Carters Corner

Christmas 2011

2012-01-12T07:11:00.006-05:00

This year to help us celebrate in our new home we decided to start a new tradition. Carter asked if we could go the the Christmas Tree Farm and pick the "most perfect tree". So just after Thanksgiving we headed to Stonycreek Farms to find our special tree. Now if you have ever read The Three Trees (which we read every year at Christmas), you will know why I had a hard time doing this, but in the end we picked out the most beautiful tree and brought it home. And it filled our living room with so much light and beauty that it brought a smile to my face every single day!

I smile even bigger when I see this little cutie
and my heart jumps for joy at the sound of his voice!

All hands pitched in to make the first cut and then it was all daddy and Carter from there. Aren't they the cutest little lumberjacks you have ever seen?

We had a wonderful Christmas full of good food, sweet treats, family, friends and everything GI Joe!

Operation Christmas Child

2011-11-18T07:39:00.009-05:00

Every year, especially around the holidays, Matt and I try to find something special for Carter to do for the good of others. Whether it be donating items to the Freecycle event that our church hosts, adopting a family at Christmas, or donating food to the food banks, we just try to teach Carter to care first for those in need. This year, along with other things we are doing, Carter decided himself that he wanted to be involved in Operation Christmas Child. If you are not familiar with it, Samaritans Purse collects shoeboxes full of essentials and small gifts and then delivers them all around the world to underprivileged children and orphanages. And since it was his idea, we went with it and for an entire weekend that was his only thought and mission....to fill the boxes! We started with just him doing one, and then he told us that we needed to do one as well, and if we are doing three, why not do 4....so somewhere out there 4 little kids will be so happy to get a gift from us!....amongst the millions that are being donated across the country.

To get things started we selected our boxes....all large enough to hold lots of goodies. Except there was one box that was really small and I told Carter "well, buddy lets find another, that is just too small" and he insisted "mom, it is perfect, it will hold lots". I opened it up and nearly started to cry because this is what we found. A shoeprint printed in the bottom and the lid had this message....Carter was right, the box was perfect for our cause!

although the company was clearly talking about recycled products I could not stop thinking about it's new use and the message it could send to a child in need....that indeed a shoebox just might be able to change the world, but if not the world, at least perhaps the life of a child. To recieve a gift with such a message could be the inspiration needed to keep stepping forward in the pursuit of changing their destiny. so maybe not the box itself, but the message it sends could make a difference!

Carter wanted to draw a picture for the 10-14 year old girl we bought the journal for, along with other goodies!

He loved picking things out for the 5-9 year old boy as well...legos, puzzle, matchbox car, socks, and essentials. I think the little boy will be very pleased!

Posing with his 4 gifts before we take them to be donated.

Carter, your sense of compassion never ceases to amaze me. You are a kind boy with a big heart and God's love surely lives within you. May you continue to love the Lord and yourself. I promise as your mother to nurture your desire to follow Christ and become the person God has chosen you to be! With all my love, your momma

Halloween...a month ago!

2011-11-18T07:28:00.007-05:00

Meet Capt Jack, who took every minute of Halloween very seriously and played the role well. From striking poses to gathering his loot, Carter really enjoyed being a pirate!

Here is Carter with Ceili as Taylor Swift, and Keaton as Justin Bieber and our little cupcake Kenley

all smiles for his bag full of loot!

Down on the Farms

2011-10-24T09:23:00.001-04:00

On Friday, Matt took a much needed and well deserved day off work to spend time with me and Carter. We started the day off at Traders Point Creamery touring the farm, hiking, and of course taking tons of pictures. We finished up with lunch at The Loft and walked out enjoying off-the-farm milkshakes...so yummy! We had clear blue skies, crisp autumn air and enough barns and farm animals to make my heart smile!

Later that afternoon Carter donned his Capt Jack costume and we met up with family at the Indianapolis Zoo Boo. The kids loved trick-or-treating in their costumes at the zoo and seeing the animals so active was an added bonus!

Aren't they all just the cutest little trick-or-treaters you have ever seen?!

And then on Sunday we took Carter to Stonycreek Farm to pick a pumpkin. All I can say is "LOVED IT!"

From the oh so pretty trees to the big barns and all the animals to the hayride and pumpkin patch, this place was so much fun! I believe my favorite part was that the pumpkin patch is in the midst of their Christmas Tree farm which for me is pure bliss, joining two of my most favorite things...fall and Christmas and then you through my hubby and my son into the mix and I was in pure heaven!!

So above, I am pretty sure that Betty is asking Bob, "so, umm, how exactly do you think we can get out of this cage". and I am pretty sure that I heard Carter answer that you have to crawl through the tractor tires, slide down the huge slide and laugh all the way home! Have I ever told you that I have a secret love for chickens.

and a pure crush on these two...my heart skips a beat!

He is just too handsome for words!
and so is this old brick barn with red trim and rotten wood...my heart skips a beat again!

Sept 6, 2011 Back to School

2011-10-03T08:58:00.004-04:00

So here he is on our new front porch posing for his back to school pictures. He was all smiles and all poses for his big day! And when he got to school he was excited to know that one of his teachers Mrs Parker, was actually one of my preschool teachers 27 years ago....and she is just as excited to have him! And I of course was excited that he got her and Mrs Basch because she welcomes him everyday with a smile and a hug and sometimes even a kiss. I love the fact that while he is there he is being cared for by women who really love kids and really love teaching!

But i really don't like how stinkin' big he is looking! I wish I could just push pause!
Nothing says back to school like mums for the teachers and a big red school door!

Turkey Run~~ August 2011

2011-10-01T08:26:00.008-04:00

Matt and I have always loved to take a day and go hiking in Turkey Run State Park and we were so excited that this year Carter was able to hike over 3 miles with us all on his own. It included 3miles of hiking and over 400 stairs and 2 ladders, and the little cutie just kept putting one foot in front of the other! He was even able to scale this big boulder all on his own and waited patiently while I mustard up the nerve to climb it myself! I swear I think I get more cautious and more nervous as I age. I hate to see me when I am sixty!

Here we all are acting silly while having so much fun! Carter and I crawled into a cave and acted like bears while he and daddy had a punching match at the punch bowl. Then it was off to skipping rocks...but don't skip that one it is shaped like a heart! A perfect rock for my two loves!

Carter and daddy tried their hand at fishing but the fish weren't having any...no bites but lots of smiles!

And, while we were hiking we kept coming across the cutest little Amish family...umm so they were cute but they weren't little. They had to charter a bus there was so many of them! Anyways, I desperately wanted a picture of this one little boy with his blonde bowl cut hair, blue eyes, suspenders with his shoes off resting against a wooden fence. But out of respect I just passed by making a mental note of the cutest little thing! Then after we were fishing we climbed the hill to find this....their bikes and all their clothes and them running full force into the lake! So I settled for a picture of their bikes!

To love this place

2011-08-12T17:52:00.005-04:00

It only took one night to love this place. We woke the very first morning feeling like we had lived here 100 years. With it's big front porch, wood floors, millions of windows, cozy fireplace, big backyard, it just feels like "us"! We have spent the summer watching little birds be hatched in our new lilac, clipping numerous roses from the beds, and planting and painting and grouting a little too! We have a few projects under our belt and a few more underway! But we are taking our time and trying to enjoy this place that is so easy for us to love!

We had our very first get together on the 4th of July for our 1st Annual Slip 'n Slide Party! I am telling you now, if you missed it you truly missed one heck of a time. From BBQ and sweet tea to rum runners and corn on the cob to a 100 foot slip n' slide there was a little something for everybody! And by all the smiles we saw I think everybody had a pretty good time!

I simply cannot wait until next summer for round II !

To leave this place

2011-05-12T13:29:00.000-04:00

It is so bittersweet to leave this place. This place that we have called home for almost 9 years. This place where we were engaged and the place where we brought home our sweet baby Carter. This place where Popsicle's on the porch marked the first day of summer and snowmen outback always noted the very first snowfall. Where little feet were heard running through the loft and a little voice always rejoiced when we returned home from work. Where Sundays were made with country music in the living room and little Monet's were painted on the patio. This place, home, is such a hard thing to leave. But as I packed and cried, and cried and packed, I realized that it is not necessarily the house that made it home. It was little feet hugging tight to tree limbs. It was sitting out back talking and laughing while watching our pond. It was decorating for holidays and being together. And then I realized, it was "us" that made it home and it is "us" that I am taking with me to the next house. Us and all of our stuff that sits so nicely on the shelf. Us and all the things that we love to do on Friday nights...movies, games, popcorn and ice cream. It is "us" that is home. And once all of "us" was packed neatly into nearly 100 boxes the house didn't seem so much like home anymore. It seemed like a place that I had known but didn't really recognize any longer. A place I had loved but knew wasn't mine any longer. So to leave this place was kind of bittersweet. Yes we were leaving walls and flowers and ponds behind. But with us we are taking 9 years of memories and love and laughter and the sound of little feet heard running through the loft. This was a place where love lived and I think I will take that with me!

Never Grow Up

2011-04-13T20:33:00.006-04:00

Carter, I always hope that you keep the passion to play without worry, to run through your day only concerned about when you can have your next Popsicle, that your imagination continues to grow as big as my aspirations for you, that you continue to love whole heartedly, that your sense of style always remains uniquely your own, that you are never too big to want to "nuggle" with your momma and that you never grow up too fast!

I heard this song yesterday while you were in preschool and I must have listened to it 100 times...love love love it almost, not really, as much as I love you!

Your little hand wrapped around my finger

and it is so quite in the world tonight

Your little eyelids flutter 'cause you're dreaming

so I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light

To you, everythings funny

You got nothing to regret

I'd give all I have, honey

If you could stay like that

Oh, Darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

Just stay this little

Oh, Darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up

It could stay this simple

~ Taylor Swift

A Magical 4th Birthday!

