Monster Jam 2010

Last year we decided two hours before the show to take Carter to the monster jam. Travis and I were both extremely sick and I was big, big pregnant but we still went. This year we decided to take him again, and as expected, he loved it!!

Blue Thunder was, and is his all time favorite!  He sat through the entire event patiently awaiting to see Blue Thunder crush the cars and jump the hills. We were at the top of the stadium, and by top I mean about seven rows from the top. I felt a little closer to Heaven Saturday night!  The wind was blowing but our backs were to it so luckily we didn't feel too much of it, but it was still c.o.l.d!  I had on an undershirt, a wool sweater, my gator hoodie, and a windbreaker jacket over that and holy batman I was still freezing. About fifteen minutes before we left I had to put my gloves on. Travis just shook his head in disappointment. I don't know why, he knows I hate the cold.

Anywho, enough about me. Carter was on the edge of his seat the entire night. His excitement really blesses my soul. Seriously, there were times I even caught myself tearing up watching him having such a good time. I know, how silly but it's true. Please, someone, anyone tell me I'm not the only mom that does this. I can only imagine when we take him to Disney, I'll be a complete basket case.  He cheered for Blue Thunder, Superman, and Gravedigger.  To hear him say, "ooh baby, that's what I'm talking about" is absolutely hilarious!!


About twenty minutes before the show was over he looked up at me and said, "can we go home now?" Poor guy was exhausted. He had been up since about 6:45 that morning.  It was close to 11:00!  I asked him if he wanted to watch Blue Thunder jump the cars and he said yes but that he wanted to leave as soon as that part was over. As promised, we left when Blue Thunder rolled over on his side.  The walk to the truck he was still excited. Once Travis put him in his seat, buckled him in it was literally less then five minutes and he was out!!


We enjoyed spending one on one time with Carter-bug. He's growing so quickly, and I know he too misses just having us all to himself.  Nights like this one make us really enjoy each other more.  Now, on to next year. Hopefully we'll order tickets before all that's left are the nose bleed, close to Heaven seats! :)

Beautiful Blogger

This afternoon when I logged on I found that I was given an award. How sweet is that?! Lori over at The Ladybug Lounge felt my blog was worth of the Beautiful Blogger award!!  Thanks Lori! Now, I'll share with you a few blogs that I feel are also worthy of this award. If you enjoy reading, and are looking to follow a few new blogs then check these out!! :)

Fabulous Fuston Family Kara's blog is a joy altogether! Her little girl is just precious!


Journey Blessings My best friend Renee, just joined the blogging world and already she has touched me in so many ways with what she writes.


Life is change. Growth is optional. Sarah is always an inspiration to me. She has a way with writing and I always enjoy what she has to say!  Great music on her site too!

Publish Post

A touching story

Do you ever read something that just over takes you? Are you ever touched by something someone else is going through? I guess what I'm trying to say is tonight as I was reading through new blogs that I've discovered today, and keeping up with the latest Facebook updates, I was moved. I went to a link about a little girl named Layla. As I read the story, I could feel the mother's pain for her child. I could feel the fear, the sense of helplessness, and the love she had for this sweet child of hers. I was moved to tears. My heart ached, and still aches for a family that I don't even know.

I'm going to be very honest tonight, as a reminder to myself. I've discussed that I have whirlwind days around here, days that I feel I accomplish absolutely nothing. This year alone has been trying going from having one child to two. We've had colic, we've had just pure out grumpiness, but that doesn't matter. I've had days that I long for nap time, I long for quietness, but I have to stop doing that. I have to stop worrying about the dust, the laundry that's building mounds, and quit wishing nap time would come sooner. My children will only be this size once. They'll only need me this much for such a short time in their lives. I worry about things that really don't matter. It is my prayer tonight that God will show me even on my toughest of days that the whining, or the crying, the messes, whatever it may be that day are blessings. I pray that I find a calm, and a way to enjoy the times that normally make me want to pull my hair out. All to often, I lose it. I get frustrated when I really shouldn't, and I need reminding that I can't stress the small stuff. I say this to say that I've been praying to God seeking a way to be a better mother. A more calm, laid back, go with the flow mom. I want to be a mom that my boys enjoy... everyday!  I don't want them to remember a mom that yells or constantly says no, or has too many 'un-necessary' rules (come on, you know what I'm talking about).

