Shadow

He looks just like him. He acts, smiles, and grins just like him. I'm talking about Tucker. He couldn't be anymore Travis if I tried to make him. This little boy is a sport now. He was bound and determined that he was going to help Travis with our garden.


I know I say it probably way to much, but how can children grow so quickly? It's like you wake up one day and the child they were yesterday is a thing of the past. They're into new things, they're saying new stuff, they just amaze me. It never ceases to amaze me at how well they are at mimicking our every move. Think about that, that's a deep thought. We must be great examples for our little shadows or we could lead them the wrong way.


It is my prayer that God will allow the words of my mouth to be kind, the steps of my feet slow and steady. May I always think before I act so that my shadows will learn to live in love, and peace. I'm just human and I make mistakes, but I can do my best each day to better them as they grow.

Field to the Hill 2011

Travis and I are members of the Florida Farm Bureau. In May, we had the opportunity to represent our county in Washington, D.C. for the annual field to the hill meeting. We packed up and headed north with four other Farm Bureau members. When we arrived in D.C. we headed to the hotel to drop our stuff and then it was out to do some sight seeing.



The buildings were beautiful. I enjoyed our visit to D.C., but I'm certain that D.C. is not the place for this country girl. Give me dirt roads, small towns, and the peace and quiet we have here on Cow Bird Lane. The lifestyle in D.C. is fast passed, go-go-go, and I really don't think the people ever sleep. I've never been on the Metro, or a subway. Wow. You either pay attention, or you get left. That's it, end of story. As Thomas and I learned, you have to watch the map and make certain of where you need to get off or you'll ride the metro for a good 15 minutes that you didn't need to ride!  Good thing we had T-rav with us!


We visited China town, the local Target which by the way is two stories, and it's nothing like what we have here at home. Oh, and if you buy something don't think they'll just bag it for you. Oh no, get ready to pay for that bag!  Sure enough.  China town, again... not my cup of tea. Travis and Thomas were ready to eat at the first little restaurant we came too. Me, not so much. I wanted something I knew what it was. We settled for a burger joint that was delish!



Overall, we had a fun time in D.C. We met with our congressman, walked through some tunnel that you were not supposed to go through unless you were escorted by someone of much higher authority, oops!  We ate at some great little restaurants, but most important to me was visiting the site where our friend Casey Watters was laid to rest in Arlington.


Let me just say what a humbling experience this was. Travis and I opted to view Arlington for ourselves. We did not take a tour, we walked down the quiet streets to the place where Casey rests in peace. As we came closer, I could feel the emotions stirring inside of me. A thankfulness, sadness, and then the thought of how many young men and women have laid their lives down for our country. I've watched movies, documentaries, read books and saw countless pictures of this place, Arlington. Not one of them can hold a candle to the emotions you will feel as you stand and look for as far as the eye can see of the white headstones. Humbling is truly the only way I can describe it. I felt a tear trickle down my cheek as I stood to the side of Casey's grave.


I stood in silence. Thankful for Casey, his life, and the bravery he showed our country. Thankful that I had the chance to meet him, his family and I prayed that God would comfort his family as I'm sure they miss him each and every day. We started our walk back to the main building when we looked to our right and there on the hill was a horse drawn carriage. A family, dressed in black walked behind the carriage. Atop the carriage was a casket covered with our American flag. We stopped in respect of this soldier. As if viewing Arlington wasn't enough to speak to you but to watch a service underway really spoke to my heart. We would not have the freedom we have it weren't for the many soldiers that rest in peace in Arlington, and the ones that are on the front lines of battle this very moment. I must say that visiting Arlington was by farm my most favorite part of the trip. It touched me in more ways than one.

Kindergarten Field Day

Kindergarten was filled with super fun days! Carter always enjoyed going, he never complained, and he always looked forward to P.E. day. When he found out there would be a field day he was on cloud nine! He ran in four of the races and did his very best. The determination on his face was too cute.  The even started off with the Cha Cha Slide. Carter LOVES to dance, and the Cha Cha Slide is one of his favorites!


As I stood on the sideline before one of the races, I looked over to see him and two other classmates placing their hands on top of each other. I smiled from ear to ear, they were a team! They ran as fast as they could and although they didn't win, they were still winners. You couldn't wipe the smiles from their faces.






Tucker was doing his own stunts that day, pole climbing with Papa Donnie!

Puddle Jumpers

The boys are truly growing quicker than I ever dreamed possible. It seems like we were just playing outside while Tucker looked on from his bouncy seat. Now he's bouncing right along with Carter. Everything Carter does, Tucker does. If Carter says it, Tucker says it. There really is a bond between these two little boys that blesses my heart each and every day.


A few rain showers passed through our area and what do boys do? Boys find the mud. Big boys, and little boys.  When I looked out from the back porch I saw Carter making his way towards the biggest puddle he could find. It was just mere seconds and Tucker was hot on his trail. Moments later, Travis joined in the fun.  Their giggles still ring in my ear. I really don't know who was having the most fun. The boys, Travis, or me as I watched on. It's moments like these that I hear God telling me to take it in, embrace it, and forget the possible stained clothes or the fact that the sun is setting and bedtime awaits. This is the moment.



Mud was flying, giggles coming from both of the boys, Travis speeding around on the four-wheeler (dangerous... well, you know), and me just standing there in the driest spot I could find. Secretly, I was hoping that they would not even think about getting me as dirty as they were!


They weren't happy when the mud party was over, but that's how the cookie crumbles. I believe that they would go to bed dirty if I would let them. Must be a boy thing.



I sure do love these muddy fellows!!

Tucker Tuesday...

What do I say? I've been lost in the moments of summer. I kept telling myself, 'you need to blog, you need to blog', it never happened. But, here I am and what a better way to start than with this adorable little face. It's Tuesday, so in our world, it's Tucker Tuesday!