2011-03-04T09:23:00.021-05:00

For Carters 4th Birthday we surprised him with a trip to Disney World! So many pictures, so much sun and smiles, and so much fun!

Disney's Electrical Parade is really something to be seen....so many lights and floats!

At the Animal Kingdom we enjoyed a nice little Safari drive!

Then we spent the day behind the scenes at Hollywood Studios. Carter was so excited to see the car stunt show which was pretty incredible to watch. And speaking of incredible...Carter got to meet them as well!

We spent a night watching the fireworks at Epcot!

and celebrated Carter's 4th birthday with dinner at the T-Rex Cafe in Downtown Disney!

Awe, to see trees in bloom was something wonderful...the promise that spring really is just around the corner, or at least 980 miles away!

Above, I was so excited that Carter and I were able to get this cute little picture together until I got home and realized that his eyes were completely glued on her (below)...his first Disney love Mary Poppins!

I have to admit, she is beautiful and I don't blame him one bit for wanting to stare at her and then get all bashful when it was his time to see her!

Above Carter and Woody had a little gun smoke exchange while Jessie signed his autograph book. We also were able to ride the Toy Story Mania ride which was like a big 3D arcade game...very cute and one of our faves!

Carter took a spin on the a few of the classics....the Tea Cups and Dumbo. You just cannot visit Disney riding both of these rides!

Our little man became quite the picture poser while we were there and I took complete advantage every single time!

By the smile on his face I think he liked it even if he did say, " that was completely gross" when Minnie kissed his cheek!

Then it was on to something a little more masculine....PIRATES! Carter was even made an honorary pirate by Capt Jack Sparrow!

Above are a few of Carter's favorite rides in Disney, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan, Aladdin's Magic Carpets and Thunder Mountain!

and of course you just cannot visit Disney as a 4 year old and not get your picture with all the characters and get their autographs too! I tried my hardest to have him stand with a princess but he insisted, "I am not a girl" so I gave in and was just happy that at least he posed with Mary Poppins since she is his favorite anyway!

And at the end of the trip we were "all ears" as he spent the entire 15 hour drive home recapping every single ride and event...he must have loved it!

Good-bye..until next time!

Happy 4th Buggy Day!

2011-02-22T16:59:00.005-05:00

Since this time last year Carter has been asking for a "BUG" birthday party. So for his 4th Buggy Day we went all out with big inflatable bugs, bugs on the cake, bugs to eat, bug games. You name it, we did it!

and his little smile made it all worth it!!

Below Carter and his friends and cousins are doing the Caterpillar Crawl with the sleeping bugs...didn't really think this game was all that exciting but boy was I wrong. They loved it!

Make a wish and blow out your candles little man!!

Fun times

2011-02-04T07:39:00.007-05:00

so a few weekends ago Carter tried roller skating for the very first time!

at first it was as if he was walking on legs of jello...either clinging to the wall

or holding tight to daddy's leg.

then it was on to holding hands

and finally on to braving it out on his own....well I mean just a few feet from me to Matt. But he was finally by he end of the hour brave enough to try it on his own and when he did fall he just got back up and tried again and when he fell again he did some funny little foot work and said, "i didn't fall, I am break dancing"! Right Carter, keep telling yourself whatever makes you feel better!

Then the next day, we left it to the pros and went and saw Disney on Ice,Toy Story 3!

It was just as cute as the movie and the kiddos had a really good time being spoiled!

January's Promise

2011-01-31T06:54:00.010-05:00

We thank you January for countless days of snuggling on the couch, wearing our PJ's long into the day, movie nights with homemade popcorn and for leaving us with days that seem to be growing longer! You have held true to your promise of long nights, bitterly cold days, and blessed us with just enough snow to have a little fun!

Oh my love, you make my heart smile a mile wide!!

Full of fun

2011-01-11T16:11:00.009-05:00

I have to say that this was a Christmas full of family, fun, and laughter! I cannot think of a better way to celebrate Christmas than to spend it with those that we love!

This year, Carter was determined to get a bow and arrow set. He asked every single person he talked to for it and he is lucky that the guy in the big red suit came through for him. It came complete with a target as well as a outdoor deer target. It's a little redneck, but if you know Carter than you will know that it suits him just fine. He is a boy that is all about John Deere's, cowboy boots, bumpy roads, and country music. So, the guitar that we bought him was just as fitting!

We always have so much fun when we get together with family and I think the pictures below can speak for themselves. There was plenty of lovin, laughin' and little feet everywhere! and we can always count on Uncle Justin to be the goof of the family! Below he is sporting a dickie, a sweater, the Hang Over t-shirt we bought him, and his name tag! Just a tiny glimpse of the fun we have when we are together!

Mom and dad thought it would be fun to get all the guys and kiddo's marshmallow guns so that we can have marshmallow wars when we go camping this summer. No campground needed here. Just a bag full of mini's and wide open spaces and war was declared!

Next up, some quality time with the Wynberry's. Uncle Travis made the big trip in from Cali and little Granny was able to break free for a few hours and join us from the nursing home. We are so blessed!

So, years ago we bought this bunny suit for Jack as a little Christmas prank from the Christmas Story movie. Jack surprised us all when he actually wore this suit until it just could not fit any longer. The times of watching him run around the yard as a bunny are gone but the legend lives on now as he has passed it on to Carter!

can I just say, step aside Dancing With The Stars. Your show has nothing on these dance moves. By the looks of it we are all destined to be dancers!!

Well, we had a Christmas that was just as funny as these pictures and as great as the memories we created. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

A few of my favorite things

2010-12-24T11:00:00.008-05:00

These are a few of my favorite things

sitting by our Christmas tree repeatedly looking over all the ornaments that make us smile

grimy little fingers and not so perfect gingerbread houses

my sweet lil Carter playing in the snow

sipping/selling cocoa out of his playgym fort

curling up on the air mattress with my two favorite guys in the world for Christmas Movie Night and camping out by the tree!

and celebrating this special special day with those we love!

Hope you all have a Christmas full of your favorite things!

Do you hear what I hear?

2010-12-17T06:38:00.005-05:00

Few things in life can melt a momma's heart like watching your son parade in through church doors, take a seat up by the alter and sing at the top of his little lungs in a voice that brings tears to your eyes. (even if the girl next to him completely sang over him the entire time) Carter was so excited for his Christmas Program and once he realized that we were front row right in front of him he was all smiles and just kept waving and giving us the thumbs up! And the music, well it was 19 preschoolers all singing in their own time, and it was simply beautiful!

Happy Happy Birthday

2010-12-17T06:30:00.005-05:00

to me to me to me!!

Wow, who knew that turning the BIG 30 would be so nice! Matt planned a very special birthday dinner for me and our entire family downtown at Harry and Izzy's. And it was absolutely wonderful! The food was ummm, amazing, the drinks were yummy and the company could not have been better. Then we all headed back to our house so the kids could play and we could all chit chat a while. I was so happy that everybody could make it to help me celebrate!

A visit with Santa

2010-12-17T06:21:00.005-05:00

Preparing our hearts and our home

2010-12-17T05:54:00.005-05:00

Well, by now, the lights have been hung, the tree has been lit and the feeling of Christmas is all around. This year we promised to do more, spend less, and enjoy all the moments that make us smile!

Above, you can see that Carter is all smiles as he decorates his very tree! It is just darling with pinks, purples, blues and lime greens and full of little sweet shop ornaments. He absolutely loves all the colored lights which differs slightly from the all white light tree in the living room. This year Carter was insistent that an angel be placed on top of the tree in the living room. He has been completely intrigued by the story of Christmas and feels that an angel is most fitting...he is just too smart for only being 3.

We love using our annual Indianapolis Zoo membership as much as possible and one of our favorite times to use it is now. The Zoo is decorated with millions of lights, figurines and trees. They even bring in one very special Christmas helper...a reindeer. Carter was too funny this year as he went from tree to tree and figurine to figurine posing at every one for a picture...we finally had to cut him off he was stopping so much!

And as always we celebrate the season with a baking day at mom and dads. You should see some of the cookies...the kids did an absolutely amazing job decorating!

When it is 72 in November

2010-11-12T15:32:00.006-05:00

you throw on a little sweater and you head outdoors! Today we went to the Indianapolis Zoo with Auntie Holly, Keaton and lil Miss Kenley! And although we saw tons of animals, all eating and playing and roaming around since it was nice, my very favorite part was seeing all the smiles we got out of the little guys. They were just having the time of their lives running around and being boys!

All aboard the Indianapolis Zoo Train!

Really, wow....I just cannot believe that he is nearly four!

Don't be a Scaredy Cat

2010-11-01T08:21:00.007-04:00

It is just the Cat in the Hat!!

I usually try to make Carters Halloween costumes but this year when he told me that he wanted to be Cat in the Hat, I have to admit that I was immediately a little overwhelmed. So I headed out to the store to find a store bought costume only to hear Carter completely disappointed say,"No, mom. I want it to be fluffy". So with that said I headed to JoAnns in hunt of the fluffiest fabric I could fine. Then without a pattern, a little luck, and a little boy patiently waiting, I cut, and sewed, and ripped a couple seams(more than once) and sewed some more just so he could be the fluffiest Cat in the Hat. And it was cute!!

Below we were at Auntie Holly and Uncle Justin's Halloween Party....just one week after the birth of their 3rd baby lil Miss Kenley! I cannot believe they still hosted their annual party but they did and as always it was a good time. The kids played in the leaves, ran around outside, went on a tractor wagon ride and ate more cupcakes and candy than ever!

Then of course on Sunday it was off to go Trick - or- Treating....but after having his costume on 4 days in a row our little Cat in the Hat refused to paint his face for the big day! Oh well, it was still cute and he had a blast running from house to house!

Above Carter Trick-or-Treats at his favorite neighbor Brandon's house! Brandon has a dog and a few nephews that are Carters age so he just thinks that Brandon is the coolest guy ever...and it probably helps that his wife Amanda is very beautiful!