Tonight when I clicked on Layla's story and read the words her mother had written there was no doubt in my mind that God led me to that blog. He led me there to show me that I have so very much to be thankful for. I have healthy children. That alone is one of the greatest blessings I could ever have. I take so much for granted. So what that Tucker's cutting his fourth tooth this week, had diarrhea, and a low-grade fever. This week I thought I was going to lose my mind at some points. He wouldn't let me put him down, he only wanted me. Looking back now, I'm ashamed of myself. I'm ashamed that I take for granted that he's waddling up and down the hall, dragging toys from one room to the other, or spilling milk or cookie crumbs on my freshly mopped floors. He's healthy, so why am I complaining? I hate to admit I watched the clock for nap time. How dare I?  How dare I not want to spend every waking moment listening to their sweet voices? I prayed for these children, and now I pray for nap time?! How absolutely ungrateful do I sound???  These are all questions I've been pondering since I read this story.

Tonight, this mother that I don't even know has reminded me that holding my boys is the most important thing on my to-do list for today, tomorrow, next week, and three months from now. Playing Hi-Ho CherryO for the tenth time is what really matters. Layla's mother dreams of having 'those' days back. Sweet Layla has been diagnosed with cancer, and she is really struggling with it now. This family, like all of us, is not promised tomorrow with Layla. They are living their lives minute by minute, second by second. I'm not promised tomorrow with my boys. I have to live each day as if it were their last. I can still be their "Momma" and have rules, but I must let go of the little things. Their giggles won't sound this way forever. Their cries, won't last forever. The chaotic evenings will soon be a thing of the past. One day I'll stand within these four walls and dream of having the noise, the ruckus, the busyness back in my life. Just moments ago, Carter says, "Daddy, can I just sleep in your room on the floor?  I only have two mommy and daddy days (a.k.a Saturday and Sunday)" I would usually say no, you need to sleep in your room. Not tonight. He's in our room lying on the floor watching Swamp Loggers. If those are the little things that he'll remember, then so be it. Times are changing around here, you here me?!

Lord, forgive me. Forgive me for not enjoying each and every moment that You have given me with Carter and Tucker. Forgive me for wishing days away, or wishing for the peaceful days of my past. Change me Lord, make me into the mother You would have me to be. Let me be a mother that doesn't wish the day away. Teach me to be more compassionate, and understanding on the days when they need me more then most. Thank You for this sweet family that is battling cancer with their young child. Give them comfort, peace, and strength. I pray that You wrap Your loving arms around them and let them know they are not alone. Carry them, may their hearts never lose the joy they've shared with Layla. May their final days with her be peaceful. We don't understand why cancer strikes, Lord, but we know you are in control. I pray that through this little girl that Your love will be shown. I pray that you bless this family even in their extreme time of need. I thank you that I came across their story, because it has changed my heart.   Amen.




I don't have a huge number of followers, but it's not about numbers. God doesn't care how many there are, He just cares that we all come together. I ask each of you that reads this post tonight to keep this dear family in your prayers. I am proof tonight that you do not have to know someone to be touched by their story, or to pray for them. If this story has touched your heart tonight, please visit http://laylagrace.org/   and let the family know you are praying for them.  Thank you!

Friday Follow

I love reading blogs. I love meeting new people, and today I've decided to meet even more new bloggers!  I'm participating in the Friday Follow.  This is a fun way for us to all find new blogs that we enjoy reading, and meeting new followers of our own!  If you are a blog lover, follow the link to Friday Follow and list your blog as well!!!

I look forward to seeing your link there!!! :) If you're visiting from Friday Follow, thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoy your visit and come back soon!!

Happy Friday my dear friends!!!!

Sugar Snails Pottery & Gifts

After much thought, and prayer, my best friend Renee and I have decided to start our own business. We both attended a party several months ago and from there our minds started turning. We tossed this idea back and forth, let it lie for a few weeks and then it would come back up for discussion. I was always more hesitant it seemed then Renee. She's one of those gals that when she gets something in her head, she's going to do it. Well, here we are. It's time for us to introduce Sugar Snails Pottery & Gifts!

We are currently in the process of booking parties. We are looking for local moms with young children to host our parties. Once a party is booked we will come to your home and using your little ones hand and footprints we will create pottery for you to treasure for years to come. We have also decided to offer a line of totes, diaper bags, and purses.

