. George, Ga.
4. Callahan, Fl

~4 shows I watch~
1. The Channel 4 News... exciting, I know
2. CSI
3. Law & Order 

4. American Idol

~4 places I've been~
1. The Bahamas... my first cruise with Travis, in 2001!
2. Cozumel, Mexico... my second cruise, fun fun that one was!! :)
3. St. Thomas... absolutely beautiful, can't wait to go back!
4. St. Maarten

~4 people who e-mail me regularly~
1. Jessica, my sister
2. Jill
3. Mom
4. Amanda W.

~4 favorite things to eat~
1. Chicken Strips
2. French Fries
3. Tomatoes & Rice (Southern thing), cooked by my momma or granny.
4. Fudge Rounds! :)

~4 places I'd rather be~
1. Shopping
2. On a cruise
3. A girls weekend, somewhere, anywhere... let's just go!
4. At the hospital having Tucker! :)

~4 things I look forward to this year~
1. The birth of Tucker
2. Possibly getting a new camera... fingers crossed!
3. Travis starting his new business... it's still in the works.
4. Just being happy!


~4 people to tag~

1. Kari Vennard
2. Kati Farmer
3. Rosalind
4. Karen

Now you four have been tagged... get to typing! :)

Only nine more days of being three

I was going to blog about this last night, but the laundry, organizing, and thank you note writing took away my evening.  Yesterday was a very lazy day around these parts.  Travis & Carter enjoyed a morning of fishing, and I found myself on the couch pretty much the entire day.  I caught myself many times staring out the window and just day dreaming about my last few days as a mother of one.  Granted I've really been a mother of two now for what, almost 10 months, but you know what I mean.  

I can not fathom where the last 9 months of my life have gone.  I am so grateful that I don't live a wild, full speed ahead kind of life.  If I did I would truly have no idea where the last 9 months had gone.  I feel like I just found out I was pregnant, and now here I sit just nine short, very short, days before my little boy is expected to arrive and I'm trying to comprehend that "I'm really going to be having another baby!"  It seems weird, un-normal for me to say that it doesn't seem real.  I almost feel like it's a dream, but then I realize that I'm folding newborn laundry and my dream quickly becomes a reality!

Saturday, a few of my good friends (Renee, Traci, & Tammy) hosted a sprinkle shower for immediate family & a few friends.  As you've seen from past entries, the closet is pretty much full of stuff from Carter, but what new baby shouldn't be celebrated?!  We had a very nice turn out, about twenty-five people showed up to sprinkle baby Tucker with his own new things!  Let's talk just a minute about the food.... oh my good heavens at the food!!  There was everything from chicken salad sandwiches, to taco dip, to home made chocolate TRACTORS!  Yes, you read that correctly.  My sweet friend Tammy, better known as Callahan's Paula Dean, made little chocolate tractors to go along with the theme of the shower & Tucker's room.  We had yellow & green cupcakes, and my favorites.... mini eclairs!  The shower was a wonderful time, and I am so truly grateful to have such loving, caring, & supportive friends.  They mean the world to me and truly are a little piece of heaven here on earth.  I love you girls!!!  

Gifts galore, as I watched people arrive and my home become filled with chit chat, laughter, and children running and playing I stopped and looked around and had to take just a minute to say, "Thank you Lord!"  The people that came love us and each one of them holds a very special place in our hearts.  From diapers, wipes, pacifiers, clothes (super cute clothes I might add!), blankets, and even Big Brother gifts for Carter, my living room was full and so was my heart!  It amazes me each time we have a family event at the outpouring love that comes from each person.  I know I didn't personally thank each one of them that was here, but I pray that they know how truly thankful I am for their gift, their friendship, and their love.  

