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~

Newest member...

This morning we were scheduled for an ultrasound. Carter was very excited to go see the baby! He asked several times, "how will I see the baby?" We explained that it would be on a big t.v. screen and we were going to see if we could tell him if it was a boy or girl. He was very persistent, as he has been that it would be a girl.

The tech started the ultrasound, and what a relief to see our little one moving around inside. I was anxious, nervous, and ready to know what it would be. The little stinker decided it would be a tad bit on the stubborn side and just sit still. The umbilical cord would get in the way, and each time I would think I could tell, the tech would say nope can't tell yet. Talk about anticipation! The room was full of family and they were all making their predictions. I pretty much just laid there quietly, not moving my eyes from that screen. Those that have ever had an ultrasound know, that if you aren't looking, your one and only chance to tell, could be missed for that day! Everything looked to be fine. Healthy heartbeat, 150 bpm, and beautiful little hands and feet. BUT WHAT IS IT?!

Our appointment was to be only for 20 minutes. They tech was so kind, and determined to have me walk away from there knowing what we were expecting. I finally asked if I were to drink some soda would that help move things around. She agreed, and I immediately sent my sister to her car to get me a soda. Three or four sips later, BAM! movement!!! :) My hope, and anticipation soared. I was biting my lip, shaking my leg and waiting, waiting, waiting! Finally, the tech said, "do you see that?" The flood gates opened as I said, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" I was a tad bit of an emotional wreck for a minute or two!! How exciting to know that we will not be the parents to just one precious child, a boy.... but TWO boys!!!!!



I am thrilled. I have hoped and prayed for a boy, and once again, God has answered my prayers. Do we have a name....no not yet. Yes, I know...I'm quite the planner and I know it is a shock to some of you that know just what a planner I am. I, we, honestly have no clue what this little munchkin will be called. Any suggestions?! I obviously need help, LOL!

15 weeks...

Week 15, already? Some days it feels like I just started this pregnancy journey, other days I think whoa! that far already? It amazes me how pregnancy can be so different. With Carter, it was smooth sailing from day one. This time, that's not the case. :) I have been sick since I think about week 6. The most common foods make me nauseous and things I love on a 'normal' day are now things I can't stand. For example, I love, love, love Dr. Pepper or Mr. Pibb. Since becoming pregnant I can't stand the taste of either and prefer Coke which I've NEVER liked. I also have this new found love for coffee, which umm, hello... pregnant women are supposed to limit there caffeine intake not increase it with a cup of joe, LOL!!!

The road has been a rocky one to start, but prayerfully God will let this nausea pass soon! Looking forward to finding out what this little peanut is and starting the homestretch of this pregnancy. We have an ultrasound in a few days to try and get a sneak peek, boy or girl? I'm crossing my fingers for another boy!!!!

Until next time... Jen

Coming home!

So this past weekend, I loaded myself and Carter into the truck with my Dad and it was off to Panama City!! Carter loved Panama City the last time we visited and was super excited to be going again. My sister moved there the beginning of this year, and is now headed back home! We are all super excited that she will once again be so close to home. You never really realize how much you miss seeing someone or hanging out with them, until they aren't around.

We started out around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning and we should have been there within about 5 hours, given we would have to make the lovely potty breaks! :) Well, what should have been 5 hours turned into what seemed like eternity! Dad, bless his heart, drove so super slow. Lucky for me though, Carter took himself a much needed nap around 10ish, and woke up as we turned off the interstate onto the homestretch to Panama City.

Once we arrived, Aunt "Caca" (that's Carter's name for Jessica), was waiting for us. We headed out to get some lunch and then drove around the town one last time! Carter had to go by and see the beach. We didn't dare take him out of the truck, not with hurricane Ike making his way to land, the water was way to choppy for a, well my three year old to even remotely get close! So, we looked from the road and bid farewell!

Packing my sisters belongings is becoming a family tradition! **Jessica, if you are reading this, you know that is said with no hard feelings at all!** As I watched my Dad and sister pack the majority of her things ever so neatly into the trailer, I couldn't help but think that regardless of how cooky my Dad is at times, and how sometimes he drives me absolutely mad, that his children are one of his upmost priorities. He takes pride in helping us, and although he would never admit it, he is SO glad that his baby girl is headed home. Although he would also never admit that he hopes she doesn't move again for QUITE some time!!! I didn't help with the big stuff, but I did vacuum the floors....give me some credit, please! :) So after 'they' did the packing, and I the 'supervising' we decided we should head out for dinner. We dined at one of our favorites, Outback! Carter was out cold before our dinner ever made it to the table. Jessica & myself weren't too far behind him once we arrived back to her apartment! We were all exhausted. Sunday morning, it was time to head out. So, with each and every little thing she owned, we packed our things and headed east. It was sad to leave her behind, but she'll be home soon enough. Carter and I are supposed to be baking a cake for her arrival! That should be interesting!! :)

I'm glad my sister is coming home. She's the first of our family to ever move away and granted Panama City is not that far, it is when you want to just have dinner, or go to a movie. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for her next. Her journey always proves to be an exciting one! The road trip/operation: Bring Jessica Home, was an interesting one. Since I've not been on a road trip with my father since I was probably 10....let's just say, it took us quite some time to get home. Who drives the back roads when there is an interstate??? That one, I'll probably question for years to come. Regardless that we didn't take the route I would have home, it was a trip I'll always remember.

