Tea time for Tucker

What kid doesn't get special treatment when they go to Nana's? My boys are no exception to that rule. My mom, Nana, and Travis' mom, Granny, always make the boys feel super extra special. One weekend they stayed with Nana and when I came to pick them up they were having "tea time". Their tea was white, better known as milk but they were having a blast. Watching Tucker dip his tiny little hand into that little white cup was the cutest thing. Carter's hand was borderline too big.






This little kiddo is always doing things that are so darn cute. He is the sneakiest of sneaky snakes though! He's like the saying, "here one minute, gone the next!" All kids move at lightning speed but Tucker could have them all beat. Once again, I found him on the front porch playing guitar for the cows. Precious, just absolutely precious.





God love him!

Summer Waves, Jekyll Island, Georiga

We took a little vacation to Jekyll Island, Georgia this past summer. The boys had a blast. The water park, Summer Waves was a huge hit. Catching little crabs was also a big highlight. Having a few days of down time to just enjoy each others company and make memories with the boys was totally worth it. When you get away from home, even for three days, you realize how busy your life really is.

We enjoyed time in the pool, walking on the beach, but the water park was probably everyones favorite. I was sure Tucker would be a bit hesitant at first. Wrong!  He was all about the water slide. Loved it, believe it or not! Again, and again, and again. It's all he wanted to do!




The big slides were Carter's favorite. Oh, and how could I forget the big splash bucket?! I think they would have stayed there all day under that thing.

Luckily, Granny Pullet helped keep Tucker on his feet. There was so much force behind that thing it would have knocked the poor guy out! All the adults took their turn down the twisty, turny, slide.











We made a late night trip to Dairy Queen for ice cream. I think everyone else that was on vacation had the exact same idea. Sugar high is what we left with. A truck load of little children hyped up like you wouldn't believe.



All in all, we had a great time. Looking forward to sunny, warm weather so we can do it all again!!!

Rain, Rain... it's time to play!

Rainy days are begged for right now in our area.  It is so dry and dusty I almost feel like we live in the dessert.  We've had a few showers that lasted for just a few short minutes but nothing that's really kept us in doors for the day.

Several, and I do mean several weeks ago we had a nice day of clouds, rain, and indoor fun. While Carter was at school, Tucker managed to move every chair in our kitchen to just where he wanted them.  From there he lined up all his furry friends to watch morning toons with him. It was seriously one of the cutest things I've ever seen!!


We picked up Carter and the gloom of the day continued to keep us in. Stir craziness set in really quick, as it does with most two and five year olds. Carter continued to complain of being bored and Tucker just wanted Carter to play.  So, I gave them a large tupperware bin and from there I went from having a boat in my living room to a pirate ship!



Oh the giggles that were made this gloomy afternoon. I often wonder if the boys will remember days like this when they are older.  Maybe by reading this it will spark their memory.  However, it will always warm my heart and soul.

"Old times..."

There's an old wooden house built by his hands. The house I begged to stay the night at. The house that welcomed me so many countless afternoons as I ran from the chores of my house.  It was the place I ran too when I was getting into trouble.  The house that welcomed anyone and everyone.  A table that you are always welcome to sit down and make yourself at home. If they have something you need, you can guarantee they'll make it yours. This place is the home of my grandparents, better known as Big Granny and Big Papa.  The memories I hold there are beyond precious to me. They are priceless and they fill my heart with so much love.

Hot summer days playing in the water sprinkler, eating watermelon. Lazy Sunday afternoons when all my cousins would come to visit and we'd run and play for hours. The echoes of red rover, red rover send Michael right over chime in my ear. Me tattling because my cousin Justin made me eat dirt.  He made me!  I was surrounded by boys. I chased frogs, climbed trees, and played in mud. The warm summer evening that I carried a five gallon bucket with Michael and Justin catching toad frogs, I still remember it like it was just yesterday. There still stands the tree that we would swing from each and every summer.  The old rubber tire, best swing ever.  There are the trees that I climbed to the tip top of, now Carter climbs them.  Cane poles and old bread, sitting on a bucket, fishing with my best pals Justin and Michael.  Digging potatoes in the garden, shelling peas on the back porch, the good times, the days gone by.

God bless our home... "Y'all come back when you can stay longer, God bless" something Granny says each time we leave.  

These are just a few of the many, many memories I have of 'home'.  Growing up, I didn't realize just how blessed I was growing up next door to my grandparents. Oh what I would give now to go back and relive a few of those days.  I'd sit longer on the porch, I'd ask more questions about things I'd like to know.  Papa's mind can't answer most of those questions for me now. I can't live thinking what I'd like to do.  I can however, embrace today, make it a memory and treasure the day that God has given us.

