M-I-C.... K-E-Y..... M-O-U-S-E

Excitement, anticipation, eyes that sparkle, a little boy that could barely sleep!  Carter couldn't wait for us to hit the road that early Friday morning. We were all packed and ready to go.  When I woke him up and he realized that it was the day we were leaving, that's all it took. It was like you poured an entire pot of extra strong coffee down him.  He was ready to go!  He told me, "momma, let's hit the road!"

I was as excited as he was to see him light up for the first time at this magical place. On the short ride to Main Street, USA, he watched a few movies but about 30 minutes away he started asking, "are we there yet" To his surprise he started seeing signs with Mickey, Pluto, Donald, and the excitement really started boiling.

Once we arrived at the hotel, I knew that I had made him one very happy little boy. It was so nice to spend some one on one time with him. He and I had a wonderful weekend and he was so good!  There was no complaining about the heat, the lines, or anything.  He was a trooper about it all. We opened the door to our room, and to his surprise it was decked out in Buzz & Woody stuff, everywhere!  It warmed my soul to see him so excited and happy.

We threw our things down, and packed up what we needed and off to the Magic Kingdom we went. He wore his cute, cute, cute little Woody shirt and anxiously awaited his turn to get in the gate. Once inside the gate, I'm not sure if he was in shock, or what but he was kind of quiet. He was taking it all in.  I just smiled as I watched his little eyes look around and search for the next coolest thing. As we entered the park we found Pluto right at the front gate.  We got in line and Pluto started pointing for us to look in the sky. We were able to see the space shuttle Atlantis taking off into space. Super cool!

We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the magical happenings of Disney World. Carter's first ride was the jungle cruise. He wasn't too impressed. Then we did the magic carpet ride, which intrigued him a bit more, then we climbed a hill, the hill to SPLASH MOUNTAIN!  Before getting there though we made a quick pit stop to see Woody & Jessie!  Carter loves him some Woody.  After getting our picture made with him, we stood in line for Splash Mountain. I was certain he would be screaming and so scared, but to my surprise he loved everything about it. So much so that he wanted to get right back in line and do it again. I talked him out of that idea, thank goodness because I had to have a minute or two to get my stomach out of my throat!


Next we were off to Thunder Mountain. There was no doubt in my mind he would love this ride. Sure enough, he giggled, he screamed, he held his hands high, and of course time it was over he asked to ride again!!  It was after that ride that I realized that coming to Disney as a parent is far more exciting then coming as a kid because you really do see the magic that it brings to your kids!  He was loving every minute of it and wasn't about to slow down for a break.


We did the rest of the rides throughout the park, ending with Dumbo.  Then we found ourselves a spot to watch the firework show. He's not usually a fan of fireworks but he did much better with these then most. The evening was over, we were all exhausted and we were headed back to the hotel to get a bath and find our way into dreamland!


That night around 4 a.m., he woke up and said, "momma, I had a great time with you at Disney World!" Talk about making it worth the trip?! How sweet and precious, and let me tell you that is a moment I won't forget as long as I live!!!  The sun starting peeking around the curtains earlier then I would have liked, but we were up and at it, ready to go!  We were off to Hollywood Studios to see Lightning McQueen and TowMater.  Again, his face was all I needed to make the day perfect!

He stood in line so patiently, and then it was his turn. He was hesitant, and insisted that I go with him to stand between TowMater and McQueen. McQueen revved up his engine a bit loud for my little guy so we didn't stick around long. From there we were off to the ToyStory ride. Now that was probably my favorite of the trip. We got to shoot all kinds of stuff, from cows, to aliens, you name it. Had the line not been 1.5 hours long we might would have rode it again! 

We then saw Handy Manny, and made our way back to the Magic Kingdom. Carter made it very clear this was his only place to be. He loved everything about Magic Kingdom. I wish we had more time to visit there, and see everything. It's just so hard to cram everything into 3 short days.