I love you Caca.... hurry home, BUT without any run ins with the law, LOL! :)

God made me...

Today is Tuesday, Carter is at school as usual. On the way to school, we always talk about what he might learn or do during the day. When you ask him, "what did you learn today?" He usually responds with something, like, "God, played with my friends, sing songs". He goes to a local, Christian preschool that he has come to love very much. It blesses my heart to hear my little boy come home and sing songs about God, or tell me that God made the sun, the grass, the dogs. :) This morning, I was asking him all the things that God made, and the answer each time was, "God made me!" I can't begin to explain to you how very precious that statement is to me. I am forever grateful that God chose me to be this sweet little boys momma. I pray that he will grow up and know how very important it is to have a close relationship with God and to live a life for God.

God made me, and you, and we should choose each day to see the blessings such as the sun, and the birds, and the little things that our little ones point out to us that we all to often take for granted.

God bless!

Music to my ears

Pregnant. That's a statement all by itself, isn't it? I mean along with pregnancy comes emotions, changes, different sizes (and oh can they get ugly!), love one food yet hate another, that you actually loved weeks ago. It's all just a very small price to pay, to end up with the joy you get in 9 months. Unexplainable joy, I might add. I'm 11 weeks 5 days into this pregnancy today. It's been a slow start, a queasy start, but a start none the less. Everything, everyone has to start somewhere, right?

I don't know why but this pregnancy I've been more hesitant about things. I guess maybe I know to much, and we all know that can be a bad thing. Anywho, I had my first ultrasound at 6weeks 4 days, which is very early. We saw the heartbeat, but to say we saw the baby well, if you can tell that's a baby from the ultrasound more power to you! Regardless, I've had the sickness, I've had the food aversions, the nose of a blood hound all the things that kicked in with Carter well they are here now too. I've had the normal "mommy" worries of whether everything is going as it should, is the heartbeat steady and strong, will this be a successful pregnancy. Gloomy thoughts I know, but anyone that has ever been pregnant I'm sure can say they've had similar thoughts.

By this point with Carter, I had heard his heartbeat numerous times, had an ultrasound and since I worked in the OB office I could pretty much hear the little thump thump whenever I pleased. This go around I don't have that luxury. I had the ultrasound, but since that was at 6 weeks, to hear it from the outside was impossible. At my 9 week appointment, we tried but no luck. So, I've patiently awaited todays appointment and wondered, would today be the day? There is just something about hearing that little thump that gives an expecting mother a peace, and a joy. Carter was with me as we waited for the doctor and when she came in, it was time. To hear the little one or not? That was the question. Carter watched very closely to see what this doctor was doing to his mommy. He's very protective for a three year old. It didn't take but just a few seconds to locate that little beat, that precious noise. As I smiled, and sighed with relief, Carter jumped down out of his chair and ran behind the table I was on and covered his ears saying, "I don't like it, I don't like it!" He doesn't like loud noises and it was a little loud on the doppler. What a special, special moment. To have one miracle, standing beside me and know that another is growing inside me filled me with complete joy & contentment.

I could listen to the little beat of my baby everyday and each time it would still bring a smile to my face. It is a peace, it is a comfort, it is forever etched in my mind. I am so grateful for this pregnancy, this child, this moment in my life and the many, many memories that lie ahead for me and my precious little family. Thank you Lord for your many, many blessings in my life. Today will definitely be a day I'll remember!!!

~Jen~

Goodbye Fay, nice knowing ya!

Tropical storm Fay that had her drenching way with so many Floridians is passed over Jacksonville now, and headed out into the panhandle. God Bless you all! :) The storm wasn't the worse we've seen as far as wind, but my goodness at the rain! It's heartbreaking to see so many homes being overtaken by the water. We knew we were to expect a lot of rain but even with 4 back to back hurricanes that blew through a few years back, we didn't get this much flooding. We were so stir crazy by Friday morning, that regardless of the storm just 'getting to us', we had to get out of the house.

We went to check on our new house that we are building. Water, it was EVERYWHERE! Yeah, sure I knew it would be but to drive up and see that we have a second pond, whoa! As we got farther down the road, we noticed that midway down the driveway it was a little wet. Wet enough to wash out the road. Bad thing was, the rain wasn't letting up the worst was yet to come. We drove around the hole that was starting and went to check on the inside of the house. The wind had blown the wrap on the outside of the house away and the backdoor was thrown open and rain & wind was steady pouring in. We jumped out to check the damage, and the walls were wet, and the ceiling was wet in a few places. The kitchen was probably the worst hit. Not terribly bad, but enough that it will have to be fixed.