Eyes that sparkle, a soul that shines...Our Papa

Yesterday was one of those days, one I'll treasure. It was the first day since February 17 that Papa was able to be home. Since his surgery, hospital stay, and now he's in the nursing home our lives have changed quite a bit.  The mid week visits have turned into short visits at the nursing home. Sunday afternoons spent on their porch have been obsolete.  You don't realize what means the most to you until you can't do those things.  I've missed sitting on that porch watching him rock so much.  His memory is nothing like it was before his last fall or the surgery.  We knew this could happen but I suppose you hold out hope thinking that everything will just go back to being normal.  I watched as he ate his lunch yesterday, grateful that he was home to sit at the table with us.  His body becoming more frail.  His memory much slower than it had been. His crystal blue eyes still sparkle though.  His mind might not be able to keep up with all that's going on but his eyes and that wink he gave me several times yesterday let me know that he knows who I am.  I hope that sparkle never leaves, it is my prayer that until God calls him home he knows who I am.  I'm not sure my heart can handle him forgetting who I am.  I'll never forget who he is too me.

The boys playing spoons like we did when we were kids.  <3

We finished lunch and he laid down for a nap.  It wasn't long he was up and looking for some dessert. He doesn't talk much but anytime he's ever been offered something sweet he's not turned it down. Granny fixed him a bowl of cake with strawberries and whip cream.  As he always has, he finished it all. We all went out on the porch and it wasn't long, he joined us.  My face gleamed as I watched him walk through that backdoor onto the porch. There he sat in his chair, rocking. A sight that I so many times have just rushed by, overlooking.  Yesterday, I savored it.  I know his days are few, that's something I've had to come to terms with.  I sat for almost an hour as I watched him rock, sip his coke, and watch aimlessly as the children played around him.  As I watched the boys play, I couldn't help but feel saddened by the fact that if I have more children, will he be here to know them. 

He may be from the south but don't offer him sweet tea... he ain't having it!!  Coca-Cola only.

Jason sat on the far end of the porch strumming Granny's guitar.  Granny soon joined him with her guitar. Listening to them play and watching Papa as he looked on, took me back to those summer days that I mentioned earlier. It was that lazy Sunday afternoon from my childhood.  Only difference, I wasn't the child playing in the yard, my children were.

I love to hear my Granny sing, always have... always will.

Oh, what a moment. I can't explain it to you. It was something I will treasure until the day I die.  It was just like I was reliving my childhood all over again, and it was so special to me.  Granny's sweet voice sang I'll fly away, I sang along but my voice cracked as I fought back tears. I had to press my lips together and look away before I lost it. I was so very, very thankful for that hour with my family.  The most precious grandparents in the world, my dear mother who goes above and beyond, my aunts and uncle who each mean something so different yet so special to me, my boys running and playing where I once made so many memories.  God was there, no doubt about it.

Carter & Jake, boys will be boys.

I wasn't the only one aware of just how special yesterday afternoon was.  Each person there knew just as well as I did, we were blessed.  I walked around with my camera to capture a few of the things that remind me most of 'home' when I'm there, and when I'm not.

Granny has the greenest thumb of anyone I know.

It was the little things that as I looked around and thought if I were never able to visually see my grandparents home again, what would I remember.  Their family name sign that hangs in the tree just off the porch.  Papa's hands gripping the arms of the rocking chair. Granny playing her guitar as she had done so many times before today.

Kids playing, laughter, reminiscing, singing, and just good family times.

My babies making memories on the porch I once played on.  <3

I sat down in the chair beside Papa and I asked him if he was okay.  He just nodded his head.  Continuing to rock, I waited another minute and asked him what he was thinking about.  His response to me, "old times".  Words that I will remember for years to come. It's the old times, the good times, the memories that make us who we are.  Papa has always had a way of saying just one or two word answers that have stuck with me. He's to the point, no beating around the bush.  A few weeks back as we stood around his bed in the nursing home I asked him, Papa...do you have any suggestions on what I should do with these two boys?  He looked up at me and grinned, "have two more".

This is me and Pa doing our "Papa smile" better known as his scruchy smile.

Little did he know that my heart desires more children.  Funny thing is, the night we went to tell my mom we were expecting Carter it was Christmas Eve 2004.  I walked into their house with my normal loud entrance.  As I made it half way across the room he says, "are you pregnant?" I quickly responded with NO! I didn't want to spoil the way we were going to tell my mom.  He looked at me and said, "yes you are, or either you're getting fat". My point in saying all of this, he knows me.  He has a special way of knowing what's going on with me.  It's that bond that I have with this blue eyed man that I will one day miss.  

Aunt Kathy & Papa

Aunt Angie & Papa

The old times, the traditions, the family each something I want my children to know and hold dear to their hearts. Life is so rushed now days that we don't really enjoy the time that we are given unless something drastic happens. May we all slow our lives down, put the things that mean most back at the top of our list.  

Momma & Papa

Uncle Faron & Papa

I love my Papa with all my heart and soul. Without him and his support there's no telling where my life may have gone. He's the rock of our family, though his words have always been few and his ways of saying I love you have been uniquely his own, there's not a shadow of doubt in my mind that he loves us each and everyone. His mind might be fading but his love is undying.  I'm grateful for the hours he spent at home with us all yesterday. I pray that God will bless us with more happy, memorable days with this sweet man.  Please continue to keep him and my dear little Granny in your prayers. 