We are both very excited about this new adventure. I hope that you all will take a minute to check out our blog. You can view some of our products there. If you are interested in a bag that you see, you can email us at sugarsnailspg@yahoo.com and we will get that ordered for you!  We pray that God will bless our new adventure! :)

Talk to you all soon!  Let me know what you think!

Chim chimeny chim chim, cheroo!

You know that line, don't you? It's from the movie Mary Poppins?  Oh how I wish I had some of Mary Poppins magical powers some days. If only the quirky little song made all the toys jump up and lead themselves to the toy box. How I'd love to take a walk through the park and jump into a painted picture on the sidewalk and dance to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, oh the fun my children and I would really have!  Oh, and the best would be to fly around on with an umbrella. Beats Jacksonville traffic by a country mile!!  (((Another reason I tend to stay in the country as much as possible))) I almost forgot about the I love to laugh song. That was one of my most favorite parts!


You're probably wondering where I'm going with this. Well, yesterday morning I was scurrying around trying to get my house in order. I was to babysit a friends little girl and I knew with two babies (11 mo. Tucker, and 16 mo. Rylee) that I would have to devote my full attention to them. So I was cleaning up the bathroom, making our bed, and off to start a load of laundry. As I came through the living room Tucker-bear was doing his thing. He wasn't messing with anything and was in his own little world in the corner playing with the books. So, I figured I had enough time to start a load of laundry and fold a load while I was at it. 

I finished folding the load, crossed over the baby gate, only to find my Tucker-bear.... IN THE FIREPLACE!  Well, not really in it but, yeah you know where I'm going. He was sitting on the stone, had opened the door and was having himself a good old time making clouds of ash go everywhere!  SERIOUSLY, this child does not cease to amaze me. I posted earlier this week, he's a w.i.l.d man!!!  His mouth and hands were covered in black smutty grossness! I couldn't do anything but laugh. What had just happened was a clear indication of the past year with Tucker, completely unpredictable!!!! All I could think of was the chimney sweeper from Mary Poppins. 

I couldn't wait to tell my Travis, my mom, and Renee. I figured Travis would think I was nuts, my mom would give Tucker the 'aww, you wouldn't have let Carter do that', and Renee would just give me the 'it happens'. I seriously thought it was funny. Call me irresponsible, call me a bad mom, it's no different then the mom that turns her back for a split second only to find her kid covered in diaper rash cream, or marker, or makeup, or the wall colored five different shades. It was a moment I will not soon forget, probably never. Talk about leaving handprints on the wall... now that my friends would have been a mess!

For those of you that are wondering, he's perfectly fine. A little ash never hurt anyone, although I'm sure my kid's the only one that's played in the fireplace.  :)  Just another unpredictable day on Cow Bird Lane. I'm sure it's just the beginning of days that will try my mothering skills, make me laugh, or make me cry. Bring it on fellas... I'm ready for whatever you have to offer!  

I'm sorry, how old are you?

I'm obviously in a PMS type of mood because everything is on my nerves. Tonight we decided we would go to dinner at Olive Garden. We learned a long time ago that with kids you need to go before it even remotely gets close to bed time to avoid any sort of catastrophe, or melt downs. We arrived at Olive Garden around 5:30.

We were at our table within less then five minutes. Carter was coloring, quietly. Tucker he was gnawing on Travis' cell phone like a mad man. They sat us in one of those rooms off to the side that only has about six tables. I was thinking, why me. Why did they sit me in this closed in room so that it seems like the kids are ten times more loud then they really are?  I have to give the little crumb snatchers credit, they did really, really good!  Of course, Carter had to go to the bathroom. We have this deal that in restaurants and other public places that I always take him because Travis swears that the mens bathrooms are in far worse condition the the women's. I've often wondered how he knows, I mean does he go to women's bathrooms on a regular basis????  So off we went. It wasn't too bad.  Back to the table, we enjoyed our meal and just before we were finished my sweet Carter says, "I've really got to go... now!" That's usually an indication that he really needed to go a few minutes prior but he's just waited too late.

I rushed him back to the bathroom, and of course there is a line. The next stall that came open we went into. A young lady around 19 years old came out. As we went in I was disgusted by the fact that here was a grown woman that had just used the restroom and obviously didn't realize that she peed all over the seat, and floor!! All I could think is, how old was she? Surely she knows that she peed the seat and floor. I mean don't you have to turn around to flush the toilet?  Talk about frustrated, I mean seriously... come on. As the old saying says, "if you sprinkle, when you tinkle... please be sweet and wipe the seat!" We turned out of the stall only to find her, gone. We weren't in there ten seconds, and she's gone! So to my assumption... she didn't wash her hands either. GROSS, GROSS, GROSS!