The rain continues to pour. We've been without power for 12-13 hours by this point. To say that we have cabin fever, or that we are stir crazy doesn't even begin to explain our current mind set. Thankfully we weren't impacted as bad as some. We just have a very, very wet yard but the water isn't really standing but in the lowest part on the back. People down the road, not even 5 miles are scurrying to get their belongings up off the ground as the water is headed into their homes. People with livestock can't even get their animals to safety. There were cows & sheep just standing on what looked like an island in the middle of the yard. To see all of this made me think back to Hurricane Katrina. We weren't by any means affected like the people of New Orleans were and it breaks my heart just to see the destruction here, I can only imagine the shock they were in.

I'm glad to see Fay gone from here. She is quite the mess maker. I hope that we get a break from the rain, soon! And I pray for all the families that are still out of power, and are facing the water at their front doors.

Happy Birthday Carter!

As the day comes to an end, and I think back to three years ago I'm once again filled with every emotion possible. The greatest gift God has sent into my life is 3 today. Today he wanted to go to school rather then spend the day with momma. How could I help but smile that he is wanting to spread his own little wings?! When he came home from school, there were more presents waiting for him, and is still asking where are the other presents? :) We had his favorite dinner, burritos & tacos from our local Mexican resteraunt and then it was off to see the cows at our new place. He's had a day filled with fun, as each and every day is for him!

The time has flown, and it feels like just yesterday that we were bringing him home & starting this big new journey. From each little milestone he never ceases to amaze me. Each day is a new adventure, a new memory, a new reason to smile, and most of all a reminder of how truly blessed that I am. I'm so grateful that I have a child that is healthy, smart, funny, loving, caring, & so completely perfect. He has shown me the true meaning of life and how precious each and every moment is and how it should be cherished. I pray God continues to bless him, and watch over him as he grows. I hope that in someway this will be a day he remembers!




To my little cowboy,

I thank God for each day I get to wake up to your smiling face. Your inquisitive little mind, your forgiving spirit, and your loving arms. You are the greatest little three year old I could have ever asked for. I hope and pray that you continue to grow strong, and remember how very much I love you. You hold a very special place in my heart. Happy Birthday cowboy! Yee-haw! :)

All my love,
momma.

Who needs a pool?

So, on Wednesday it was so stinking hot here that being outside for just a minute would make you sweat like a pig! I was on kitchen duty after dinner, while Travis & Carter man headed outside to play. Since I was actually feeling well, and not so completely nauseous that I couldn't move I did some extra cleaning while the house was quiet. About 30 minutes had passed and it was time for me to join my boys outside in the lovely Florida heat. As I headed out the backdoor, I look out and this is what I see.



My son was swimming in a water trough! I couldn't believe it, all I could do was just smile and shake my head. Carter was having the best time. It's funny how kids are so carefree, and are up for anything. Of course, Tater Porter & Cowboy (our two pups) were up for the adventure as well! I couldn't help but think as I watched him play in that water trough, how it's the little simple moments like these that we must cherish as memories! Then there is also the thought of how many other people let their kids swim in a water trough?!




Hmmm...let's just stick with the fun thought of a day I'll remember!

And then there were FOUR!

So, I'm late at posting this. I've not been feeling my best lately. We found out on July 1, that we, well I, am expecting our 2nd child! I am due March 11, 2009. We have had our first ultrasound at 7 weeks and everything seem to be going as planned. We saw a healthy heartbeat, and can't wait for another ultrasound to see the baby growing bigger. Carter is excited, he doesn't understand why he can't see the baby. He tries shinning a light into my belly button to see if he can see the baby. It's too cute.

I have mixed emotions about all of this. Yes, it was planned but I'm just anxious, more scared then I was last time for some reason. I can't wait to find out if the little one is a boy or girl. What bedding will I pick out, what will the name be, how will I handle two...I can barely handle one?! :) As God has taught me in the last year, be patient and He will see me through.

So, not only do we have a new member to the family which is great news. We are also building our new home. It was scheduled to be ready in December but things seem to be coming along a little quicker then expected. We haven't been given an exact move in date, but we are hoping maybe late October?! How exciting, new house, new baby?! That leads me to this, God is so good to me and my family. He pours out His blessings each and everyday to us. If you stop and listen, or even look around His blessings are there waiting for us to see. I am so grateful for each and every aspect of my life. I am blessed to have such a loving, supportive, hardworking husband. I have a healthy, almost, three year old, and another precious life growing inside of me. I can't wait to share this little one with the world, and for us to be a family of FOUR!!!

~jen~