Memory Monday

Our visit to see Aunt Jessica a year ago, in Panama City Beach.  Carter couldn't understand our last visit to her a few weeks ago, why she wasn't at the beach anymore!  Graceville just isn't the same! :)

The thoughts of Carter

It's been days since I've posted... sorry!  This weekend Carter has said some of the funniest things. On Saturday we went to our little cousin Karlie's fourth birthday party.  It was a swim party, in their... pond!!!  Carter was so excited.  My cousins Michael & Steven built a big 'jump off' so that the kids (and themselves) could jump from the big oak tree with the rope swing into the pond. When we arrived that was the first thing Carter was looking at.  Travis & I both told him, "don't even think about it!"  He was going to try us each and every step of the way, that was for sure!! After about an hour of swimming, I went to my aunts house for Tucker to cool off.  When I came back about twenty minutes later, I was looking for Carter in the water, only to hear his little voice.... ABOVE ME!  You guessed it, there he was getting ready to jump!  I was so crazy nervous inside I felt like I was going to throw up!  He was climbing onto the rope with our cousin Jencie (who is only ten or so), and JUMP!  there they go.  My cousin Michael could see the fear in my eyes as he laughed.  He said, he's jumped several times, I knew you wouldn't let him that's why he did it while you were gone!!!  The thought process of men, LOL!!  Carter had a blast and the whole time he was swinging he was saying, "Mayday! Mayday!"  Too cute for words!!!

That evening as we got Carter & Tucker bathed, Carter put in that he was not wearing his pull up to bed, he was a big boy and he needed to wear big boy pants.  So, I couldn't say no.... he wore his "big boy pants" to bed and low and behold, no accident this morning!!  I'm so proud of him.  This evening as he gets settled down, he looks to Travis and says, "Dad... I don't need my night night, my bear, or my blanket anymore....because I'm a BIG boy now!"  As I sat in the rocking chair feeding Tucker, my heart melted.  Birthday number 4 is rapidly approaching and to hear my little bug say he's a big boy now... so extremely bitter sweet.  He's not my baby anymore, he is growing up into a big boy, and each day he proves that he is more independent and able to do things without me or needing the security of his baby days.  Sad that he's growing so fast, but so blessed that he is so strong, independent, and not afraid to face things on his own.  He's an amazing kid in every way, shape, and form.  

We were swinging on the front porch this evening and he says, "Dad... you married mom that one time didn't you dad?"  Travis, "Yes, Carter... I did."  "Dad, you married mom and I got in her tummy?"  Travis, "Yes, Carter.  What did you do in momma's tummy?"  "I was cooking in there Dad!"  Travis, "What were you cooking?"  "Sausage & biscuits!!!"  Seriously, could there be a better, sweeter, more innocent answer then that?  The things that come out of this child's mouth are always the cutest and can make you smile when you need it most.  We asked him what did Tucker do in my tummy and he said, "he cooked sausage & biscuits too!"

The days of his sweet thoughts and innocence, I know I'm going to miss these days!!  :) Until he outgrows it, I'm going to soak it up and love every second of it!

The many names I go by

Children come up with the cutest things sometimes.  The other night I was cleaning the kitchen and Carter started calling me, "momma elephant".  Not sure where it came from, but it has stuck. Everything is momma elephant this, or momma elephant that, momma elephant I love you.  Cute as can be but do I have to be an elephant?  I mean I know I've gained some weight, but seriously... an elephant? :0

When Carter asks me a question I have to answer with 'baby elephant'.  Tucker is baby tucker elephant, Travis is daddy elephant.  We are just a family of elephants I suppose! :)  Regardless of whether I'm called Momma, Mom, Cupcake, Chopped liver (yes, he has called me that before), or Momma elephant, it's still great to just be Mom!! 

Check them out...

So today I was asked to tag along with my friend Brittany for a photo shoot she was doing.  I was so excited when she asked because I really needed the 'me' time, and the fresh air.  So we headed off to Jacksonville with Amber, our model! :)  Here's a link to the pictures.

J.Higginbotham Photography

Let me know what you think.  

"Ain't"

I received this as an email today, and thought I'd share it.

 AIN'T
  
He was just a little boy, 
On a week's first day. 
Wandering home from Bible school, 
And dawdling on the way. 
  