Our super scary pumpkins...Skeleton (Matts), smiley face (Carter) and the witch, well I am sure I do not have to tell you but yes it is mine!

Frightless Fall Fun

2010-10-25T06:17:00.006-04:00

So, for years my sisters and I have gone to the Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie and now that we have kids it just makes it that much more exciting. This year we started off with a little Taco Soup to warm our bellies, spiderweb cupcakes to set the mood and goody bags for the kids! Then we all caravaned to Conner Prairie where we enjoyed watching the kids play different musical instruments, sang a little Thriller, sipped some apple cider, and as always kept a look out for the Headless Horseman as we weaved our way through the woods on a wagon ride.

Then on Saturday Auntie A invited us to the Cottage Homes Neighborhood Block Party and I cannot even begin to tell you how stinkin cute this party was. From colorful paper lanterns hanging beautifully overhead to hay and fallen leaves covering the streets to the sweetest little tea lights hanging from the trees. This party was absolutely adorable. They offered marshmallows to roast around the bonfire, had an Animal Show for the kids, and horse drawn wagon rides. There was live music, hot dogs, art vendors, and a diva of a MC that wore a few killer costumes...too funny!

Carters Apple Pie

2010-10-22T05:11:00.002-04:00

For the past few weeks Carter has been asking me to make an Apple Pie so one day last week we set out on a mission....to make his apple pie!! First we headed to the orchard to select the freshest apples. Second we came home and possibly made the biggest mess my kitchen has seen since the time I dropped flour all over the place ruining my perfect Chicken Marsala that was simmering on the stove awaiting Matt's arrival home from a busy day at work. Anyways that is completely a different story and I think we had to end up ordering pizza. Anyways, back to the pie. But mess and all, we dove right in making our crust and cutting our apples, mixing a little of this and adding a touch of that and viola, Carters Apple Pie was absolutely delicious!

Oh October,

2010-10-11T07:06:00.007-04:00

how we love thee!

You are our absolute favorite time of the year. When you finally roll around and the leaves begin to change you welcome us with crisp cool mornings and dew upon our grass. We are caught in such a short amount of time to celebrate your fleeting beauty. And so in these brief few weeks of fall we find ourselves packing up and camping, apple cider sipping, soup eating, windows opening, Bronco riding, and pumpkin pickin!

Oh October, how we love thee!

This past weekend was just beautiful so we decided to take a drive in the country. Now we usually have this special day trip that we take to Huber Winery to pick our pumpkins but on Saturday as we were driving we found this cute little country patch that was having a festival. Carter really wanted a pumpkin TODAY so we stopped in for some pumpkin pickin....only to find that they were already picked. So since we couldn't change our minds and tell Carter no, we simply made the best of it and let im pick out a few dandies!

Here he is seriously contemplating which he should choose.

and as always we take a little time to pose for some pics by pretty mums and as always I get the pirate eye smile!

and at the end of our endeavor we ended up with a wagon full of fall!

Just a little story. So Matt thinks that I spend too much time doing crafts and not so manly things with Carter. I am a mom what can I say. So anyways, when we got home Carter immediately wanted to decorate the porch. So as we were setting out our corn stalks and pumpkins Carter took a few steps back and said "mom, come look at it from here. It looks really cute" and then quickly followed it up by saying " and dad by cute I mean cool!" Too funny. and for the record I personally thought it looked cute and by cute I mean darling!

Go COLTS

2010-09-19T18:41:00.006-04:00

Although Matt was able to attend tonight's game of Manning vs Manning while Carter and I stayed home, all three of us had fun a few weeks back at a preseason game. Not quite the same, but fun nonetheless.

Carter was so excited to watch all the pregame stuff with the motorcycle leading the team out and the streamers coming down!

Carter and his #1 buddy, his daddy!

preseason tickets for three....free!!

Bucket of popcorn....$8

1 foam finger.....$10

Colts hat.....$25

Manning Jersey.....$35

Carter bringin his game face....PRICELESS!

Now, we just hope that Matt has as much fun tonight at the game without us as he did with us!

Starting Preschool

2010-09-12T18:09:00.005-04:00

If I could have only convinced him to stop celebrating and sit still long enough to get a good picture. oh well. I guess it is what it is. His first day of preschool and he was just so excited he couldn't contain himself!

Labor Day Camping Trip

2010-09-12T17:36:00.005-04:00

What could be more fun than camping with 25 friends and family, crafts and campfires, homemade donuts and a nice little round of softball? We couldn't think of anything better so we packed up and headed to our 4th Annual Labor Day Camping Trip! We had so much fun that we are already making BIG plans for next year!

Justin...usually a good sport and always good for a laugh!

Aren't we a good lookin group...just don't pay too much attention to our clothes. First, we were camping and second we had just finished up a nice little game of softball, but most importantly we all had a blast!

Until next year!

sometimes it hurts so bad

2010-09-02T07:41:00.004-04:00

this ache inside my heart. This yearning for another sweet baby to love and cuddle, this yearning for our dear family of three to become a family of four (or even more). and it just hurts so bad as I sit there listening to yet another doctor tell me in his very own words "it's like a snowballs chance in hell" that I will conceive again. I couldn't even carry Carter to full term, delivered early, and now I cannot conceive. But I am girl....aren't we supposed to conceive? Are we not supposed to go forth and create new life? I don't get it. This hurt, this aching, this never ending cycle of hoping, wishing, praying that this will be the month. That this will be the month that I will see two pink lines instead of one. That this will be the month that I get to say " I am pregnant" instead of saying "oh my gosh I am so happy for you, that you are pregnant". Don't get me wrong, I am truly happy for those who can think baby and end up pregnant the next day. But gosh, really, I am jealous. And I hope and pray that they realize the blessings they have been given. What I wouldn't give to be them...probably both my ovaries! But I keep going hoping, wishing, praying that this will be the month. That this will be the month that I get to fill this baby void like no other. That this will be the month that I get to go into a store and buy my fill of sweet baby goodness. That this will be the month that I can reach across the car and wipe tears of joy of Matt's sweet cheeks instead of seeing eyes of hurt and disappointment, knowing full well that I cannot heal the hurt that is in both our hearts. And for Carter, a sibling. Oh my, there could be no greater gift for him. How he would love to sit and play and sing and fight and grow up knowing the love betweeen brothers or even a sister for that matter. That this would be the month for all these things. But after months of meds, shots, ultrasounds and appointment after appointment, it looks like it won't be this month either or not even next month for that matter. It will just be another month of putting on smiles as someone says, "So when are you going to give Carter a sister or a brother". I smile, my heart screams and what I really want to say is, "well as soon as I get $20,000 and an ovary that ovulates". Or when another says "it will happen when you least expect it"....well by now it has been three years and we "least expect it" and still nothing. Or another says, "it is God's will". Ok, fine and dandy, but is it also God's Will for all the little babies to be born into families who cannot care for them or love them or hurt and neglect them? I don't think so, so I don't find it His Will for this either. So for now we carry on with heavy hearts and hurt a mile wide and with so much thankfulness for our one sweet little bundle of joy that is getting so tall now that he comes to my waist. We carry on but still sometimes it hurts so bad, this aching inside my heart.

the one that got deleted

2010-07-30T07:46:00.000-04:00

Family Vacation 2010

2010-07-27T20:33:00.023-04:00

This year for our annual family vacation, with all my sisters and their families, we rented a house just outside of Myrtle Beach, SC. Matt and I, along with Carter, actually snuck away a few days early to spend some time with Nana and Papa Wynberry in Charleston before spending the rest of the week with all the Mennel girls and our kids. It was so nice to see Charleston again. No matter how many times we go it just never gets old. I love all the water, the huge houses, the history and the food! We spent the days playing in the water, collecting shells and watching dolphins and the nights were spent into the Wii hours catching up and bowling on the Wii!

Above Carter is searching for (and I think he found) the perfect shells with Nana

If you know Carter, then you know that old ships, big cannons and pirate artifacts are right up his alley. He was all smiles at Charleston's Queen Anne' s Revenge. The food was really good but the real pirate artifacts where even neater!

And then our four days in Charleston came to an end so we packed up and headed north just a bit to Garden City, just south of Myrtle Beach!

Above Keira and Carter are hanging out in Pawleys Island, which is known for their Hammocks. I found it ironic that the little old man who spends his days weaving these ever so comfortable hammocks has never owned one and says that when he heads home he heads straight to his bed...not the best sales pitch but the simple God's honest truth!

Shawna, Don, Keira and Kalen soakin' up some sun and diggin' in the sand!

Shae had the time of her life out in the waves while Ty preferred to stay on the beach...poor Shae loved it so much she ended up with swimmers ear and poor Ty found himself buried up to his neck with help from all the little ones!

Uncle Justin serenaded us all with his ukulele

Oh my goodness, we all had such a good time crab hunting at night. It was just too bad that Uncle Justin was the only one out of all of us that was lucky enough to catch anything. But the kids had fun regardless. They were able to run around, get wet and chase each other with flashlights, so they couldn't really have cared less about catching a crab!

Oh and did I mention how peaceful and relaxing this vacation was?!

My lil' love bug is getting too big

I don't know why I love this picture the way I do, the shell is well sub-standard and you cannot see his sweet baby face but I think it has something to do with those sweet little fingers that still love to hold his momma's hand...and the fact that he was so completely excited because he found "the bestest shell"

Kalen, Carter, Ceili, Keira, Shae, Ty and Keaton

When the kids are happy we are all happy!

and then the same came up on our very last day and we headed back to Indy with sand on our floorboards, sun on our skin, and memories in our heart...who could be happier!

and you wouldn't believe that I just deleted a picture that i really wanted to post and I am at work so here is this for now and I will post it later....

Father's Day Camping Trip

2010-07-08T07:13:00.012-04:00

Ok, so after 10 years of camping together in a tent, Matt and I finally decided that it was time to take a step up in the camping world and start this season off as new trailer owners. So here we are happily posing in front of our, at least new to us, camper!!