I was so frustrated, annoyed, angry, and completely blown away that a grown woman would first pee all over the seat, and then walk out and not even wash her hands. You have no idea how badly I wanted to hunt her down in that restaurant and let everyone in the place no she wet the seat AND she did not wash her hands. Again, gross, gross, gross!!!

So my point is this.  Do you sit in pee at home? No. Do you want to sit in pee out and about? OF COURSE NOT! Moral of the story, act your age. Have some respect for the public. Do us all a favor and aim for the hole, if you miss, clean it up. And is it asking to much that you wash your filthy hands?  The world wonders why we have germs everywhere, probably because the person sitting at the table next to you is too cool to wash their hands.

Rant over. Sorry for two in one day. I promise I'll try to kick the crabbiness, but the truth's the truth!
Night!

Tiger, Smiger...

Seriously, I'm so over hearing about Tiger Woods and his affair(s), or whatever else the fuss is about him. Quite frankly I'm tired of hearing about drama with celebrites all together. It frustrates me that the media puts so much attention on these people. Why can't we put attention on people that are really making a difference in the world? I mean when's the last time you heard the news talk about a Christian music artist that held a benefit concert to help feed hungry children in our own nation? What about a newstory about the local pastor that hasn't cheated on his wife of 56 years? Or the local youth group that works monthly to help in the community? These are all positive things that deserve attention but all to often go unnoticed.

I suppose I'm just frustrated that our world feeds on the negativity. Millions of people today waiting to hear what Tiger Woods has to say, when (in my opinion) he should be discussing his issues privately with his wife and family. Apologizing to the world is not going to make things hunky doorey at home. I know if my husband cheated on me I wouldn't want him on the news at noon explaining his actions! His wife deserves respect and privacy.  His press conference came from a golf course near our city. It amazes me that it's so secretive about his location, or his arrival time, but yet he is okay with talking about his personal relationship and marriage with his wife infront of the entire nation? Am I the only one that sees this as absolutley ridiculous?

I'm just voicing my opinion. No, I did not watch the interview. No, I will not pull it up on the local news site or wherever. I'm over it. I'm tired of hearing about it. Rant over... going on now.

Good day.

So sweet and perfect

As you all know about, my friends Amanda and Justin welcomed their sweet boy Brayden into their lives on February 5.  I had the great opportunity of doing his newborn pictures. Just wanted to share them with you all. Tell me this just doesn't make you heart go pitter patter!!!










These three are my favorites from the day.

Mud lover

Carter absolutely, positively, without a shadow of a doubt loves mud puddles. If he sees a mud puddle, I better not turn my back if I don't want him to get in it. Within a matter of minutes, he'll be soaked!


Last Sunday was no different! He found the biggest mud puddle in my Granny's yard and from there it was all about getting wet and making the biggest splash he could! My mom and Granny kept telling me, "he's getting soaked, he's going to catch a cold." My response was, he has on rubber boots he thinks he's invincible so I'm fighting a losing battle.


Sure enough, I lost. He was soaked but he had fun doing it. It's a part of being a kid right? Driving your mom, Nana, and Great-Grandma crazy, it's their purpose in life isn't that what we would say when we were kids? He was soaked from his waste down. He giggled, he splashed and I'm sure if I would have allowed it he would have shown Tucker just what to do!  Next year this time, I'm going to need some serious backup!


While jumping in those puddles on Sunday, I couldn't help but think that my baby was a big boy now. He's on to bigger things, setting out on big adventures in his little world. Five is just a few short months away. I'm ready, but I'm not ready. I heard a quote a while back that said, "every ending is a new beginning!" When I heard that I thought, my chapter of baby years with Carter is ending. The new beginning is going to be just as exciting, adventurous, fun, and filled with his perfect love!

Their are countless mud puddles in my future. Endless amounts of giggle, handprints on the wall, and hugs that I love more each day!  Carter, I love you my little mud lover!!!

Home

There's nothing like going home to moms for a visit. Each time is a joy. The boys love seeing their Nana, Big Granny, and Big Papa. Growing up next door to my grandparents led to many precious memories of my childhood. Warm sunny mornings sitting on my granny's steps, crisp Fall afternoons waiting for Papa to come down the driveway, the trees I climbed, the mud puddles I jumped in, the list goes on and on.