After another ride on Splash Mountain, and Thunder Mountain, we made our way back to the hotel so that Carter could swim in the giant pool! He and I wanted to go back to the Magic Kingdom for the light parade. So we showered, and off we went again. Talk about getting a work out!  I think my legs are still screaming from all the walking I did!  The light parade is one of my fondest memories of Disney trips my family and I took as a child. I remember finding a place on the sidewalk and waiting patiently for Mickey and Minney to make their entrance. I remember Cinderalla passing us and her princess gown was all covered in lights and it spun around. The parade is just as beautiful as I remember it as a child. 

Watching all the parents line the streets with their little ones brought back fond memories for me. I knew that evening sitting on the corner of Main Street, USA all the excitement and joy my mother felt when she took us to Disney.  

Carter sat ever so patiently with his lighted sword. He had his cotton candy to snack on. I could tell he was getting tired, but there was no way he was going to admit that. He was in it for the long haul!  The parade came, and went. We made a mad dash for the gate in hopes of getting on one of the first buses headed back to our hotel. We were lucky, first bus!  It wasn't two minutes into the ride my little guy had fallen asleep in my arms. He was beyond exhausted. 

The next morning we were scheduled to have breakfast with Mickey. We packed all our things in the truck, and headed to check out. After checking out and realizing that I had locked our room key, in the room, we were scurrying to get to breakfast on time. As luck would have it, Disney was hosting a triathlon while we were there. So all the roads that I needed to get to the hotel where our breakfast was, were blocked off. I stopped four times to ask for directions, and four times I ended up not at Ohana's!  In the mean time Travis called, and when Carter talked to him and we hung up my baby decided he was ready to go home. I asked him again, and again, are you sure you want to go home and not see Mickey for breakfast. Are you sure you don't want to ride Splash Mountain again?  Each time his answer was yes.  So we headed out. We were on the road to Cow Bird Lane, quick like!  We were both anxious to get home to Travis and Tucker-bear.  They won't admit it but I think they missed us! :) 

Since we missed our breakfast, we made due with biscuits from McDonalds. I also had another dilema. I had put off buying souvenirs because I had planned on doing it Sunday afternoon before we left the Magic Kingdom. Umm, what is a mother to do without souvenirs from Disney World?! Never fear, super mom is here!  I took my chances, pulled off the next exit to find a one stop shop.  You know those places that have every shot glass, to every beach towel, to every coffee mug... yeah, that's where we got our souvenirs!  I'm proud, no shame to my game!  Carter picked out a Disney book for Tucker, and they both now have matching Mickey Mouse stuffed animals. To my surprise when we got home the book Carter picked out is written in Spanish.  Umm... we don't speak that here on Cow Bird Lane!  Oh well, we can still look at the pretty pictures!!!! :)  Okay, enough... stop laughing. I was ready to get home, I didn't care what book he picked out. We'll make due with it!

All in all, our trip to Disney is one I'll cherish forever. I'll never forget the giggles, the excitement, and the special time we shared together. Thank you for a magical weekend Carter-bug, I LOVE YOU!!!!

Happy Mother's Day

We celebrated Mother's Day with my mom and granny.  We had lunch at moms, and then we enjoyed another one of my new favorite things to cook, pound cake!  

As each year passes now that I'm a mother I've come to realize that life is not made up of the things in your life but the relationships you share, and the memories you make. My children have brought me more joy in the past 5 years then I ever dreamed possible.  It is my daily prayer that God continue to mold me and make me the mother He would have me to be. So many days I fail terribly at this task, but by the grace of God, He picks me up and lets me stand again. I am so grateful for my duties as a mother. Although there are days I feel like I could pull out all the grey hairs on my head, or scream to the mountain tops, I know that I'm doing what I was put on this earth to do. I am thankful that my children run, make messes, whine, and drive me to that breaking point sometimes.  Am I crazy you ask?? No. I'm blessed. I'm so grateful that I can hear them bicker, or scream over a toy. I'm grateful that they can run down the hall, I'm grateful that they can laugh and giggle, and thrive. Things I once took for granted, I now see that I need to thank God each and every day for.

