Friday Fun

Carter and I had a great day today. No, make that a great week. Yes, he did have his moments but overall he was such a sweet and funny boy this week. Today, Carter's friend Harvey came over and Harvey's mom. The boys had a blast. I didn't realize until today how much Carter must miss playing with kids his own age. He got plenty of stimulation while he was a daycare but he hasn't had much "friend time" lately. At least not until this week. He got to play with his over two favorite friends, Ethan and Aaron, earlier this week too. I told Theo when we move to Colorado, I will definitely have to get involved in a play group of some sort. It made him so happy to have Harvey here today. He kept putting his arm around Harvey's shoulders saying "Come on Harvey! Let's go play in Carter's room!"

After our playdate and naptime, we spent the rest of the afternoon doing this






I think the Lord must have known I needed a good week this week. I will admit, while we were in Florida, I felt completely overwhelmed with the task of being a full-time stay at home mom and the thought of starting all over with baby girl. I have never regretted that decision but it sure is hard some days. At the risk of sounding like a martyr, I often feel as if I never get a break. I have a very helpful husband who does a lot for us but I know the responsibility of caring for our family and our house lies mainly on my shoulders. I have been praying for God to give me a renewed sense of purpose regarding staying home. I have prayed that mentally/emotionally/psychologically I could have a break and just have one easy week with Carter. The Lord heard me and answered my prayers. I also read Psamls 16 and felt that those verses were leaping off the pages at me. Even though David was not talking about being a stay at home parent in this passage, it still spoke to me... "LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance". Yes, my children are definitely a delightful inheritance!

New Favorite

I was taking a break from Carter's Little Einstein CD in the car and so I finally got to listen to my favorite (and the only one I listen to) radio station KLOVE. I gave up secular radio well over a year ago and have been so blessed by listening to Christian music in the car. It makes this momma's heart overflow with joy to hear our little man singing "holy, holy" and "praise Jesus" as he lifts his hands in the backseat. Today, I heard this song., Revelation Song, and was so touched by it. I believe I have heard it before possibly at my church. But it really ministered to my spirit today. So I found the music video on youtube and wanted to share it with you.

Like Mother, Like Son

I took pictures of Carter yesterday doing something I love. Any guesses to what he's doing? I cropped out part of the pictures so it doesn't give it away.






One more hint....


Carter loves doing this:




Just like his momma. I usually try and do it while he's asleep otherwise he's crawling all over my back and ducking in between my legs.

Birthday Boy

Yesterday we celebrated my nephew's 8th birthday! I can't believe he is already 8 years old. The time has flown by. Since he is only my nephew and not my son and his own mom has a blog, I won't post all the pictures from the party! I'll include mostly the ones of Carter and let Kayla post about his party. I just wanted to share a few because I was the official photographer yesterday.

Birthday boy and his little sister



Cousins



Birthday boy's daddy and his daddy's big (and I mean that in more ways than one) sister



Birthday boy's momma



Grandma/Omaw and Papaw



And as always, photos of Carter




Is it me or are Carter's and Leslie's hair almost the same color in this picture? :)

Latest Obsession

Carter got this Diego magna doodle for Christmas from Omaw and Papaw. It was one of the toys we stashed in the closet for a rainy day since he got TONS of Christmas presents and we didn't think he needed them all on one day. So we finally brought it out a few days ago and he is obsessed with it. There isn't a hour that goes by that he isn't drawing on it. He even wanted to take it to bed with him the other night. I obliged...anything to help him stay in his own bed!




In this picture, he is trying to trace his head!







I kid you not, Carter drew this all by himself and said it was a whale. He's a DaVinci in the making.

Belated Birthday

Today, Carter and I spent the day with my mom and she cooked some of my favorite foods for my belated birthday lunch. It was such a relaxing day and Lord knows I needed that! The pool was a little chilly but that didn't stop us from playing in it. We didn't get out until Carter's lips turned a pale shade a blue and he was shivering all over. Who would have thought it would have been too cold to get in the pool in JUNE!! I mean, it's Louisiana for crying out loud.

 

After we got out of the pool, Carter played with bubbles and side walk chalk.






This is Carter giving Omaw a pedicure....


And this is me without any make-up on.....



While Carter napped, I took a bath in my mom's tub. If you have never seen this bathroom, it's like a mini spa vacation! I told mom she needed to take pictures of it and send it the better homes and gardens. It's that nice of a bathroom. I soaked in the jet whirlpool tub for a good half hour and it could have been the best bath I have ever taken! Ahhhhhh, I was in heaven.

After my bath and Carter's nap came more playing while my mom and I surfed the net for all things baby/Carter related. It was a great day.

For my birthday present, my mom got me a sewing machine! I have been wanting one but didn't know what to get. It's also the same kind she has so she is going to give me lessons. Theo said he already has "work" for me to do :) I know he'll be so thankful when I learn how to sew. I look forward to teaching my daughter when she's old enough. I can't wait to start. Thank you mom for a wonderful birthday! I love you more everyday.

Beach Boys (Part Two)

Theo was working Monday through Friday while we were away and even had to go in on Saturday and Sunday (30th and 31st) which was my birthday. I was feeling a little sorry for myself but then we made it to the Destin beach, which is absolutely beautiful. We went later that night and had dinner with our friends who were also down there at the same time. Saturday was a stressful day with Carter because he just could not get happy but by the time we went to dinner, he was back to his normal funny self.




Sunday we drove to Pensacola and went to the mass at the church Theo used to go to when he lived down there. Think Catholic church meets full gospel church! It is the best Catholic church I have ever been to as far as the music.


Afterwards, we drove around Theo's old stompin ground and then visited the Pensacola Naval Air Museum. After our last military museuem visit in New York, we were a little worried how we would do. But surprisingly, or maybe not, Carter loved it! We were there for almost three hours and Carter (the boy who was hysterical at the air show) loved sitting in the planes. Sunday was a GREAT day!











Monday, Carter and I packed our stuff and headed to Baton Rouge to stay with my dad. My dad has aN inground pool in his backyard with beautiful landscaping. Carter was looking forward to swimming in it all day. It was so relaxing to sit out there with him and just talk. It's bittersweet as are most things these days because I know this will probably be the last time we visit my dad for a while. It's such a short drive now but won't be once we are in Colorado.

Now we are home sweet home and waiting for Theo to return in a few days. This month is going to be crazy busy. We might go out to my mom's tomorrow if the weather is good. I have a baby shower Saturday and my nephew's 8th birthday party! Gosh, I can't believe he's already 8! I will be updating you all regarding our moving and how things are progressing and things start to come together. Of course, I'll keep posting adorable pictures of Carter in the meantime. Until then, have a great week!