Taking my children back there is no different. They make memories every time we are there. Carter loves climbing the trees, puddle jumping, treasure hunts through the woods, and Big Granny's treats! Sunday I had a newborn session so mom watched the boys for me. When I got back they were on their way to the pond to feed the fish. I grabbed my camera and we had a great time.  Big Papa helped Carter feed the fish. Carter was more anxious to try and get in the water then anything. Tucker well he didn't help feed the fish, he helped feed himself!!! :) Yep, you guessed it, he snagged a slice of bread and was off to bigger and better things... to play in the leaves!  He loves to hear the crackle of the leaves below his feet. He loves a stick and you better watch it because he'll get you the first chance he gets!


We then went on a treasure hunt as Carter calls them, through the woods. There sat the old Coca-Cola truck that's been in those woods for as long as I can remember. We found an old plow wheel, and countless other old things. Walking through those woods just a reminder to me of my roots, my home, my memories. It's a place I will always treasure and hold dear to my heart. On our way back to the house, I spied the old log trailers that my Uncle and Papa once used.



Then I see Papa's plow. My Granny couldn't understand why I would want a picture of those things. I just told her, "because I do." Those things are a part of me just as much as they are my Papa and Uncle. I played on those trailers, I even had turpentine in my hair... momma wasn't real happy about that one! That plow I watched my Papa every spring till up the garden and his enjoyment is something that I now see when I look at that old plow. Knowing that if he had his way, he'd be preparing to get on that tractor in just a few short weeks to yet again plow a garden for his family.



Time has taken over a lot of things of my childhood. Things change for us as we grow older but the circle is still the same. Now my kids are enjoying "home". Carter's giggles and questions to Nana and Big Granny while we're on the treasure hunt are just another memory etched in my mind. I'm grateful that I have a family place to call home. Someplace I can go and always feel welcomed. A place I know that I'm loved. My mom and grandparents will never know how much their company, their friendship, their support, and most importantly their love mean to me.

He's here, he's there, he's EVERYWHERE!!!

Oh, that Tucker-bear. He's so super busy! When I have both the boys here at the house they are four times the busy, then when I have just one. Here I go comparing again, but, when Carter was one we could put him down and he'd occupy himself for at least an hour. He watched Noggin, or a movie, not Tucker. No way, he's having no part of what would help out around here. You know what I'm talking about, sometimes you just need to have thirty minutes to cook, fold some clothes, go to the bathroom for pete's sake. Nope, shadow boy is hot on your trail!

He climbs, Carter didn't. He hides, Carter didn't. He screams, Carter didn't. He naps wonderfully, Carter didn't! I know they aren't the same kid, but could they at least act as if they were related???  Tucker will not sit still for anything. His new favorite thing to do is climb on top of things, under things, through things, doesn't matter to him, he just climbs! He's made his way onto the fireplace, under the kitchen table, he's almost conquered the couch. He climbs into the tub if you let him. He's a monkey. Maybe I should call him Tucker-monkey?!

I was washing dishes the other day and he was quiet. I could hear him babbling, but he was calm. So, no screaming means do what you can while you have a minute! Well, when I came around the bar I heard him babbling and grunting. I couldn't find him. Then, I did... UNDER THE TABLE! We have a large table. It seats 8 people. He had wiggled his way through the chair legs and was standing under the table. So now when we lose him that's the first place we look.  (((Please, don't think badly of me for losing him in our house. It just happens!))) Last Friday he tripped over my feet and hit the a/c return. He had a perfect, round impression of the screw on his forehead for two days! If you look close you can see it in one of the pictures.

He's so spunky. He's his father made over to the naked eye but when you look into the soul of that little redhead, you see me. You see my sassy, my way or no way attitude, but then he gives you that smile that just shines to the world. He's pretty cool for a baby. I think I'll keep him!!! :)

I've been reprimanded!!!

Not really, but it was brought to my attention today that I needed to blog. So, here I am. I've been so very busy lately. I have something exciting to share with you all, but not just yet. No, I am not pregnant!! I've been so busy that I didn't even realize that Tucker's birthday is just weeks away. Very last minute I ordered his party supplies and invites. I am patiently awaiting their arrival today so that I can get them and get the invites addressed and in the mail TODAY! Each year I seem to get more and more behind on things I once had ready weeks prior!