Mother's Day... we celebrate it once a year, but shouldn't we celebrate it day in and day out?  Just like Father's Day, or Valentine's Day, and Christmas??? All of these days should be days that we honor our parents, our Lord, and show that true love that we have for each other, not just on the days that Hallmark deems necessary.  I'm blessed to be a mother. I love my boys more then life itself. I thank God for choosing me to watch over and keep them. It is my prayer that I guide them down the right paths of life, instill in them the love of God, and teach them lessons that truly matter in life.  

I'm not perfect, I hope I never come across as thinking I am. I am who I am, and I hope that my boys view me as genuine, compassionate, honest, loving, and a Godly woman. I pray that they grow up to respect others, and themselves. I hope their lives are full of happiness, love, joy, and contentment. May they always feel at home when they come to visit, and may they always know that their mother loves them more with each day that passes. They are my heart, my soul, and my purpose.  Boys, 

Boys, seek God first in your lives. Put Him above all else, and if your life takes turns that are unexpected, look to the cross for the guidance you'll need. Our plans aren't always God's plan, remember that. You both bring me more joy then I could ever explain. You make me smile when I need it most, make me cry because I laugh so hard, and each and every day you amaze me with the new things you do. Thank you for being such wonderful children, I hope I'm the mother to you that you deserve. 

All my love to both of you, to the moon and back my sweet babies, to the moon and back!

We are family!

The complete me in every way possible. They are the reason I get up each and every day. They bring smiles to my face, joy to my soul, and my cup truly runneth over! Even on the hairiest of days, I would trade the chaos for anything. I think sometimes it's the chaos that keeps me sane!



More then a sister. She's a friend, she's a support, she's a prayer partner, she's an inspiration, she's a true reminder that there are good people in the world. I love this dear woman more then she will ever, ever know. It is my prayer that God will continue to watch over her life, guide, and direct her paths. I know that He has something truly spectacular planned for her life. Jess, I love you so very much. I'm proud of you and all you've accomplished.





Then there were four. When we became a family of four, it wasn't easy. My mom did everything within her power to keep our lives as normal as possible. She wasn't able to give us everything we wanted, but we were clothed, fed, and a roof over our head. Looking back now, I had more then I needed. God knew that the three of us would need a strong mother. Someone with compassion, and a hard worker. She was all that and more, and still is. Our mother is truly the back bone of this family. She's my best friend, the one I run to when my heart is broken, the one I seek advice from when I'm not sure where to turn with the kids, and the one I still call on a daily basis just to say hello. I thank God each and every day for this woman. I thank Him that she taught us right from wrong, instilled in us the values we would need to be the people we are today. I love you mom!



Jason and Megan, two of the most go with the flow folks I know. Jason is the big brother that never really had the chance to speak thanks to me and Jessica. He's quiet, he's humble, and he has a heart for giving. He's always willing to help whenever he can. Megan, his girlfriend, is a lot like him. I think she's even more quiet then he is. They both love the boys so much, and I appreciate all they do when they are around. People don't realize how much just keeping them entertained helps me out! :) I love you guys.


Just had to throw these last three in. I love the look on Carter's face. The last one, of the phone booth. On the way home from North Carolina, we stopped at a rest stop and when we got out Carter says, "Mom, I want to call Dad from that funny phone!" I couldn't help but chuckle, and think to myself that when he has kids phone booths will for sure be a thing of the past!

Just saying...

My blessings call me Mom!

This is the saying on a new sign I bought last week. When I read it, I knew I had to have it!! It couldn't speak truer words!!!