He scuffed his shoes into the grass; 
He even found a caterpillar. 
He found a fluffy milkweed pod, 
And blew out all the 'filler.' 
  
A bird's nest in a tree overhead, 
So wisely placed up so high. 
Was just another wonder, 
That caught his eager eye. 
  
A neighbor watched his zig zag course, 
And hailed him from the lawn; 
Asked him where he'd been that day 
And what was going on. 
  
'I've been to Bible School ,' 
He said and turned a piece of sod. 
He picked up a wiggly worm replying, 
'I've learned a lot about God.' 
  
'M'm very fine way,' the neighbor said, 
'for a boy to spend his time.' 
'If you'll tell me where God is, 
I'll give you a brand new dime.' 
  
Quick as a flash the answer came! 
Nor were his accents faint. 
'I'll give you a dollar, Mister,
If you can tell me where God ain't.'

There's a giveaway going on!!!!

I found this blog earlier today and she is giving away a blog template.  Her site is awesome so check it out and register to possibly win! :)

Design Girl Blog

Good Luck!!!  I've made my entry! :0

Puddle Jumper

Our past two days have had black clouds & rain.  The sun has peeped through occasionally but not enough to stay out for too long.  After a passing rain today, out came the sun!! :)  We went out for just a bit and this is what happened.......

Notice the clothes he is in.  He changed back in to his jammies after we came home from swim lessons.  He said it's what he wanted to wear to watch t.v. and take a nap!  The kid always keeps me on my toes! :)  He had so much fun in the puddles.  He even tried swimming in them.  He said, "Momma, it's a good day for swimming!!"  How funny is that???

After jumping puddles and digging his face in the mud, and yes... I was cringing!!!! it was time for a bath.  A tub full of bubbles and a little boy covered in mud and grass.  Now there's a combination you don't hear of often!  Check out his bath pictures!  Good thing that is the only tub that didn't get cleaned today! :)

This last picture melts me.  When I loaded it to the computer, I immediately stopped and just stared.  He looks so much older then three, and it really caught me off guard.  I love it though!!

We had so much fun puddle jumping, and then with all the bubbles, and to end it all ever so perfectly we filled our water guns and planned an attack on Travis!  We quietly tip toed to the kitchen where he was working on our dinner and the ambush took place!  He was taken down by his wife, and three year old.  Tucker was caught in the cross fire... oops!  He ended up with several water drops on his face and gave us a look of 'are you crazy?'!  To answer that... yep, we sure are son, welcome to the family!!! 

Mud & bubbles to all....

Jen

Your tiny touch

Yesterday was Tucker's 4 month check up.  Little bear weighed in at a whopping 16 pounds 9 ounces.  He is 26 inches long.  I checked Carter's book when I got home and Tucker out weighs him by two pounds by this point and he is an inch longer.  I think Carter may end up being the big, little, brother! :)  As with all check ups during the first year little bear was stuck four times for shots.  He cried, but was quickly calmed down by clenching my fingers as I laid my head against his and hummed.  He is usually so easy to calm down, now that the colic days are gone.  

When I put him to bed last night I once again found myself in awe of how wonderful our God is. As I watched him lay there so peacefully, my heart was just full.  Being a mom to two of the sweetest little people, is so much more then I ever dreamed possible.  

At 4:30 a.m. Tucker cried out.  This is around his usual waking time, so I went in and he sucked down his four ounces and once again clenched my fingers.  There is something about that little tiny touch that melts my heart each and every time.  It's like his quiet way of telling me he needs me and he loves me.  Those tiny little fingers wrapped around my one finger, ever so tightly.  I'm sure it is a security for him.  It's a peace for me.  I usually put him right back in his bed after he finishes his bottle but last night, I didn't.  As he peacefully laid his sweet head against my chest, I just sat there and rocked my sweet baby.  I hugged him, and listened to him breathe... talk about sweetness.  There is nothing sweeter then your child sleeping in your arms.  I finally caught myself nodding off, so I placed him back in his crib and kissed his cheek.  