My most favorite part of any camping trip is the hour just before bed when Carter jumps up in my lap for a little cuddle time around the fire...even if it is 10 pm and still 90 degrees!

Rain really isn't a factor when you come equipped with rain boots...this is a little boys camping heaven. Rain, water, mud, and bugs!

Just a pretty little waterfall at the Fort Wayne Zoo

Kalen, Keira, Carter, Ceili and Keaton!

Oh my goodness..we had such a blast making trip after trip down this water slide at the state park where we were camping.

Ceili, Keaton, Carter, and Marilyn taking a break from all that water sliding.

Uncle David helps Carter and Ceili during the water balloon toss.

Grandpa and Matt are neck to neck in a little round of field day fun at our Fathers Day Cookout.

Ceili and Carter love their papaw more than words could ever say!

We had such a good time hanging out and spending time with almost 70 family members. We are so blessed to have such a large and close family and I cherish the times we are able to spend together. Next up....Myrtle Beach in T - 6 days!!

So far, this summer has been

2010-07-05T20:11:00.004-04:00

plenty of Popsicle eating
play gym playing

back porch sitting, sunset watching kind of fun...and I have thoroughly enjoyed soaking up every second of it!

stayed tuned for pics from camping

Hittin the woods

2010-06-03T14:28:00.009-04:00

for a 2.8 "rugged" hike with a 3 year old may not sound like much fun....but what can I say, the child loves to hike and the scenery was almost as beautiful as those who accompanied us.

getting hot

having a blast

and cooling off!

Keaton, Carter, and Ceili all sporting smiles despite the heat

Matt and Justin showing off their boy toys!

Indianapolis Childrens Museum

2010-05-24T08:32:00.007-04:00

Last week when it was nasty and rainy I decided to take Carter and Keaton, one of my favorite little godsons, to the Children's Museum. Here are just a few pics of the blast we had.

Carter and Keaton loved seeing Bob the Builder!
Carter takes his turn at the drawing table very serious.

And then it was off to the Barbie exhibit, which I tried to avoid like H1N1 since they are boys and there were like a million little girlies running about screaming but the boys insisted that they don little green tutu's and give it there best of the runway.

Then it was off to something a little more masculine....like race cars and dinosaurs.

Keaton and Carter "stealing" dino eggs from anothers nest.

The best of buds!!
I have a feeling that this is one of those photos that will melt my heart for years to come. I love these two boys and I love the friendship that they have with one another and it makes me smile when I think of all the trouble they will one day get into together.

Finally

2010-05-24T08:14:00.003-04:00

At 2 years we tried fruit loops in the potty....that didn't work. At 2 1/2 I tried food coloring in the potty and decorating the potty chair with Spiderman stickers....that didn't work. At 3 years my pediatrician told me to just let him tell me when he needed to try...well, as you can imagine that didn't work either. Since about January of this year Carter has been telling, "mom, I go potty in 5 weeks". Right, that didn't happen either. But last Sunday, when I went to change his pull-up Carter said, "mom, is today 5 weeks?" Umm, yes Carter, today is 5 weeks. And well, that is all it took. It has now been 8 days, only 2 accidents, and our little guy is all potty trained...just like that. Wow, I never new it would be this easy!

and of course, he gives it a big two thumbs up!

Ahoy matey

2010-05-02T10:27:00.004-04:00

For the last couple of months Carter has been asking to sleep in a pirate bed. So for his 3rd Birthday Matt decided to surprise Carter and build him his bed. So after a few months of it taking up space in the garage and a few different stain colors later, finally Carter has his pirate ship bed and he couldn't love it more!

above Carter gives us a helping hand as we finish the mast and sail!
Awe, I just love the way it turned it! Matt worked really hard on it and i think it is just beautiful! He even made it extra special by adding a trap door so Carter can have a secret hiding place all decked out with rope lighting and some of Carters favorite toys. There is even a reading deck so Carter can sit up front and read or play or steer his ship!

And those are the faces of a daddy and his son who love each other dearly!

Rainy days and mud puddles

2010-04-23T13:21:00.003-04:00

Rain, rain please don't go away,

little Carter loves to splash and play!

The day has finally come

2010-04-12T07:33:00.009-04:00

when my little guy can finally play soccer. Well, sort of. We have finally, after two years, found a soccer clinic for three year olds. If you know Carter, then you know that he has been practicing soccer since the day he learned to walk. Ever since I can remember he has kicked a soccer ball around the house and out in the yard. Even last summer I caught him playing on his computer and I asked what he was playing and he said "I signing up for soccer mom". Too funny! Well, anyways....here he is! Our little soccer star!

Ok, so maybe the entire outfit is a little over kill for a soccer clinic for three year olds but how do you tell your son that he cannot have soccer cleats and shorts when he has been wanting them for so long. So yes, we got him all decked out and he thought he was the coolest thing around!
and he is running, eye on the ball, form looks good

GOAL!!

Carter gives soccer his signature two thumbs up!!
(sorry the above pic is a little out of focus...I hate when that happens to a cute photo)

So after his little practice we took him to "celebrate" at his favorite ice cream place as he calls it "Basketball Robbins"!

(and yes that is Matts beloved Bronco in the background.)

Happy Easter

2010-04-08T08:40:00.009-04:00

Hope you all had a very Blessed Easter!

Above, all the kids have fun egg hunting at Nana and Papaws!

Can I just say.....I love my family!!

Shawna and Don and their good lookin' crew!

Holly and Justin and their two little cuties!

It wouldn't have been Easter at our house without getting Carter a little chick. This year he decided to name the chick "chickenhead"....I don't know where he comes up with the names but once he decides on a name, there is no changing his mind!

After spending the morning at church and then mom and dads for lunch, we spent the rest of the afternoon at a park flying Carters kite and bug catching! It was such a beautiful day and I was so happy that we were all able to be together to have fun, rest and hang out!

Oh, this made me laugh...

2010-02-28T07:29:00.004-05:00

This just cracked me up last night and it was the first thing to make me smile this morning so I decided to let you all in on a little conversation between a three year old and his daddy, while his momma sat right there taking it all in.

so we had just left a Chinese restaurant with take-out and

Matt said: "Carter, they gave you a cookie"

and about three minutes later Carter muttered something of which I understand completely.

but Matt answered "what did you say"

so once again Carter muttered the exact same thing and once again I understood it completely

but Matt said "that is what I thought you said"

and I said " What do you think he said?" because I could tell that Matt either had no clue or he had it all wrong.

so Matt confidently said " he said, Turkeys have wrinkles"

and I burst out laughing...."no, he asked, cookies have sprinkles?"

and Matt replied, "well, for the record, yes turkeys have wrinkles"

OMG, I hope his made you smile but it was really one of the funniest things I have ever heard!
Hope you have a good day!

Happy 3rd Birthday Captain Carter

2010-02-23T06:32:00.005-05:00

Wow, it is hard to believe that our sweet little Carter is already turning three! I can remember the day we brought him home from the hospital like it was yesterday! He was 6 lbs 1 oz the day we left the hospital and he had a head full of dark-black-soft-as-feathers hair that I just couldn't keep my hands off of. He was wearing the sweetest little white one-piece outfit with the tiniest little blue stars. Oh, that drive on 465 was the slowest and longest drive of my life....I was so nervous as Matt passed all the semi's that I kept making him drive well below the posted speed. And at dinner that night I just sat there and cried because I was so worried that I would not be able to take care of something so tiny and so completely dependent.

It funny how things have changed....
Now our sweet baby is three and reminds me daily that "I a big boy mom" as he attempts to do EVERYTHING on his own and usually after a couple attempts realizes that there are still some things he needs his momma for.

That same tiny baby is now nearly 30lbs and over 38 inches tall and can be found daily standing on our couch with his arms stretched out wide screaming "I'm Buuuzzzz Lightyear" followed by a nice little launch straight to the ground!

Carter loves to go hiking and told Matt the other day he wants to go "Mike 'n biking" which we discovered he means Mountain Biking! He loves the great outdoors and anything adventurous.

He loves music and dancing and making people smile. He loves books and cars and praying to God. He loves riding his bike and building forts and helping out around the house. He loves his momma and his daddy and yet his favorite people are his Nana's and his Papa(w)'s! He loves khaki pants and riding in the Bronco and loves nothing better than helping in the garden. He loves being loud, running fast, and digging for worms. He loves pirates and "deck shoes" and anything with wheels. He is ALL BOY, and I love it!

I love that he stills likes to sit on my lap and read. I love that he loves doing crafts and making cookies. I love that he stills love to be rocked after his bath and sang to before bedtime. I love that he is compassionate, caring, and crazy at times. I love when he comes up to me and says "mom, I love you" just completely out of the blue. I love that on the days when I head to work he says "mom, go take care of people" and he means it! I love when he says "this is the best (fill in the blank) in the whole word" meaning to say world! Most of all I love that he is still my sweet little baby!

Happy 3rd Birthday Captain Carter

Momma loves you more than words can say.

Love

2010-02-14T14:39:00.003-05:00

and so this is just one of many reasons that I smile at the thought of him!

Carter: I wove you mom

Momma: I love you too Carter

Carter: I wove you back

Momma: Well, I love you even more

Carter: I wove you this much (with his tiny arms stretched out)

Momma: I love you around the world and back again

Carter: Umm, mom, you my heart.

And there is nothing, i mean nothing, that one could say to even come close to topping that and the way it makes me feel every time he says it. I love, in all caps, LOVE that kid!

a line all of his own

2010-02-05T07:07:00.002-05:00

So, recently Carter has been coming up with some pretty good pick up lines....

Carter: Hi, nice to meet you!
Grocery Clerk: Nice to meet you too sir!
Carter: What's your dogs name?