Time to put all that stuff away, oh boy!  Where to begin.  I actually just sat in the glider staring at it all in bags & boxes and wondering where on earth shall I begin.  I finally just had to snap out of it and just dive right in.  I worked for probably two hours, placing diapers here, blankets there, organizing clothes in the closet by size, and then I'd fine myself right back at square one and moving stuff I'd already placed.  I think I might have a bit of A.D.D,  LOL!  There's only one basket of laundry left to do for little Tucker.  The crib is ready, the diapers are opened and ready for service, nightgowns are folded, bags are packed, and there I sat staring around this little 10x13 room dreaming yet again of the joy that is soon to be filling this room.  The joy, the laughter, the coos, the giggles, the cries, the pure love.  God is good, isn't He?  

I just can't seem to wrap my head around the thought of how very good God is to me and why I deserve the many blessings He bestows upon me each day of my life.  This morning, as I laid in bed before the sun started to gleam through my window, I felt a little hand touch my arm.  I opened my eyes and there was my little Carter.  He climbed into bed, and put his little hand on my arm and said, "I love you momma!"  He laid there quietly for a minute and then as the sun continued to rise, he said, "momma, the sun is up rise & shine!"  I just smiled at him and rubbed his little face, and thought sooner then later I'd have two little munchkins in my bed and I can only imagine that many of my mornings I will be awakened to the best wake up calls around!  Carter rolled over, looked at me and started to sing Old McDonald had a farm.  I just smiled and took that moment in and tried my very best to etch his little voice into my memory for years to come.  "Sing with me momma...E-I-E-I-O!"  The tenderness, and innocence of this child melts me.  Just one of those blessings I'll never understand why I deserve.  

Just nine more days, as the three of us.  What will this week hold for us?  Should I make it extra special for little Carter, should I secretly record us just as the three of us so I can look back and recall what life was like before there were four?  Nah.  I'm just going to trust God's perfect plan for our life and know that the sweetness I have right now is fixing to explode and be more abundant then I ever dreamed possible.  Am I crying?  You know I am.  Tears streaming down my face.  I'm a bit scared of the unknown, a bit hesitant about the change but on the other hand I'm so anxious and full of excitement to see my family grow and become stronger and closer.  

I apologize if my blogs ramble sometimes, or if they don't seem to make sense.  They are just my little thoughts, and a lot of times my thoughts just don't make sense.  What does make sense is that my life is simple, yet full.  My heart is not empty, and my home is not either.  It is my hope and prayer that as my days of the three of us draws to a close and we soon welcome baby Tucker that God will let me enjoy each and every moment.  May I see the good in every moment, may I cherish each conversation with Carter, I want to take in everything about this life as we know it right now and never ever forget how great it is but how sweeter & greater it will soon become!!!

If anything happens before March 4, I'll be sure to post for any of you that are keeping up with our progress! :)  I'm also hoping to have a computer with me at the hospital so that I can update everyone from there, and maybe even have some pictures to share of Tucker when he arrives.  :)  Until then, take care & God bless!

Jen

Rest up sweet Tucker, you have lots of people waiting to meet you and Carter has so much he wants to show you and teach you. I can't wait to hold you, kiss you, & love you with all my heart! We love you little one, see you in just a few more days!  I love you! xoxo.... momma

Pedicures by Carter

I've been saying for several days now that I need to go treat myself to a pedicure.   These swelling legs/ankles are not the most beautiful things to be trying to "doll up".  Tonight Carter had an early bath and my feet were so sore I propped them on the side of the tub while he was playing.  He looked at them and said, "Oh no momma!  Your feet are big again!"  I've explained best I know how to him that this is just part of momma having a baby.  He says, "Tucker did that to you momma?"  He's going to think Tucker is out to get me by the time all this is over with, LOL!!!

Anywho, after throwing these big ole cankles, tree stumps, logs, call them what you will, up on the side of the tub my sweet little boy rubbed them and said, "I'll wash them for you momma!"  He's such a good child.  His Daddy won't come within inches of my feet or anyone else's for that matter! :)  Maybe the woman Carter marries will be blessed with foot rubs!!  Come on ladies, we all know we like to have our feetsies rubbed!  