This morning, he wakes around 7:45, and just coos and started blowing bubbles for probably five minutes.  He is just a little round ball of joy! :)  (((Sorry Tucker-bear, for calling you a round ball)))  This afternoon, nap time came.  Tucker fought a little bit, but finally gave in. Carter gathered all his night nights, and blankets, and decided he would sleep on the couch.  He laid there for a minute and then looked up and said, "Momma, will you rock me to sleep?"  I was honored.  He's not wanted me to rock him to sleep in probably over a year.  I'm sure it's from watching me always rock bear to sleep, but I didn't care.  If my baby wanted his momma to rock him to sleep, then so be it.  He crawled up in my lap, and although he's much heavier, and his legs draped over the recliner it was sweet.  It brought back tons of memories of the days when he was Tucker's size and I rocked him to sleep daily.  He's just as sweet to rock now as he was then.  I waited and waited for him to settle down and relax.  I put my finger in his little hand and it wasn't long he fell asleep.  

The tiny touch of their sweet little hands.  The silent, 'I love you momma' that I get from those five little fingers wrapped around my one, amazing.  I wouldn't trade my life as their mother.  I just pray that they know how very much they mean to me, and how my heart is in the palm of their sweet, tender hands.  

Boys... I love you with every beat of my heart!!! ....momma...

Memory Monday

Where there are boys, there is dirt!!

Trying to keep things clean, organized, or under control around here lately has been almost next to impossible.  It's like I just don't know exactly how to manage it all.  There always seems to be dishes to wash, clothes piled up awaiting their turn to be folded, and the floors.  Bless the floors, they are so neglected.  I do try to sweep at least twice a day.  If I don't it's like we live on dirt floors, seriously and to think I wanted hardwood throughout the house.  Thank goodness we didn't go that route.  I do try to keep the hall bathrooms presentable so incase there was that one moment that we would have guests.  

Today, we had guests.  I made sure those bathrooms were cleaned before they arrived.  I felt, accomplished!!  All the beds were made, laundry was washed... not folded, but washed!  Floors were nicely swept, and vacuumed, and the bathrooms were in tip top shape!!  

This evening, I went to the laundry bath and when I walked in the door I immediately did a double take!!  The sink which is normally white, was black.  I mean BLACK!!  I had to just chuckle about it to myself.  We had been outside for a good while, and when little Carter came in his feet and hands were extremely dirty.  I heard him in that bathroom with the water running and figured he was just washing his hands as we've told him to do when he comes in from outside.  

Bless his little heart.  He opened the cabinet so that he could use the shelf as a step stool. Climbed in the sink, washed his feet (with Bath & Body Works soap I might add), and hands.  The towel was balled up on the floor, and the sink had been plugged so the water was thick and yucky.  Before I cleaned it, I had to snap a few shots.  How could I even remotely think about getting on to the little guy when all he was doing was trying to do as he had been told! :)  He truly blesses my soul, even through the little messes that are left for me to clean up.  One day the messes will be gone, and I'm sure I won't know what to do with myself!!

I went to the front door and asked, "Carter do you know what happened in the laundry bathroom sink?"  He replied, "Momma, I washed my feet!!!"  Precious, I tell you, it was just precious!! :)  Almost as precious as when he kissed me on Friday and leaned back, looked at my neck and giggled as he said, "oops, I think I got some snot on you mom!"

Love you Carter-bug and all your little messes, dirty feet, and sweet kisses!!!

Wired Youth Camp

Youth camp, what a vivid memory this is to me.  I remember going on several youth trips when I was younger.  Some of which I remember just being more of a mini vacation, but then there were others where I know that I was truly hearing what God had in store for me.  I was not there by chance, God had intended for me to hear what was being preached.  I have watched many, many young people give the lives to God and I must say each time, wow!  thank you Lord!!!

I remember just a few weeks ago, sitting in church in Maxville and a young girl that I did not even know went before the church to make public her decision to live for Christ.  As I sat there, I could feel the tears welling up inside me.  I thought how wonderful it was that this young lady had made the greatest decision of her life.  Would it be an easy road?  No.  Would she still make wrong decisions?  Yes, but the greatest thing....regardless of how rough the road gets or if she makes the wrong decision, she's a child of a King and with that she can be forgiven.  God will be her rock, and even on the hardest days when she feels alone, He will be there.