The boys are good. Carter begs every morning in hopes that I won't send him to school. Poor kid, if only he realized this is his 'life' for the next thirteen years!! He's awesome though. He's starting to spell small words, he's recognizing all the letters and pointing them out in the mall, or when he sees the letter of the day on a sign while we are driving. Each day I stand amazed at his awesomeness! Tucker-bear, he's round, he's chubby, he's teething, he's eating us out of house and home!!! We had a visit with the pediatrician this week to check on a rash that he has on his face. I was thinking it was something that only a prescription would heal. We've been using Eucerin lotion but it wasn't helping at all. The doc says it's drool rash and to add some aquaphor lotion with the Eucerin. Sure enough, after two applications, he's looking much better already! Tooth number nine made it's way through the skin last Saturday. The others won't be long.

Travis is busy, busy with his new cow expedition he's on. He just purchased 130 cows from Papa and each week he goes to the sale in search of more. He's at home with those cows, if only they would clean up after him! :)  I'm proud of him. He's doing what he loves, he's enjoying it and you can tell by his actions. He seems calmer, more content. Nothing like finding something you love and sticking with it!

I wish I could make his hair look like this all the time, I LOVE IT!!!

Did I mention my house looks like it's not been cleaned in days, I mean weeks? I keep waiting for that merry maid to knock on the door but they want me to pay them! Huh, that's not going to happen, cause I sure as heck don't get paid for my cleaning around here! What makes them think they are so special? Well, this post is just to hold you over until I get all the pictures loaded for the other posts. And to my two friends that snapped me back into blog world... thanks! Love you gals, keep me on my toes!!!

Secret code

A long time ago when Travis and I were still dating, I started this little thing where I would squeeze his hand, or pat his back, or bat my eyelashes three times. He knew that those three squeezes, pats, or bat of my eyelashes meant, I LOVE YOU. I started doing this same thing with Carter about a year ago. Bless his soul he would try to do it back but would just squeeze as hard as he could!  This morning, he climbed into our bed and pulled my arm around him. He put that soft little chubby hand in mine and I squeezed it three times. To my surprise, he squeezed back three times! I can't begin to explain to you the big smile it put on my face and the warmth in my heart.

Having boys I realize that when they are older they most likely will not want to say I love you to me in front of their buddies, or if I'm dropping them off at school. I secretly hope they will never be 'ashamed' of their momma, but come on we've all been there. You know, too cool to tell your parents that you really do love them. I'm just glad that we have a secret code to let each other know. There are some days I probably tell the boys I love them fifty times or more. I think they need to know that I really, really love them. So with the love holiday approaching this weekend, remember to love on those babies too!!!

Happy Friday my friends!
L.o.v.e

What about this cutie????

Carter has always been a fun, cheerful kid. As we creep closer and closer to the big 5 in August, he actually amazes me more. He's becoming his own little independent little man. He thinks he's grown. Give him a herd of cows, and he's going to tell you he knows what to do with them. Ask him to clean his room and he's going to tell you he needs your help. So go figure. 

His giggle is still one that when I hear it, it's contagious. His little mind so full of questions, yet so full of knowledge. How is that? He is truly amazing. Everyday he amazes me with some out of this world comment. He's awesome with Tucker, and I love to see them play together. Tucker adores him, as do most people that meet him. He just has this spirit about him that is a joy. 

I sometimes look at him at the end of the day and just stand there. I wonder where did the day go, where did my little Carter go. I contemplate finding some way to stop time, but I know I can't. I just have to hold on, embrace the days that lie ahead, and trust and know that God is molding this precious child into something amazing. He has a heart like no other child I have ever met. He is compassionate, he's loving, and he loves Jesus at the tender age of 4. 

I love this kid. I love him dearly, even on the days I wonder how we're going to make it past lunchtime... he's still awesome. His smile makes even the most miserable day better!  Just look at that smile, and those eyes... wouldn't you smile if he was looking at you? 

This last one is for my friend Kari. Do you see how far I am outside of my comfort zone? He's standing on top of the car, and I wasn't freaking... I'm making progress!!! :) I kept telling myself it's only a few feet off the ground, it's not the end of the world, quit being so over protective!!!  Now, Kari... quit laughing at me! 

Carter, thank you sweet child. Thank you for your laughter, for your pure, innocent spirit. You are my heart, and I love you so very much!!  love... momma