What? Really? What almost three year old starts a conversation with a complete stranger? and then when there is a cute little girl around he cannot come up with a thing to say except:

Carter to a cute little girl: (as he hides behind my leg) Hi, I a little bit shy!

and the mom of the little girl: Did he just say he was a little bit shy? That's too sweet, he knows how to win them over all ready!

Lord, help us!

In the dead of winter,

2010-01-15T16:14:00.003-05:00

nothing is more fun

than throwing snowballs at your mom!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T21:04:00.002-05:00

and so we had a Merry little Christmas

2010-01-01T16:41:00.010-05:00

Carter is all smiles while he rides his new tractor with a wagon from Santa!

Carter had such a good time playing and hanging out with Jack, Patrick and Alex on Christmas Day at Aunt Traci and Uncle Tim's house.

Decorating cookies for Santa....this is one of Carters most favorite things to do and he was so completely thrilled that Uncle Travis was there to help him.

Uncle Travis, Nana and Papa joined us on Christmas Eve, along with my family, for dinner. The table was tight, the kitchen was crowded but I LOVED seeing everybody at our house for the holidays.

Granny and Papa Bob with all the kiddos while we celebrated Christmas at their house.

ok so here is keira, all smiles for the camera. and no I did not ask her to do this, she saw the camera, put her hands up and just started smiling. She is just like her mom, always ready and willing to smile for the cameras. and a beautiful smile it is!

and this is what happens when three kids, ages 4, 2, and 2, lock themselves in a bathroom with an arsenal of princess make-up. Aren't they beautiful!

We had such a wonderful Christmas, not only that day, but the whole month long. We are so blessed to be so close to our families and so completely lucky that we all enjoy getting together and making memories every chance we get!

Happy Birthday Matt

2009-12-27T07:05:00.011-05:00

It was December 27th 1978 when you were born and changed your parents lives forever! And now, 31 years later, you are a wonderful husband and amazing daddy. We are so lucky to have you in our lives! Happy 31st Birthday! Love you enough!

ps. Thanks Holly von Buchler Photography for the great family photo....we love it!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T10:26:00.003-05:00

from our home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Breakfast with Santa

2009-12-20T07:06:00.009-05:00

Last weekend we went to Breakfast with Santa at the Indiana State Museum. They have just the most beautiful set up and the sweetest Santa. This Santa, he smiles, he laughs, he listens and he ends with God Bless You....love it!

Carter thoroughly enjoyed sitting with Santa and telling him all about the toy he wants the most and it looks as if Santa is listening to every little wrist turning detail.

Below are a few pictures of the rest of the decor at the State Museum. They had on display some of L.S Ayres old window displays from when Ayres was downtown. I can remember when I was little walking downtown or going on a carriage ride and seeing all the displays. They were so beautiful and it was really neat to see them on display again.

I LOVE this picture. Carter and Ceili were also enjoying themselves while looking at the window displays.

Auntie Holly, Uncle Justin, Ceili and Keaton are all smiles as we get ready to meet Santa!

Mom and dad with the grandkids in the their Christmas outfits, of which Ceili is most proud to be wearing. Isn't she gorgeous?!

Baking Day 2009

2009-12-19T08:52:00.002-05:00

One of my very favorite things to do during the holidays is get together with my sisters and my mom for our little baking day. We make everything from cookies to buckeyes to chocolate covered pretzels and more. The house is loud, the kitchen is hot, the mimosa's are cold, but the kids are laughing with joy and there are bites being snuck by the boys....what could be better?!

The only thing missing was Shawna and her little cuties. There is always next year!

Above the kiddos give it try and really put it on thick with sprinkles and red hots!!
We get in the spirit with the traditional red and green attire and the little Christmas aprons my Granny made us years ago....we just couldn't have baking day without them!

Polar Express Night

2009-12-18T09:31:00.002-05:00

Last weekend was jam packed full of holiday festivities. On Friday, Carters Stay 'N Play hosted a Polar Express Night. We watched the movie, ate cookies and sipped some hot cocoa and even had a little surprise visit from Santa. Carter invited Ceili to come along with us and they had an absolute blast together. Although they are cousins they are more like brother and sister, and above, their little smiles just show how much they truly love one another.

Check back later for more pics from our busy yet all too much fun weekend!

This week

2009-12-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

he painted me a "rainbow" at Stay and Play

and

out of know where, he leaned in and said, "mom, you my best mom in the whole world! Big hug!"

and

"mom, I have a secret."

mom: Whats that?

Carter: "I want to marry you"

talk about melting my heart and making my eyes tear up.

I just love the things he comes up with! and somehow after all that, it makes the times he is throwing his shoes at me a little easier to take....

Don't laugh

2009-12-07T16:34:00.009-05:00

these pictures are from Thanksgiving but to me they are worth posting. I just love when all my sisters are able to get together and have fun with the kids!! Here is just a glimpse of our jam-packed, fun-filled weekend!

Justin working hard, in the rain, on our Thanksgiving Day Turkey!

Below is the finished product...we thought about going out instead!
But hands down, no question about it, this was the BEST turkey I have EVER had!! You rock Justin!

and here is Mr Kalen sporting his Turkey!

Then on Friday, after waking at 3:00 to find the huge deals, it was off to the Circle of Lights Festival on Monument Circle. Love this picture of A and Carter!

Saturday we were off to the North Pole via the Polar Express Train Ride in Connersville. Carter once again loved it and had a blast riding the train and dancing with his cousins in the isle.

All the kiddos in their matching pj's!

Carter waiting patiently to see Santa at the North Pole!

The kids were all smiles on the Polar Express!

Quiet Mouse

2009-11-25T09:25:00.002-05:00

Last night, after hours of never ending chitter chatter, Matt came up with the idea to play "Quiet Mouse, Quiet Mouse". So we told Carter the rules. We would count 1-2-3 and then whoever stayed quiet the longest won!!

Matt: 1-2-3

about 5 seconds later

Carter: Umm, I'm done being the mouse!

Well, it made us laugh and it was worth a try. It was then back to about 3 more hours of chit chat.

Cowboy Carter

2009-11-03T14:44:00.009-05:00

After weeks of wanting to be a train and then a few more weeks of wishing to be a bat, Carter finally decided to dress up as a cowboy for Halloween....and I think he might just be the cutest little cowboy I have ever seen. And, well, since he is my only one, I took about thousand pictures. Here are just a few of my favorites.

We completed the costume with vest, chaps, rope, hat, boots and even a little campfire coffee tin that was Carters great grandfathers.

Just couldn't resist taking a picture of his cute little buns in blue jeans and chaps.

Our pumpkins....mines a haunted house, Carters is a bat with moon and Matt's is a tree with tombstones....very spooky don't you think?

Cowboys and Indians for the annual Halloween Party at Holly and Justin's house

This year as we headed out the front door to go Trick~or~Treating Carter had a slight meltdown because he wanted to ride his bike...and well since it is all about him , that is exactly what he did. He did such a good job! He rode his bike from house to house and stopped about million times but he had so much fun! And personally, I found the pictures to be kind of cute!

All smiles and two thumbs up

2009-10-27T13:39:00.009-04:00

It was all smiles and two thumbs up for Huber Winery Pumpkin Pickin'! There is no better way to spend a fall day than with a crisp chill in the air, blue skies, tons of pumpkins and apple cider!

Carter finds a seat just his size and takes a break from a long afternoon of wagon rides and pumpkin picking!

He picks the perfect one!

Pulling up yet another seat to rest those tired feet! It is hard work running around from pumpkin to pumpkin trying to find just the right one!

When all is said and done, I asked Carter what he thought of the orchard and this was his response...a huge smile and two thumbs up!!

Have I ever mentioned, that "I heart my men"!!

Latimer Lane

2009-10-05T07:39:00.007-04:00

Over this past weekend we took a little trip to Nana and Papa's house and man did Carter have a blast. He played outside from sun up 'til sun down with just about every toy under the sun. From rocks and diggers to skateboards and basketball hoops, he tried it all! He even managed to ride a big boy bike with a little help from Papa! And then once it was dark, well we stayed outside for that too and made pizza pies on the bonfire.

On Sunday we drove into Nashville and visited the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens....it was so pretty!! Carter loved being able to run around, walk on the stone pathways, and look at all the flowers and water features and in between him darting off and running ahead I was able to get a few pictures. I know, imagine that!! But, to me pictures are priceless!

It was so funny. Carter loves riding in the car especially on bumpy or hilly roads so when we were driving to their house on Friday I kept telling him, "just wait until we get to Nana and Papa's road because it is an old country road" knowing that he would love all the hills and bends. Well, when we pulled onto their street and started up the first hill Carter said, "mom, this my favorite country road"! Too sweet and too funny, Matt and I just laughed! Carter had such a good time at their house and I am so glad that we went. I know he is young, but I just want him to grow up knowing and remembering their house and the memories he makes while there!

Carter goes to Stay and Play

2009-10-02T07:34:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago Carter and I started going to Stay and Play once a week at a local church. It is such a neat opportunity to meet new people, play with new kids, and learn simple instructions and listening skills from a teacher but still have all the comforts of having your mommy there. So, every Tuesday from 9-1030 Carter gets to "go to school" as he calls it and he even requested SEVERAL times for a "pack-pack". Usually when we get there he tells me "mom, I do it myself. I play with friends and you go home". Then usually about 30 minutes into it he is done playing with others and spends the rest of the time playing and doing crafts with me...he still needs his momma!!
He enjoys making crafts but I think what he likes even more is when he gets to bring it home to show daddy.

I just love this picture because you can tell in his smile that he is truly having fun!!

Today....

2009-09-02T13:16:00.001-04:00

Carter said, "I use my muscles and dance, mom!".

so of course he grabbed his guitar and played along with CMT.

'round here

2009-08-24T17:07:00.011-04:00

Here are just a few pictures taken over the past few weeks. We have had a blast while keeping busy! Last weekend Matt's work had a company picnic at the State Fair. It was HOT but we made the most of it. Carter had a blast trying out some of the rides but what I think he liked even more was the Riley Kids Park! There he got to try his hand at several farm activities like collecting eggs, planting crops, harvesting, tractor riding and even milking a cow. Well, it was all just pretend but he LOVED it...and I loved that it was educational! Always an added bonus!