Here's to old times and sweet memories!!

~Blessings to you all~

2010... looking back!

Well my promise from New Years Eve of returning with a recap of 2010 didn't happen. Let me explain.  Little Tucker bear has been a sick little guy and on Thursday before New Years Eve we were back in the doctors office debating if we would be spending hours in the E.R. getting fluids. Long story short, we were still pushing fluids on New Years Eve, he was cranky and clingy hence the delayed blog post.

Anywho, I'm here and we're going to look back at a few of my favorite pics from 2010.
I adore his crystal blue eyes!!!

Carter working hard. Watching him I know he's going to grow up to be a helpful, handy man!

B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S.  Tucker looking up at Carter, already best friends!!

Our little food lover!!


First attempt at the fireplace...

Grandparents make the world go round, and we're so very thankful for my Big Granny & Big Papa.


2010 brought lots of heavy equipment, dump trucks, and two extremely large holes in our front yard. I'm glad to say 2011 we're bidding the noise, the trucks, and the impassible road farewell!


First birthday celebration for our sweet Tuck!!



His first haircut.

Learning the ropes of gardening.....

Only to have his crop eaten by the gals from the pasture.

My purpose each and every day that I wake.

He'd be such a beautiful little girl.  :)

North Carolina has one of the sweetest people ever, so we like to visit!! :)



We went to visit Mickey, oh the sweet memories that this picture brings back.

Our favorite Florida State University Graduate!!!  So proud of you Jess, Congratulations!!!

When I say get cleaned up, this is NOT what I had in mind.  We do have a tub, I promise!  This picture will forever make me smile!

He's taught me it's okay to be dirty, it's what little boys do and regardless of how hard I try... they will get dirty!

My baby graduates from Pre-K.  I gleam with pride and joy over this precious little dude.

Fireplace attempt number 2.... he conquered it this time!  Twice in one day!

Full speed ahead, 90 miles per hour, never slows down and this picture shows that!

First pony ride.

Country boy for sure!!  This was the first time he bottle fed a calf!

End of the year party, kindergarten here we come!!!

Beach lover I'm not. For my family, I will.  Family vacation=sweet, hot memories!!




The dirt finds my children, I swear they share a secret language!!

He makes my every dream come true!!  I love you T-rav!

The place we call home...

Come on baby, get to movin'!

Five years ago, my life changed forever... each day he warms my soul, reminds that it's the simplicity of life that matters.  I LOVE YOU MY SWEET CARTER BUG!!




North Carolina called us again....



Our new addition, Dusty.

Houdini Tucker is d.o.n.e with his crib.  Time to move on.

Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles!!

We have an apple bandit!

The future of Sunshine Cattle...




He's oh so very cute, but oh so very mischievous!!!  From this sweet face to powdering the kitchen!!


Kindergarten be kind to my baby!!  I miss him when he's at school but it's a blessing to see him learning and growing!!

Momma don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys....


This picture is too funny!!

I spent a lot of money on apples in 2010!!


Best buds... Carter & Cody, 2010!

It's fair time!!!


We always welcome Fall and all the fun it brings!!



Lighting the night in memory of sweet Emilee!!

He strikes again... look close. See the brown all over him? Yep, craft paint all over him and our living room floor and recliner.  Thanks Tuck.

A few of my attempts at Christmas photos with my boys.


I had the pleasure of spending six days with some of the closest friends a girl can ask for, sisters!!  I love you girls more then you'll ever know. Each of you has a special place in my heart and I thank God for your place in my life.




The smiles and giggles that make the holidays that much more special.








MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!






Florida had snow flurries the day after Christmas. I attempted to see them with the boys, we were out less then five minutes and our warm Floridian blood couldn't handle it we scurried back inside as quickly as we could!!!!

***FREEZING, sorry for the snot!***


Happy 86th Birthday to the greatest man I've ever known. I love you Papa.


As I look back through these pictures God speaks ever so softly in my ear, your blessed. I am. It's plain and simple. I have a wonderful, caring, compassionate family. I have healthy, full of life, unbelievable, precious children. I have the warmth and comfort of a home. I have the things I need, things I don't need, but enjoy :). I have peace, I have love, and I have meaning and purpose. I could go on and on about how blessed I am but as you can tell by the pictures, God is good.

I wish each of you a prosperous New Year. It is my prayer that we all show more love and compassion, and that we make certain that the people in our lives that we hold dear to our hearts know how truly special and appreciated they are.  Make each day of 2011 a memory. Each day will not be perfect but it is what we allow it to be. May we live our lives without regret but with gratefulness regardless of the trials we face. Look for the good in each and every circumstance. If you allow, God will bless you.

Happy New Year my dear friend!!

Blessings Always....