He rubbed, and washed, and rubbed and washed.  For five minutes I was in complete heaven.  It was almost as good as being in the massage chair at the nail shop, but I was sitting on the toilet by the tub.  Now that my friends is being desperate!  :)  I must say, it was the best foot massage/pedicure I've ever received.  It came with more love and cheer then anyone else could ever bring.  I called for Travis to bring my camera because I surely never ever want to forget this evening!! :)  

My pedicure, I guess that's what you could call it, was short lived.  That's okay though.  My sweet boy was taking care of his momma.  As I watched him rub my feet ever so gently and talk to me about little stuff, I thanked God for him yet again.  A true, true blessing in my life.  He made me realize again today that I am blessed beyond measure.  After his bath, we had dinner (homemade pizza), and as I listened to him say the blessing, and then watched him eat his pizza, I just asked God to continue to let me realize how truly blessed I am with each day that passes.  I still watch Carter and wonder just how much better my life can be, how many more blessings can our home hold?  It's all the little things that any mother will tell you are what make our lives complete.  The little hugs, the kisses, the giggles that fill the room!  Saturday night, Valentine's Day my mom offered to keep Carter and we took him over for his visit.  When we returned home Travis and I both agreed that when our little buddy is not here, it's not the same.  It's too quiet.  When I picked him up on Sunday and we made our way back home, I just sat on the couch and smiled as I watched him play in the floor with his Dad.  His giggle made the house a home, his chatter made us complete.  I said all of that to say, I love my life.  I love everything about it.  Some days are full of chatter, running, messes, and a little mischief but when that chatter, running, messing, and mischief is not around I realize just how much I need it in my life.  

Whether it be foot rubs, or messes, I'll take what each day brings and do my best to find the joy & blessing in each!  

To foot rubs & messes my friends, 

Jen

It's not time yet

I had my 37 week appointment today, and as I expected, no change.  It's not time for little Tucker to make his arrival just yet.  Am I disappointed, nah.  I have an exciting weekend coming up with a fun little "sprinkle" hosted by my good friends, Renee, Traci, and Tammy.  Presents are always fun, and let's not forget about the yum, yum, yummy food! :)

It's so funny to me how I am so different this go around being pregnant then I was last time.  With Carter every week I was so bummed if there was no change.  Every pain I put way to much thought in to, and this time around I'm just like, oh okay.  No baby this week.  Amazing to me how much more relaxed I am and really just kind of blowing with the wind.  

My doctor is very excited for the big event.  She is so funny.  She even told me today that if I go into labor and she's not on call to look her up in the phone book and she'd come in.  Now is that a good doctor or what?  Don't think I've not already contemplated looking up that number and storing it in my cell phone, Travis' cell phone, and posting it on our fridge!!  I was teasing with her that next weekend is my sweet little granny's birthday and how cool would that be to have my son close to that date?!  Then on the other hand, I've promised Carter we would take him to the monster truck show that is coming to town next weekend.  We promised him a trip to the state fair and thanks to my lovely swollen feet my doc put a stop to that trip.  I feel the least I could do is follow through with my promise of the monster truck show, right?!  Hang in there Tucker... we have to take big brother to the monster trucks! :)

Just wanted to update everyone on where we stand at this point.  Who knows what, God, or Tucker have in store for us in the days ahead.  I mean, he could come tomorrow for all I know.  :)  If he doesn't come before, he'll be welcomed on March 4, 2009, when they will induce me.  So I ask that you all keep us in your prayers.  Our little journey is almost complete and soon a new journey will begin!  

Thanks for checking in with us, and until next time take care & God bless!!

Love, 

Jen

18 more days!!!!!

The official countdown is 25 days. BUT, my doctor has decided that if our little Tucker does not make his appearance before, he will be welcomed into our family on March 4, 2009. That gives me only 18 more days until I hold my sweet boy!!! How exciting! A week from today, I'll be having my little family "sprinkle" hosted by my good friend Renee. I'm sure that will make things even more real feeling!!! The days are drawing closer, my emotions are still a bit whacky at times, but my heart is over joyed at the thought of becoming a momma for the second time.