There are so many young people, middle age people, and old people that have not surrendered their lives to Christ.  I have always felt so honored to have such a Godly Christian family.  My grandmother, and mother both very Godly women.  My brother and sister, both Christians.  My grandfather, a Christian, gave his life to Christ one Sunday when I left to go to youth camp. What a memorable youth camp that turned out to be.  I'll never forget sitting at dinner that night, with the youth group from Madison Street Baptist Church, when two of the leaders came to me and said they needed to talk to me.  They told me that my little grandpa had walked down the aisle that morning and gave his life to Christ!!!  I remember tears streaming down my face and feeling so grateful that one day we will be in Heaven together.  I 

I am grateful that my mother felt the need for me to be involved in church, youth activities and youth camps.  I have scriptures marked in my bible from different camps, and when I run across those scriptures, I'm reminded of that special time.  With it being summer, youth camps are in full swing.  My sister and her husband Kyle, who live in Graceville, are participating in Wired Youth Camp which starts today.  Jessica has always had a heart for mission work.  Mission work you ask... yes, mission work.  Missions aren't just in other countries, but they can be here in our own backyards.  Youth ministries are truly something special!  A true blessing to work with young people, and watch God work in their lives.   Being a pre-teen/teenager is not easy, we all know that.  What better way to face those years then to be around other Godly people.

Wired Youth Camp is a mission to reach the people of Dothan, Alabama.  Kyle & Jessica have been in training all last week and they are both very fired up and excited about what God has in store for them, and the people God leads them to this week.  I received an email from Jessica this morning and I wanted to share it here.  

I'm asking for others to join us in prayer for Wired Youth camp that will be held in Dothan, Alabama starting today through Friday. 

We have an incredible opportunity to reach the city of Dothan with the message of the Gospel. Wired began last year with 168 participants--and as a testimony to the Lord, this year there are 576 coming from 30 churches all across south Alabama (and one all the way from a church in Oakleaf Plantation out of Jacksonville)! The heart of Wired is that the local church come together and do missions and minister to the local area...rather than traveling hundreds of miles to do missions elsewhere. I know we all have busy lives; but if you even have one minute, please lift up this ministry event this week. You can have a part in what God does this week. God promises that His Word will not return void. If we are faithful, He is faithful. Each day our students will have the opportunity to share the love of Christ with somewhere between 2500-3000 people in the city of Dothan. Please pray for souls to be saved and lives to be forever changed. I believe in the power of the Lord and I pray for His presence to fall in a way none of us has ever seen, and for students to make a decision to live their lives fully committed to Him.  Scripture says that we do not receive because we do not ask. I'm asking and earnestly seeking for God to move in such a way that we will say "surely the hand of God has rained down on this place". May this not be just another youth camp. May it be the beginning of a movement! Thank you for your willingness to pray, may God bless each of you this week! Jessica Hannah

So friends, I ask of you to please keep Wired Youth Camp, Kyle & Jessica Hannah, and the many others that will be a part of the camp in your prayers.  Pray that God will move in a might way, and the area of Dothan will be set on fire for God!  I pray that it is an unforgettable week for them all, especially the ones that make decisions!!!!  

Jen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kyle & Jessica.... my thoughts and prayers are with you!  I know how much this camp means to you both, and how much the youth ministry means to you.  I pray that God will open many doors for Wired Youth Camp.  I pray that lives will be won for Him, and that you both receive an amazing blessing.  I am so proud of you both!!  Prayers are with you, God bless, and have fun!  I love you!   ...Jen

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Four months

Amazing what a difference four short months can make?!?  

Today is not only the 4th, but it is Tucker bears 4 month birthday!!! Holy moly, my baby is 4 months old.  He is such a cute little ball of chub.  I can't tell you how squeezable he is, well actually you can probably tell by the pictures, LOL!  :)  Four months ago today, I was sitting in St. Vincents hospital staring at the little precious bundle, and now, he's blowing bubbles, cooing up a storm, and chewing on any and everything he can get to his mouth.  He's still a little stingy with his smiles sometimes, but when he does share one with us, oh boy is it ever worth it!! That big gummy grin, and those cheeks that just weigh him down, oh sweet niblets it's just precious. 

As I rock him to sleep at night, I already find myself wondering, where did the 4 months go. Where did my little tiny baby go?  Once again, the mother in me wants to go stop the hands of time and freeze these moments in time.  My babies, they're growing way to fast and I don't know exactly how to preserve each and every memory.  Each little sound that he makes, or the way Carter sounds when he sings or says a prayer.  I feel so forgetful some days, that I fret over will I really remember these little things that I hold so dear?  