Love the way he is sporting his hat...he flipped it around to get closer to the cow!

Collecting eggs from the chickens which immediately reminded Carter that we are way over due for our trip to visit chic on the farm.

Then we spent some time at Nana and Papaws cooling off!

We also enjoyed a little trip to Brown County in the Bronco!

Carter climbed up here and said, "take my picture here" so of course I did and here it is!

Carter loves finger painting by the pond and this particular masterpiece was what Carter wanted to paint for Uncle Travis' 40th Birthday!

So that's what we have been up to! Hope everybody is enjoying their last few weeks of long, sunny days and flip flops!

Really, already?

2009-08-24T07:04:00.002-04:00

wow, I cannot believe that you are already 2 1/2! It seems like just yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital and now I look at you and see a little boy that is growing like a weed! Over the past six months you have grown 2 inches, moved up 2 shoes sizes, and have maintained your slim figure at a whopping 25 lbs!

Never mind all the whining, screaming, and screeching, and the tantrums in Target. This is what I love about you at 2 1/2!

*I love when your little dirt smudged hands pull my face to yours for a kiss.

*When you take your daily vitamin that you say "mom, take your bitamin"

*that you say "hopitator" for helicopter!

*that you sooo badly want to ride a school bus but then say that I, your blanket, and your bear all have to come along with you!

* that you want a backpack and you say "I be spiderman packpack and mom you be a princess packpack"!

* when we play doctor, which is like 5 times daily, that you listen to our hearts and say that it says, "wove you, wove you"

* when we go Bronco riding, I love when you say "jump in mom"!

* when we are in the car and you ask me to turn the music up and then you say "you sing that mom!"

* when Taylor Swift or Sugarland come on the radio you start smiling and dancing and you say "that my girl"

* that you have finally learned to peddle your tricycle

*that you love going on bug hunts, digging in the dirt, and finger painting

* that out of all the colors we have, your favorite color of play-doh is still the homemade blue we made together!

*that when you color a picture you ALWAYS put a small scribble in each corner before starting on the rest of the page

*sitting on the back porch sharing popsicles as we watch our fish in the pond.

*that while we are sitting there if you cannot see the fish or frogs, you start saying "come out, come out, where ever you are"

* and I love that for no reason at all you will just grab my hand and say "I wove you mom" and I think you mean it!!

This is just a little picture of Carter that I find just hilarious. When we were camping in Michigan he wanted to play in the tent on his "puter" so I walked in to take this picture and asked what he was doing and he so excited said "mom, I signing up for soccer!". Isn't that funny! I guess I better get on this whole soccer thing since he is now trying to sign himself up!

Michigan 2009

2009-07-29T15:06:00.009-04:00

Well, we are back. The car is unpacked, the laundry is done, and by now the tans have started to fade....and I am just patiently waiting for the next summer vacation. I absolutely LOVE being able to spend an entire week straight playing outside, not worrying about who is getting dirty and what we are forgetting to get done around the house. I love being with my family and not being interrupted by TV shows or dinner time phone calls. I love when we get home from vacation and I overhear Carter talking to Nutzy about the "dunes"...that just melts my heart and confirms all the reasons why I just love family vacation!

Isn't this lighthouse worth a 1.8 mile hike one way....I think so. (plus the hike back!) It was absolutely gorgeous and my pictures don't really do it justice. It is big, it is old, and it is beautiful!

Just a really good picture of Nana and Papaw from our night out playing putt-putt with the kids....I will have to post a few of those later!

The kids, and really I mean all of us, really had a blast climbing and running down all the sand dunes. If you have never seen them, they are HUGE and they seem to go on forever. Up one side down another, over and over again! This is where Matt and Justin plan on bringing the Bronco and Jeep this fall for a little dune riding action, without the kids don't worry!

Just hanging around camp eating watermelon, going on walks, playing in the dirt and tie-dying a few T-shirts.

Who wouldn't love to go on a vacation where this is the perfect end to a perfect day!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-11T06:59:00.010-04:00

Since we had heard so much about how good they usually are, on July 3rd we went to watch the Beech Grove Fireworks with Holly and Justin and the kiddos. And I have to say, for a small town they put on a really nice show!

Carter and Ceili playing while we enjoy our picnic.

Carter takes a time out from soccer to pick his momma a "flower"!

Keaton nearly tips out of his chair while giving his best efforts to remove his shoe!

Carter's new love.....sparklers!

Carter and Ceili do a little fireworks watching from the back of the car all decked out with air mattress, comforter and popcorn....thanks Auntie Holly and Justin!

Then on July 4th we were all excited to head downtown to watch the Indianapolis fireworks and then came the rain that just would not end. So we improvised and had our own little show at the house under the cover of the front porch! Complete with pulled pork, pasta salad, sparklers fireworks and ummm yes, rain, and lots of it!

Like I said, they really are his new love!

So we pulled our little bench over and the kids sat and enjoyed watching the dads get soaked as they set off some fireworks the for kids! Who needs downtown when we can do it from the comforts of our own home!

Hope everybody had a safe and happy 4th...we sure did!

Day Out with Thomas the Train

2009-07-11T06:03:00.014-04:00

So, these are just a few weeks late but we are leaving to go out of town tomorrow and I really wanted to post a few pictures before we left...sorry they are so late. When we found out that Thomas the Train was coming we thought what better way to celebrate Miss Ceili's 4th birthday, never mind the fact that she also had the cutest little Candy Land birthday party, and feed Carters slight obsession with trains! So here are a few from our Day Out with Thomas the Train!

I don't know why but I really love this picture above and something about just kind of makes me giggle every time I see it. I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact that despite every attempt to get them to look at me this is the closest that I got to seeing their cute little faces....apparently Keaton is just far more exciting to look at!

All Aboard!!

Here we are on Thomas taking a nice little train ride through the countryside.

Auntie Holly, Uncle Justin, Ceili and Keaton!

The kids absolutely loved the Thomas petting zoo and pony rides....Nana on the other hand was armed and ready with GermX wipes.

I love when the boys get together....they are so stinkin' cute!

All smiles from our little guy.....and this is why we do the things we do. Nothing is better than seeing your child smile, even if his mouth is full of pretzels!

Keaton hanging out and taking a snack break

Ceili giggles as Holly pulls out all the old tricks in efforts to make her smile.

and finally....we meet Sir Topham Hatt!

Nothing like getting kisses from Nana and Papaw!

Fathers Day Weekend

2009-07-01T07:09:00.012-04:00

Matt and Carter take a break from playing during our annual Fathers Day Camping Trip!

Three years ago Matt decided that he wanted to make Fathers Day an annual camping trip for he and Carter....which I will continue to tag along until I feel Carter is old enough to go motherless, which might be several years from now:) Matt, you are such an amazing husband and an awesome daddy to Carter. You are one of the greatest dads that I know! I love the way you love us!

Anyways, this years camping trip had a nice little twist....the entire Mennel family! We all got together and went camping like we used to when I was little. It was fun having all the aunts and uncles plus all the new little grandbabies around! I think at last count there were 79 of us! And that isn't even all of us. How fun is that! Well, thanks Matt for sharing your weekend with so many. I think we all had so much fun being together!

Here are two of the other greatest dads that I know....my dad and my grandpa!

The kids enjoying a nice little water balloon fight!

At the family pitch-in my cousin Natalie went from table to table making all the kids balloon animals. Carter loved it and he thought he was really cool wearing the hat that she made.

My Aunt Carol is always so full of fun and exciting surprises. For the get together she orchestrated an entire Field Day for the kids complete with an egg toss, balloon toss and more! Thanks Aunt Carol, the kids had a blast!

Little Mr Smiles cheesing for the camera....my nephew Keaton

The kids all having fun at their campsite dance party. Have you ever just turned on music for a group of kids and watched what happens.....it is just too funny words. Carter even broke out in some awesome cartwheels for us.

Papaw and Carter talking to the Indian while he demonstrated the axe block throwing.

Well, that's it, that was our weekend. Hope you enjoyed looking at the pictures as much as we enjoyed being there. Probably not, but we had fun!

The 2009 Mount Comfort Airshow

2009-06-09T12:59:00.011-04:00

Over the weekend Nana and Papa Wynberry came to visit and we spent Saturday afternoon enjoying ourselves at the 2009 Mount Comfort Airshow.

Above is the Air force's A10 Warthog

Notice how the nose of the plane is painted, this was done as a threat to enemy's years ago and the Air force continues to paint this way today.
I always love to watch the Golden Knights parachute from 3000-5000 ft. They are unbelievable! This year I was shocked as they combined three individual jumpers midair to make a three man pyramid that separated just seconds before landing.

Below, Fat Albert from the US Marines takes flight just moments before the Blue Angels take to the sky!

And here they are, the US NAVY Blue Angels!

Notice how close they are flying, which is only 1 yard apart. And in the second photo you can see that one is flying upside down!

We always have so much fun watching the airshow and we cannot wait to go again next year.

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-29T06:31:00.007-04:00

Nothing says Memorial Day Weekend like a backyard cookout, camping, and the Indianapolis 500 Parade...so this year we did a little of it all!

This is the 100th year celebration of the track being open to racing. Above is the float that celebrated the very first race at IMS, which was a Hot air Balloon Race.
If you are from Indy or have ever even heard or watched the race then you know that nothing screams Indianapolis 500 tradition better than the signing of "Back Home Again in Indiana" by Jim Nabors, which is probably why he got the largest applause at the parade!

Here we are just hanging out, having fun, and trying to beat the heat!

After the parade we went to Nana and Papaw's house for a cookout and the kids nearly fell asleep during their tractor rides. Taking tractor rides is one of Carters absolute favorite things to do while at Nana and Papaws. It is so sweet to watch him having so much fun in their backyard. It reminds me of when I was little running around, throwing sticks in the creek and selling tomatoes out of that same little red wagon.