Yesterday we met with a very good friend of mine, Kari, who so patiently took pictures of my growing family! We had a great time. I was a bit hesitant at first when I thought about doing pictures but now after seeing them, I am so glad that I did them!! Kari captured some very sweet, precious, and priceless moments for me. Like me, she was as anxious to edit some of the pictures last night and when I woke up this morning she already had the pictures up on her blog for me to see. I was thrilled at how quickly she got them edited and very anxious to open her blog and see them! When I clicked on her blog, I immediately fell in LOVE!! I smiled like a kid in a candy store and soon after scrolling down the page, the tears begin to stream down my face. My changing, simple, life. She had caught some of the most precious moments, and I am forever grateful to her for that. The pictures showed the joy & mischief in my little Carter, the excitement in my eyes and the love in our family!   

If you have time, check out Kari's blog to see our sneak peek!  Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.   

Take care, and have a great day!

Love

Jen, Trav, Carter, and Tucker

xoxo

My life is full of LOVE!

Happy Valentine's Day!! This morning, I felt a little hand tap me on the shoulder and say, "get up momma, the sun is up!" I rolled over to be greeted by the little smiling face of Carter. He's usually so chipper in the mornings, and today was no different. I rolled my big bellied self out of the bed and we made our way to the kitchen. Something was missing... DAD! We looked out the window and his truck was not in it's place. I assumed my hubby had headed to get some breakfast for his two sweeties! He soon pulled back in the driveway and came in with some Valentine's goodies for us. Carter got a heart full of Skittles from his Daddy, and momma got a box of Fudge Rounds!!! Yes, we are not your typical "love birds" on Valentine's Day. I'm not a flowers kind of girl, my husband knew exactly how to get to my heart... the rounds!! :)


We all exchanged our cards, and little goodies and then Travis cooked breakfast for me and Carter bug. How lucky are the two of us?! We have an amazing Daddy, husband, and COOK!! This morning, we had heart shaped pancakes with bacon and sausage!! It was delicious! Thanks Trav!!!!!





We also welcomed a new little calf to the family this morning!! Nothing like the love a new little one to fill a special day like today!!! :) Carter is off to spend the night with my mom tonight and there is no telling what me and the old man will get in to. We were laughing earlier this week that we'd go to an early dinner, exchange no gifts and call it even! A true sign that we are getting old! We don't need gifts and stuff to know that we love one another. :)

Happy Valentine's Day to you all! Be sure to tell everyone that you hold dear, how much you love them!!

Hugs & Kisses
Jen

Time is fading, he'll be here soon!!

July 1, 2008 when I first found out I was expecting the joy filled my heart. All the emotions a mother feels knowing she'll have a little one poured from my heart. Then the thought of March 11, 2009, seemed so far away. Trust me when I say, the time has flown by. I haven't the foggiest idea where the past 8 months have gone.

Reality is setting in. There is another change coming for us in just a few, very short 35 days. Our little family of three will soon be four and I'm so anxious to hold my little boy. As everyone told me with the second you are more laid back, relaxed, not as worried (well, I'm still worried... but we won't get into that), but it's true. Tucker's bedding finally arrived yesterday!! It is precious, exactly what I wanted for my little guy. Clothes are in the dryer as we speak, and I have another load to start. All those little clothes, the smell of baby entering our home yet again!! Just makes me smile!!


I've been having a lot of braxton hicks, or I suppose that is what they are. I didn't have many with Carter, that I knew of, but this time something is cramping up in my stomach and I suppose that is what I'm feeling. My waddle, well let's just call me Daphne duck! Seriously!! By 5:00 each evening it has really set in and I waddle from side to side. :) My breathing, that is a joke all on it's own!! I huff and puff just to change the way I'm sitting on the couch. Walking, just ask my friend Renee, it takes every little ounce of breath within me. We went shopping yesterday and each chance I had I found the closest chair to where she was and plopped down!


