Daily rush

This morning was no different than any other morning. Oversleep, jump up, rush to the kitchen, let the dog out, beg the boys to get up, pour the cereal and milk, beg them to eat, yadda, yadda, yadda. You know how it goes, we've all been there. This morning I had some checks and what not that I had to get to the bank. That added to my already stressful state of mind. As I sat in the dark, writing out deposit slips, the orangeish glow from the bathroom lit up the room where I was. There was Carter, brushing his teeth. By no means has he inherited my rushed, go-go-go personality. He moves at a turtles pace most of the time. I sat there thinking, son, please hurry up. For whatever reason, I refrained from giving him a pep talk and just let him do his thing. I'm so glad I did because about a minute or so into it, I heard him start singing, "Oh, how I love Jesus... Oh, how I love Jesus!" then I heard the sound of teeth being brushed, then a nice fat spit into the sink followed by, "Oh, how I love Jesus!" In the chaos of a school morning, God used my sweet boy to bless me. I truly do believe my heart smiled at that moment. What a sweet reminder that today is from God, each moment a blessing.

We hurried on to school. He was all smiles, as he typically is. As I watched him walk away I thought to myself, oh, what will he become, will he always have that joy, a song in his heart? I pray that he never loses the cheerfulness he has today. When I returned home I did my bible study for the morning and it was Ephesians 6:7-8, "with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord..." We have the opportunity each and every day to bless someone. Being of goodwill and with a good attitude we can change our outlook and that of others. I was grateful that my six year old reminded me before 7:30 a.m., that our lives are a blessing. Whether we're at school, work, or at home working with our small children all things should be done whole heartedly and for the glory of God.

Livestock Auction

Every Monday and Wednesday, Travis loads up and heads out to the livestock auctions nearby. Carter was off from school so we decided we'd go along for the trip. If you've never been to a livestock auction, let me explain it to you. Our auction consists of lunch, a front row seat, and an aroma that you will never forget.

Travis has fond memories of these auctions from when he was Carter's age. Carter is making those same memories. Like his Daddy, he thoroughly enjoys the fried chicken, corn, mashed potatoes and biscuits they serve each week for lunch.

Yep, I did it. I caught him... then he caught me catching him!

After lunch, they walk the "board walk" as I call it, to view the livestock that will be auctioned off that day. There's a lot going on behind the scenes of an auction that I had never taken into account before. Each cow/bull/yearling is placed in the appropriate area and they have quite the system when it comes to sending these cows through the arena.

After they looked things over it was off to our front row seats. Then, the buying begins. I'd be lying if I said I didn't contemplate scratching my nose or stretching my arms. Granted I didn't have a white card in my hand, I still fear they'll think I'm wanting to buy and let's just be honest.... I have no clue!

Carter sits anxiously on his seat waiting for Travis to nod his head, or lift his buyers card. Nothing. No lift of the card, no nod of the head. Poor kid is completely disappointed. He can't seem to understand that you don't have to buy each time you go to the sale. He thinks, like his momma does when she shops, you HAVE to come home with something, right?!  Good thing he's a cow shopper and not mall shopper!!!


The day winds down and we head home. It's back to the farm with the cows and donkeys we go. There's no place like home, that's for sure!!!  I thoroughly enjoyed my day with two of my fellas. Can't wait until little T is old enough to sit through it.

He's a character

These pictures say it all. He's a bit theatrical.  I promise, all the drama comes from T-rav's genes, not mine. It's all from their Pappy!  Ha!















As for Tucker, he's a bit more serious. Not quite as dramatic as his momma brother tends to be on occasion! I promise when I say the dramatic stuff comes straight from their Daddy!

Carter turns SIX!

Six. Six fun, exciting, heart warming, blessed years. A giggle that is unmistakable, eyes that still sparkle as bright as they did when he was a baby. He has such a sweet spirit and always wants to please us. He loves playing in the dirt, singing at the top of his lungs, watching livestock auctions and Call of the Wild man-"WOO HOO, Live action!"

I sound like my mom when I say, it seems like just yesterday that we were watching him learn to walk. I look at pictures over the past few months and all the baby-ness of his little face is disappearing. The chubby cheeks, the tiny hands and feet, all but a sweet memory in my mind now.

Your first born always holds a sweet spot in your heart. They're the one that teaches you that you can love something on this earth more than life itself. If your not a mother yet, or a dad, you really don't understand what true love is about. He's made us proud from day one and continues to do so with each day that passes.

I love his sweet hugs that come out of the middle of nowhere. I truly believe that his giggle will be what always makes me smile. He has such an amazing outlook on each day. As most kids do, he sees it as fun. Find the adventure, make the moment, enjoy. Again, I learn from him.

For his birthday, we celebrated with family at the bowling alley. To say that he had fun is a complete and utter understatement. He thoroughly enjoyed himself. Of course, there was that giggle. He's a tad bit competitive but that's okay. He had a transformer birthday cake and ribs from Cross Creek. I do believe he received every transformer on the market.

When I tuck my babies in bed on the night of their birthday, I can't help but be extra grateful for the sweet year the Lord has given us with this child. It is my prayer that God will continue to bless Carter's life. I pray that in all ways He will seek God first. May his life be filled with the joy, happiness, contentment and love that it is right now. I pray that he grows up to love God with all of him. It is my duty as a momma to teach him the love of Christ. Although I may fail from day to day, I pray that he will one day look back and remember that I taught him to love Jesus and honor Him.