On Sunday, we headed to McCormicks Creek to hang out with my other sister who decided to miss the parade festivities to go camping instead. As you can see in the picture above, Carter really takes horseback riding very seriously!

Wow, and this is why we love to camp with the kids....they are covered from head to toe in dirt, eating s'mores, running around non-stop having the time of their lives, and their little smiles just confirm how much fun we were having!

Now we just cannot wait until Father's Day weekend when we actually get to camp ourselves along with all my sisters and their families.

Rainy Days

2009-05-13T12:57:00.003-04:00

The "Dune Truck"

2009-05-06T08:12:00.007-04:00

Yay, it finally arrived....Carters backseat for the Bronco that is! Once we told Carter that Matt had ordered his new seat he asked us probably 20 times a day if the "mail truck come?". He watched out the window, checked the front porch, and talked about it constantly. And then, one day while he was napping, it came!!! And when we he woke up I told him the great news and that we would need to wait for daddy to get home from work, and well, as you can see that is exactly what the did. Carter ran to front door to make sure it was there and then he proceeded to sit outside for like 30 minutes just sitting, watching, and waiting on Matt! Once Matt brought it into the house Carter even helped him put it together by reading the "structions".

And here he is on his first "dune truck" ride!!

Matt and Carter taking the Bronco for a little spin!

Live Green

2009-05-06T07:50:00.005-04:00

Well, as you can see Carter and I did a little Earth Day project a few weeks back and I am just now getting around to sharing a few pictures. But since I am so late adding these, I am honored to tell you that our little seeds have begun to sprout!

Carter is becoming quite the little gardener these days. Yesterday he was out planting flowers, pulling weeds, and collecting earth worms in his bug catcher. Or I should say, I was collecting them for him....he wanted the worms in his bug catcher but wanted no part in picking them up. He was all curious about the worms face, legs, and "where his eyes go, mom?"....just how do you explain the anatomy of a worm to a 2 year old. I am open for suggestions.

I just love it

2009-04-22T07:05:00.006-04:00

* when you pull daddy's face closer to yours for a kiss

* when I tell you that I am going to work and you say, "money, for me" and yes Carter, that is the very reason momma goes to work

* when I come home from work and you are always hiding but too excited to see me that you can hardly even stand in your hiding spot.

* when you climb up on the couch and say "tall fork" meaning tall fort and proceed to strategically place all the pillows in different arrangements to build a fort, a ship, or whatever else your little mind comes up with.

*when your ship is complete that you climb inside and say, "I, Taptain Tarter" aka Captain Carter

*when you sit and watch a movie and say you want "pop-porn" completely meaning popcorn

*when we are in the car and you ask to hear your favorite song

*when we are at home and I catch you playing daddy's guitar while singing your favorite song

* when you ask me to "come play" with you

*when you say, "I help you"

* when I have a headache and you ask "mom, you feel?" which not surprisingly always melts my heart and instantly I am feeling better

* when you want us to lay down with you and you cover us with your blanket

* when you say "wove you"

* when we cannot hear you as we drive away so you scream "bye" as loud as possible

* when you insist on wearing your pajama shirts all day

* when you want to wear your Buzz Lightyear socks 4 days in row...we have multiple pair

*when you ask me "why" at least 500 times a day

*when you can recall at least one of the reasons that I gave to your constant "why" questions

* when you ask me to sing to you and then you always pick what songs you want me to sing, and that you always smile no matter how bad or how off key it might be

* when you hold up one finger to your mouth and whisper "shhh" because you had just tucked in one of your many toys for a nap

*when we tuck you in at night and you say "I sleep in your room"

*when you wake up in the morning and say "morning momma, morning daddy"

*when you get a special treat and you say "a prize, for me"

*when I can sit back and watch you just having fun being the absolutely adorable, always curious 2 year old that you are!

Down on the farm

2009-04-20T06:27:00.010-04:00

We are so glad that this week was absolutely beautiful. Not only did we get some much needed yard work done but we were also able to spend countless hours playing outside, and yes Chic was included! Matt and I had so much fun watching Chic follow and chase Carter around the yard! You can see in the first picture that Chic already has most of her wing feathers and is starting to get tail feathers also. In just the 1 week that we have had her she has already gotten taller, gained weight, received her feathers, and her legs and feet have gotten bigger and wider. I never knew that a little peep could grow so fast! Since she is growing so fast and has nearly hopped out of her crate a few times we made the trip to my friend Jill's farm so that Carter could see where Chic will be living....with acres up acres for her to roam around with all her little friends and not be cooped up!

Of course, of course, it would not be a farm without several tractors....and yes Carter got to sit on each and every one of them!

Carter and Jill petting one of the little goats!

Momma and Carter petting the goats and then quickly after taking this being nearly knocked over by the sweet little things.

Jill and Floyd also have 30 head of "Buppalo" as Carter kept calling them. It was so neat to see these big animals up close. We were so lucky because two days before we went there they had their first baby of the season, a couple weeks early. If you look you can see the baby laying down by the mom. A few seconds after this picture the entire herd starting running to the back pastures....it was amazing to see and it really did sound like rolling thunder! If you ask Carter about the "buppalo" his favorite thing to tell you is that he got to see them run!

Just a few of Jill's bigger chickens and her rooster!

Her goats just hanging out and having fun!

Above Carter is just meandering around the farm going from one thing to the next!

The "Scrapalo" was Floyd's winter welding project and it sits out by the road greeting all the passer-bys! Matt was pretty impressed so we drove down and he snapped a few shots of it!

Daddy and Carter heading over to take a look at all the tractors!

We had so much fun seeing all the animals and enjoying the sounds of being miles out from anywhere and hearing absolutely nothing but the goats and the chickens. How peaceful! It was also nice for Carter to see all of Chic's new friends.

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T13:49:00.013-04:00

Happy Easter everybody! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend and were able to enjoy all the fabulous weather with friends and family!

We started our Easter weekend off on Good Friday by taking Carter to get a spring chicken....and as much of a concrete thinker that he is, he named the chicken "chic".

Above, Carter is taking "chic" out of the box once we got home and kissing her through the crate that has now become her little home.
Our Spring Chick!
No need to worry, the sweet little chicken will be well cared for at my friend Jill's farm once she is too big for us to handle. Until then, we will continue playing with her and watching her grow!

Then on Saturday, Carter had a few guests over for an Eggcellent Party! They had lunch, colored eggs and made crafts! I think that a good time was had by all.

Carter's party guests sitting down for their Easter lunch....don't they just look too cute in their bunny ears?!

After lunch it was time to color eggs for the big egg hunt at Nana's on Sunday.

The cousins and their bunnies pose for pictures after an afternoon full of food and fun!

just a few pictures of the party decor!

Easter morning we were up bright and early to head to church but not before Carter checked out his Easter Basket. Carter really seemed to enjoy all his little gifts especially his bug catcher and magnifying glass. He also got a Buzz Lightyear kite and the Kung Fu Panda movie, which has already been watched and re-watched!

Then it was off to church.

and on to Nana and Papaws for Easter morning brunch which was so completely yummy and egg hunt which was fun!!

Carter takes a break mid-hunt to see if the eggs are all they are talked up to be....must have been because he got up and kept on hunting for a few more minutes anyways until he gave that up to play!

And their off!!

Baby Kalen was there too but not really into hunting this year. Cannot wait to see him out there with all the little ones again next year!

We concluded our little Easter weekend by spending some time with all the Wynberry's at Uncle Tim and Aunt Traci's house. Carter had fun, as always, playing with the boys. The rode bikes, did stunts, jumped ramps, decorated cookies and hunted eggs.

We are just so thankful that all of our family was able to be in town to spend time with us this weekend. We had just a good time seeing everybody and Carter had so much fun playing with all his cousins. We are so lucky to be from such awesome families!!

Hippity Hoppity

2009-04-08T15:17:00.005-04:00

Easter's on it's way...so to help celebrate we took Carter to see the Easter Bunny after church this past Sunday. As you can see he was really excited to see him or perhaps it was just the fact that he got a sucker. No, really, Carter has been excited and talking about Easter ever since we decorated our Easter Tree out back with 12 little eggs. The whole way over to the mall to see the Easter Bunny Carter kept saying "hop, hop, my house" so when we got there Matt and I both laughed as Carter started hopping in front of the bunny.

Our little Easter Tree....kind of cheesy but I LOVE looking out back and seeing all the color on the tree. It reminds me 1. of when I was little and 2. that Spring is here and soon we will all be refreshed and full of color and life.

Ok, back to the mall. After seeing the Easter Bunny, Carter and Ceili had tons of fun playing and riding on the little cars at the mall. Here they are pretending to sell ice cream. Aren't they just too funny when they are together?

Before we headed home all the dads decided it would be fun to get milkshakes at Johnny Rockets. What a special little treat!!

Under that ol' Willow...

2009-04-06T14:41:00.014-04:00

were about half a million twigs to be picked up and an entire summer of fun just waiting to be discovered! And it didn't take but seconds for Carter and Ceili to discover what all that old tree has to offer as they were picking "food" for the worms that they had been digging!

Our parents were out of town a few weeks ago so we, I mean us and my sister and her family, all headed over to mom and dads to do a little Spring Cleaning while they were away. It turned into 8 hours of raking, piling, and for the most part just playing. The weather was absolutely perfect so we made the best of it and had a blast together.
Carter and Ceili climbing the good old cottonwood.

Ceili and Carter pitch in and do a little cleaning themselves...i mean after all this is their table! They had so much fun cleaning this little table that they actually came over and helped us clean the other patio furniture. How sweet is that?

Here's Carter taking a little break from cleaning to perfect his soccer skills

Matt and Justin were hard at work putting together the new playground that Nana and Papaw had bought for the kids. Above you can see that Carter and Ceili just couldn't wait any longer to play on it so they grabbed some tools and decided to help!