Book Review

I was asked by a fellow blogger to review her book, "5 Life Skills Smart moms must have: Proven Strategies to Keep you Sane!" I was thrilled, and so glad I did! As I started the book I could relate, immediately to the things being discussed! Busy schedule, not enough hours in the day, or enough hands to get it all done. Come on, if you're a mom you know exactly what I'm talking about!! The book gives excellent ideas on how a busy, working/stay at home mom can make things more simple in her life.  By creating lists, goals, and setting aside time for yourself as a mother, and asking for help. At the end of each chapter there are cheat sheets which I refer to as reminders, to keep you on track of what you should be doing. I felt the book was very easy to relate too, and it helped me to identify areas in which I can improve my parenting skills, while keeping myself and family happy! If you are a mother that feels overwhelmed with too many irons in the fire, read this book! It will help you simplify your life and start enjoying things more rather then stressing! 

It's a date!!!

Couples with children know all to well that dates are few and far between, and sometimes just plain non existent!  Well, I my friends had myself a date!! Granted, it was not with my husband but with the next best thing, my Carter!!

Dora the Explorer came in to town and so I decided to ask little Carter out on a date.  We made our way downtown, and all the way there he kept asking if Diego would be there.  I told him I was sure he would be.  As we came closer and closer to the venue, his excitement soared.  He was singing Go Diego Go, Go Diego Go!  I was so glad that he and I were spending some much needed time together, just us.  We finally found a parking space and off we went.  We passed the hot dog stand and he asked if we could eat lunch there... I cringed! :0  During the show I talked him into getting Krystals (I know.... not much better then a hot dog on the street, huh?).  

We walked into the Times Union Center and the excitement of each and every child in that place was felt!  Dora and Diego toys were being sold, little girls were dressed as Dora carrying their Dora dolls, or Boots.  Little boys were sporting their Diego Rescue Packs, and as you guessed it, my Carter had to have one as well!  He became the proud new owner of a rescue pack, and a dora/diego light!

Off to our seats.  The stage was set, and a bright picture showing "Dora the Explorer" was lighting the stage.  Carter couldn't stand to sit down.  He insisted on standing, and waiting to see Diego. The show started and his eyes were big as a silver dollar.  We sang, we danced, and I sat and watched my date have a wonderful time.  His eyes, his smile, his dance moves all too cute for words!

After the show, we made our way to the tasty Krystlas.  He ate his little burger, all his fries, and asked for his Oreo!  Then believe it or not I had to insist that we stop by Toys R Us to get ideas for his upcoming birthday.  Once in the store, he was in heaven!

No, this was not some wine and dine date but it was simple and full of love.  I enjoyed spending just one on one time with Carter and hope that the day meant as much to him as it did to me.  

"Want to see my pickle?!"

This morning I am sitting at the kitchen table, drinking my coffee and going through the million and one things I have to do today, tomorrow, and next week. Just doesn't seem to be enough hours to get it all done. Carter was in the living room playing with his trucks and I hear him talking to himself but I'm not really paying close attention to what he is saying. Then all of a sudden I hear, "MOM!" I responded with the usual, what Carter and he says "Want to see my pickle?!"

I sat there for a moment and thought, what on earth could this child be talking about? I just gave him toast for breakfast but he wants to know if I want to see his pickle? I thought, does he have his grocery cart with food in the living room? No, that stuff was still in the pantry where I just saw it. Then again, I hear, "Mom! want to see my pickle?" At this point I'm thinking, oh lord what on earth is this child fixing to show me? Please don't let him come running in here buck naked, he's been known to strip down here lately and thinks it's absolutely hilarious.

I hear his little feet come running through the kitchen and I glance over as he flops his foot on my lap and says, "Look, see my pickle!" I looked down and he is pointing to his second toe on his left foot! Bless his little heart, his pickle was actually a freckle!!!! I laughed so hard I thought I would spit coffee clear across the room. I hugged him and asked him if he could get any cuter? Then I said, Carter, that is a freckle. He says, "oh yeah! a freckle." In his little mind it was what he had said all along. I had to call Travis right away and tell him what his little son had said. He laughed probably as hard as I did!

We discovered this little freckle on his toe probably a month or so ago. Every since then it has just fascinated him! Each day with Carter amazes me more and more. Some days I just have to sit back and just stare at him and smile, he's just awesome!

~Jen~