I had my 35 week appointment this a.m. and according to the doctor this is progress being made! Granted, it's only a whopping 1 cm. dilation, but progress is progress to a pregnant woman. Trust me! :) My little boy will be here before I know it. I'll be holding him, kissing him, and in awe of how awesome our God is once again! I'm ready to hold him. I'm ready to be a momma to two precious little cowboys. I can't wait. The room is ready, well I still have a few things to hang on the walls, but he can come home and have his own little place in this big world. His bag is packed, my bag is packed, and Carter's is 1/2 way packed. He keeps unloading some of the stuff I put in there. I suppose packing one bag last minute is better then three!!

Anywho, that's an update on me and my growing tummy. My ever changing world, ready for another change! Can't wait to see you Tucker, I love you!

Patiently waiting...
Jen

Tucker's coming home outfit




Just a few of his bedding... country boy in training!! :)

My answers

Morning! Hope you all had a good weekend. Our was very relaxing and low key, aren't those needed sometimes?! :)

There were only two questions from the Fun Friday, ask me anything. Only two, but both are kind of deep!! :) Thanks Brittany & Rosalind & Chris. :)

Brittany asked me what is the one thing, or person I would take with me to a deserted island. How hard is this question, seriously. I mean I would want my husband, my children, my camera, my cell phone, my pillow, my blanket, SOAP, the list is a mile long, but she only allowed me one thing only!! Hmm, that puts me in quite the pickle of a situation now doesn't it? I'll be honest with you, I've been thinking on this since she posted early Friday morning, and I'm not sure I've still decided yet. I promised to answer the questions, so here's my final answer!! :) I would not be able to go without my computer. That would be my source of keeping in touch with my family. I could still receive pictures of my precious little ones, be able to watch them growing, playing, and being kids. I could still communicate with my husband, and quite frankly the rest of the world! :) A cell phone was an option, but in reality all I could do on that is talk. With my computer I could still see the world that I would be so far away from. It is a necessity of mine to be in touch with the people that I love and hold so dear. My computer would also still offer me the chance to BLOG about my adventures on this deserted island!!! So there's my answer. It's not a fancy one, not the greatest choice most likely but I must add, I would try my absolute hardest to stuff my point and shoot camera into my pocket so that I could get some awesome pictures to share when I return from my stay... I am allowed to return aren't I?! :)

Rosalind & Chris asked,
Which of these would you prefer:
1. An awesome subject (great eyes, great skin, height of an emotional moment, etc) with so-so lighting.
2. So-so subject (missed the pinnacle of the emotional moment, etc) with awesome lighting.

Yet again... another deep question, I've been thinking about all weekend. Can't you people have pity on me? I mean, I'm pregnant which means my brain is not functioning as it should be to begin with and you all want me to really THINK! Anywho, here's my take on what kind of picture I would prefer to take. I'm not sure I'm going to answer this the way you were hoping but here's my go at it. Awesome subjects do produce awesome pictures, most of the time. Especially when they are cooperative and they know what they are looking for. But, I think the so-so subjects sometimes offer more feeling, character, and you can see the meaning. So my answer to the Reinolds would have to be I'm going to go with that so-so subject with awesome lighting. The lighting is just going to help me capture the true feeling, and emotion within this person. When I take pictures, I enjoy capturing the unexpected moment, the unposed, I love to capture the way a mother holds her newborn child with such emotion, the way my husband plays with Carter with that true smile that makes his eyes sparkle. I love to look back at pictures of my grandpa with his hands folded and the thought in his eyes with that little smirk on his face. Pictures that most of the time, people don't even realize I've taken. Again, I don't think I answered this they way you were wanting, but it gives you more of an idea of my way of capturing precious memories. Here's just a few pictures that each time I look at them I have a million and one thoughts.













Until next time my friends, take care & God bless!!!
Jen