Carter-bug, I love you more than you will ever understand. I love your eagerness to learn. Your forgiving heart is so tender and sweet. You bring sunshine to our cloudy days and excitement to the boring ones. Your giggle is music to my ears. May your life be all you ever dream of. Make your dreams come true and don't settle for less than you deserve. If you dream it, chase it. Remember, always, that your momma is on your side and cheering you on each step of the way. Love Jesus, love others, and share your joy with everyone. Sweet blessings and all my love to you!  xoxo-Momma.

Welcome to First Grade

Exactly how did I go and get myself a first grader? Seriously, is he really old enough to be in first grade? It's true, it's very, very true. As the day drew closer for school to start, Carter begged to ride the bus to school. I couldn't bare the thought so he still rides with me. However, I do let him ride in the afternoons. Baby steps, right?

Day one of this new adventure started with smiles and his favorite, Lucky Charms. Not necessarily the best breakfast in the world but it's what he wanted. Is it normal for momma's to get a little choked up as these milestones pass? Life as a mother is so bittersweet. I love seeing him learn new things and growing but I really do wish there was some way I could bottle up the littleness of him.

After the routine first day of school pictures, we were off to school. He was grinning from ear to ear. He definitely is not shy. He was roaring to go!  School started back a few days before his birthday. Typically it starts right after his birthday. He was super excited that for once he'd get to be the kid in class celebrating his birthday. That Friday he proudly wore his birthday boy shirt and we celebrated with cupcakes.

The school year is well underway now (I'm blogging in February 2012... so far behind). Carter is doing great and loving every minute. He reads like a champ!! They have an Accelerated Reading (A.R.) program at his school and I'm proud to say he's in the top five for his class!!  Way to go, Carter-bug!! He's in the walk-run club and will be running in the Gate River Run this Spring. Super exciting.

He also ran his first race back in the winter. It was just over a mile and he finished strong with Travis at his side.

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!

He's going to hate me for this

I asked Carter to go out and feed Cowboy.  He had already taken a bath and was in his jammers (better known as his under-roos and t-shirt), but he ran out the back door looked for some shoes and as I saw him walk off the back porch I knew I had to grab my camera immediately to get his picture.  When I made it to the barn, he was coming out the door. He looked at me and tilted his head to the side and said, "where are you going to put these pictures?"  Does he know me, or what?!

Just look at his face, he knows he's doomed! 

He's so funny!

God love him, I just couldn't resist.  He's such a good sport. I just hope he remembers the laughs we had when his future girlfriends/wife see this photo one day!!!  I love you Carter, thanks for being such a fun kid!

Lesson learned.

When you leave your children in the care of their Uncle, don't always trust that things will stay in order.  Easter Sunday we left the children in the care of the men for just a moment and this is what happened.
Note, Tucker's wearing that same "my parents are exhausted" shirt!  It seems to be our motto!






All good times come to an end.


Only the love of a Nana could love this mess!


My lesson learned, watch the kids yourself if you don't want to clean up mud!

Big Boy now

His smile and giggle are a true indication of how sweet and wonderful Carter is.  His giggle is simply contagious and his smile is ever so sweet.

At Carter's last dental visit I mentioned that he had been complaining of pain with his bottom front tooth. The assistant told me she'd mention it to the dentist and let me know. When he came out from his cleaning the assistant informed me that he was having pain but it wasn't caused by a cavity. The culprit was... my baby would soon be losing that little baby tooth. I know, I know... I'm a crazy nut, but I seriously teared up at the thought of that little tooth falling out.  I managed to keep my composure in the office but deep down inside this little tooth was causing me much sadness.


For nothing would Carter wiggle that tooth to aid it's way out of his head. I was okay with it until he complained so much about it hurting and the new, big boy tooth was already breaking the skin behind this little tooth.  I finally explained to him that it had to go. That little tooth need him to help him get out.


Finally on April 6, 2011, I peeked in on him while he was watching cartoons in his room. I caught him wiggling that little tooth.  When I jumped up on the bed to see the flood gates opened. Poor guy was so terrified to take that little tooth out. For the life of me I couldn't understand how he could be so afraid.  Travis soon joined us and we both tried to explain that it wouldn't hurt.

He finally fessed up told us, "but it's going to bleed!" I laughed and told him that sure it was going to bleed but that wasn't so bad. I told him we could get a wash cloth and wet it to help with the bleeding. That's all it took. He jumped down out of that bed, and off to the bathroom he went.  He wiggled, he turned, he sniffled, complained a bit more and then all of a sudden I hear him say gasp, "Ooh, Momma!  It's out!"

He held that tooth between his tiny fingers and just stared. His eyes were huge!!  It did bleed a little bit but he was okay with it. He was too amazed that he had finally pulled that little fella out of there! There he stood with that now toothless smile.  Again, I need no one to remind me of what a mush I am, but I couldn't help but tear up.  We had moved on from the days of a paci (or a pipe, as he called it), diapers were long gone, sippy cups were tossed and the only thing that kept my baby a baby was no gone.  He was officially a big boy, doing big boy things.


As I look at his little smile now with that gap, I can't help but smile and remember the road to getting that little tooth out.  Now the one that once lived next door is loose and we're heading down the same path. Cart's thought is this, "it'll come out when it's good and ready momma.  I'll just wiggle it every once and awhile."  Oh how I love this sweet child.