I read a blog early today about a family that lost their daughter.  She was only 10.5 months old. The father talked about how he could remember the way she felt lying on his chest, he remembers her breathing.  All the things he wrote about are things I want to look back one day and remember.  I love to sit and watch and listen to Carter & Tucker breathe.  The peacefulness as they sleep is indescribable.  I want to remember the pudgy-ness of their little feet, the grip of their tiny hands holding mine.  The sweet baby sounds Tucker makes as he sits on my lap, or the way Carter says, "momma".

Whether my babies are 4 months old, or almost 4 years old, I just can't believe it.  I'm sure when they turn 16 & 18, and 21, I'll also be wondering where the time has gone.  It is sheer joy, and satisfaction to be a mother.   Watching your children grow is extremely bitter sweet.  If there was any such thing as a time machine, stopping time with my children would be the one thing I would want to be able to go back too!  

Sweet Tucker-bear, 

Oh how I love you little bear.  Your chubby cheeks, and toothless grin melt my heart.  Your little personality is starting to really shine through.  I am so grateful that God sent you to me. You've taught me so much in just the four months I've had you.  You've taught more about patience, and you've taught me that I can love more then one baby. :)  You are such a sweet little boy.  I know your days of exploring are soon to be upon us!  The good times are yet to come my little one.  Carter can't wait for you to start moving.  He already wants you to play 'Ice Truckers' with him, and ride in his JD Gator!! He loves you very, very much and so do me & Daddy.  I'll cherish these days, but look forward to what lies ahead.  I love you bear!!!  xoxo..momma

Happy 4th...

Independence day, what a special day for us all.  A reminder of how truly blessed we are to live in a country where we can do as we please, for the most part.  Seriously, how often do we take for granted that we can worship how we please, speak as we please, and live where we choose to live? 

Several times today, I've thought of the men and women in middle east that are not celebrating with family.  Here we all are, enjoying burgers, bbq, watermelon, pools, lakes, creeks, the beach and they are defending our country.  Bless them.  I have to be completely honest, I've not always taken the time to stop on July 4th and truly thank God for the soldiers that fight for me to be free each and every day.  Today, I did.  Numerous times as I was enjoying my time with my family, I stopped and thanked God for each of them.  As I watched the few fireworks that Carter actually allowed us to see (because he was so terrified of the loud noise), I thought to myself that we, as Americans, really don't get it sometimes.  We don't get that our freedom really isn't so 'free'.  Men and women lose their lives for our country, that's not free their lives are precious but they did not allow that to stop them from defending our freedom.

So today I would like to say Thank You to each and every military person, past and present,  for defending our country.  For allowing me to have freedom and to live in such a blessed land.  

Now, a little about our 4th.  We spent the afternoon with my mom, just hanging out in the pool. Carter is a water-bug if I ever saw one.  The kid could honestly stay in a pool seven days a week I do believe.  I keep trying to talk Travis in to getting a pool.  My tactic is simple... Carter sleeps MUCH better after he's been swimming, so why wouldn't $20k worth of debt be a thought for a good years worth of sleep?!  Anyone with me on this one???? :)

After swimming in the pool, and enjoying some watermelon, we headed back home.  Carter is not a big fan of fireworks, so we opted to stay home.  We did buy some fireworks, though.  We bought the all time faves, you know the ones you remember as a kid.  We bought the snake, and the little army tanks, and the spinners, poppers, and dare we forget the sparklers?  Those are all the ones he didn't mind.  When he saw the larger ones, you know the ones that make the big pretty explosions, well that was another story.  He refused.  He cried, and he ran back inside to watch t.v.  He said that we could shoot them off if we wanted to but he'd watch from inside.  Bless his heart, I don't know why he's so iffy about them.  

So, Travis and I sat on the porch for a bit watching the few fireworks around us.  Around 9:45, Carter came to the door to let me know my show was on.  I had scheduled the t.v. to come on so we could watch the fireworks downtown.  Did I ever think I'd watch the 4th of July festivities on t.v.?  No, never in my wildest dreams.  But, you do what you have to do, right?  While all this was going on, Tucker-bear was in bed sleeping through it all.  He's not much of a party animal these days! :)  My 4th of July... peaceful.  Just the way I like it.  Not hectic, not too many people, but just enough people.  The ones I love and care most about!! 

Again, thank you to all the men & women that defend our country.  May God truly bless each of you!

Happy 4th of July!!!

...Jennifer...