Here's Keaton testing out the new glider before it is hung!

On your mark, get set, GO!! I cannot even begin to count how many times Carter and Ceili raced down one side and then the other side of the bridge. I guess some things just never get old.

And after a long day of cleaning and playing we all left...still loving one another!!

She's BEAUTIFUL

2009-03-22T07:47:00.004-04:00

This is my Granny and she is just beautiful. But her beauty is far more than red lipstick and painted nails. Here is what makes her one of the most beautiful women I know.

she's my granny * her smile * her long pretty fingers that look so much like my moms that it isn't even funny * Coal Miners Cake * trips to "down home" * 4th of July parties * my first airplane ride * her hard-work and determination as a mother * her home-made flower pot dinner rolls * apple trees * back porch sits * how the smoke detector went off every time something good was being baked * her ability to play the piano * her poems * jewelry * her leather car seats in the summer sun * listening to "old" country music * her laugh * fireworks in the court * Kings Island trips * the lamp in the back bedroom that always seemed to amaze me with its ability to have either the top/bottom/or both bulbs lit * sleep overs * her willingness to always help her family * little jars in her bathroom filled with cotton balls * her cookie jar * Peach Faygo * Christmas Salad * hardwood floors with our socks on * three little blue ceramic singing angles on her front coffee table * buckeyes * Norman Rockwell plates * bubble lights on her Christmas tree * her quilts * the way she bends her head down and shakes it when she is laughing * letters sent to me during college * her afghans * slip on shoes * her handwriting * brass bed * well water * round ice cubes * waking up from a sleep over to the smell of breakfast and morning coffee * for always making it to at least one or more of my games per season * her flower garden * her love for her church * bird watching * her love for the great-grandchildren * her pecan pie * sitting by the fireplace during winter * for always being an involved grandparent and simply because she's my granny!!

Happy 70th Birthday Granny!
I love you!

~Happy Spring~

2009-03-19T21:17:00.001-04:00

Here's to warmer weather, opened windows, fresh cut flowers and playing outside!!

Keys Please

2009-03-16T19:16:00.002-04:00

I just have to post this before I forget. This evening while I was cooking dinner Carter was playing by himself in the loft. Every few minutes, since Matt wasn't home, I would ask Carter if he was doing okay. He would yes and I would keep on cooking. Then about 10 minutes later I heard his little feet walking so softly down the stairs and into the kitchen. He started opening up drawers looking for something. He then said, "mom, keys please". So, I opened the drawer where I hide his play keys and handed them to him. He was off to play. Which usually means that any minute I will hear him pretending to be a fire truck or dump truck or something else along those lines. But not tonight, he was quite and I was still cooking. I thought better of it and ran upstairs to see what he was doing.

Well, I have this little gate to keep him in his room at night but I usually leave it up most of the day. As I got to the top of the stairs this is what I saw. Carter had his keys in hand trying to "unlock" the baby gate. He was holding his keys up to the screw and using them like a screwdriver. He said, "mom, help me." So while he was still trying desperately to unlock it with his keys I bent over and opened the gate. He was so completely excited when it opened that he ran into his room saying, "it worked, it worked". He truly had no clue that the keys had nothing to do with the gate opening. For all he knew the keys worked. Finally! we have been wondering what the keys have gone to forever now. Apparently they belong to the baby gate. Kind of cute and really funny!!

Happy Monday!!

2009-03-09T07:06:00.002-04:00

Don't we all feel like this on an occasional Monday morning!?!

PS....I miss his hair!! This was taken last Monday morning prior to the big cut. It was actually this particular morning hair that made me think that something just had to be done....it was out of control.

Such a BIG boy

2009-03-06T15:03:00.005-05:00

Call me crazy because I don't really know what I was thinking but this past week I must have had a Spring itch. On Sunday, I felt a sudden urge to move Carter into a big boy bed and do away with his cute cuddly nursery and give him a room that screams Carter. If you know him well, then you know that means cars, trains, and virtually anything else with wheels. And if you know me well, then you know that I just cannot simply move anything. It really means that I had to clean out three closets, move the furniture, reorganize and have Matt climb into the attic to create more shelves so that I could store more stuff.

Then on Monday I made the decision, which has since become my biggest motherhood regret to this point, to cut Carters hair. Ok, so I am not completely happy with it and I just pray that it will grow back quickly. But I guess it is like they say "you will never know until you try it". With all that said here are a few pictures of my mid-winter, almost spring, must get reorganized madness.

Carter loves sitting in this little leather chair (garage sale find $7) while he reads books to Nutzy...yes he has since added a "y" to bears name.
Carter was so excited to show off his new room that he ran downstairs grabbed Nutzy and walked Nutzy (yes, picture a stuffed bear walking up the stairs one by one) up to his new room screaming "my room, my room". I think he was just a little proud. I just wish I would have caught it on video and that that this silly picture was in focus. Oh well, you get what you get.

Carter loves playing on his track carpet that Aunt Traci and Uncle Tim got him for his birthday. It makes for the cutest little area rug as well!!

Just a picture of Carter swinging at the park today since it was like 60...made for a nice little ending to my week of spring renewal.

The Childrens Museum

2009-03-03T11:22:00.007-05:00

Last week, my sister Shawna was in town visiting with the kids and my other sister Holly's baby was turning one. So we took advantage of our time together and took the kiddos to the Children's Museum. Here are just a few pictures of all the fun things we got to do while we were there!

Who would have thought that Carter would enjoy watching all the model trains?!?
Here are a few of Carter and Keira splashing around in Playscape!

There's the birthday boy! Happy Birthday Mr Keaton!!

Carter loves climbing, jumping, running so Playscape was the perfect place for him!

Nana, Carter, Keira and Auntie Nawna enjoy a nice little carousel ride.

Here is the newest little addition to our family, Kalen James!!

Keira, Carter, and Ceili donned the little dinosaur outfits and jumped into a nest of dino eggs! Aren't those little costumes just too funny?

Happy 2nd Birthday Carter

2009-02-24T06:09:00.006-05:00

Wow, it is so hard to believe that Carter is already two. The past few years have been such a blast as we have watched Carter grow from such a sweet cuddly baby into the fireball, full of energy, never resting, always playing toddler!! It just amazes me how much they change in just two sweet years. I remember thinking, this same time last year, will he ever talk? And now, wow, I have a little guy who for the past three weeks has been telling me he wants a "chachi choo-choo cake"....and so of course, that is exactly what he got!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Carter!

Matt has always had the joy of making us our birthday breakfasts which always consist of pancakes in the shape of the year we are celebrating....notice, i didn't post mine from a few months ago! Anyways, above you can see that Carter really enjoyed being daddy's little helper.

Here are the little train engine party favors that I made and was so completely proud of because I thought that they so closely resembled a train. That was until Ceili got hers as she was walking out the door and she said, "Oh, a little girl.....in a fancy dress!" What? Are you kidding? My sister Holly and myself just lost it. Too funny! So, I walked over and said, "what if we look at it a little differently." and she said, "oh, mamie, it's a train!". That a girl! You are so silly! But, honestly I can see what she was thinking. If you look close it looks like a little lady with white hair, killer curves and an apron.

Above, Keira and Carter are enjoying a nice round of Coal Toss.

Tada....here is the cake. Carter loved it with all the colors and all the candies. But most importantly he loved it because it was "chachi"!!

'Round Here!!

2009-02-11T21:53:00.005-05:00

Hello! Well this past week, like all weeks, we have been hanging out and having fun! Only this week my camera was in arms reach for most of it!! So here you go, a few shots of us bumming around and having a blast!

"Yummo! Bam!" Just a few words Carter uses to describe the pure richness of chocolate cake. Since Carter asked for a "Chachi" cake for his birthday, I spent this past Sunday whipping up a few for practice. Oh, how I hate to pass on the four little metal wires of tasty cake batter but to see his little face all covered with chocolate and that intense look of trying so hard to get every last drop it was well worth it. He became a batter tasting pro and momma saved a few extra calories!!
While I was making cakes, Matt was busy hanging a shelf and Carter was right there to help! Isn't it cute to watch kids try so hard to be little adults. If you look closely Carter is making sure it is level like two feet below where the shelf is actually being hung but he just kept saying, "I help. I help!" And I also thought it was cute that both Matt and Carter situate their stance on their right leg while the left is propped up. Too funny! And yes, Carter grabbed the tool box to help Matt out. Doesn't everybody hang their shelves with a crowbar?? Oh, by the way, Matt wasn't really using any of those tools but how could you tell Carter that?

Arts and crafts are HUGE at our house. I mean HUGE! Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night just thinking of things that I could make with Carter. There is who calls me momma, some that call me mother earth, and yet another who calls me Martha. Really, I don't even come close to being a real Martha but I have lots of fun trying! Above, Carter is showing off his "dirty" hands from finger painting.

Ok, thats it! We are outta here! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!!

No photo, only words

2009-02-09T11:54:00.002-05:00

because no camera could ever capture the pure sweetness of this moment. It happened last night as we were eating dinner. Matt and I, like always, were trying to encourage Carter to eat his food. So we were both leaning in close to Carter as we asked him for a bite off his plate. How it normally works is he gets as close as possible to putting a bite from his plate in our mouths and then at the very last second, like the king of a head fake, he snaps it back and pops it in his mouth. It is a simple little thing that works for all of us....he thinks he is "tricking" us and we finally get him to eat his food. All are happy. But last night as were finishing our fish, Matt and I were leaning in close and Carter just looked from one of us to the other and then reached his little arms out. One resting on Matt and the other resting on me. And then with the cutest little smile and sweetest little voice he said, "My family". How completely sweet! That moment filled my eyes with tears and my heart with joy! Don't you just love 'em!

SNOW much fun!!!

2009-02-01T13:43:00.008-05:00

So, since we had so much fun the other day playing in the snow we decided to head back out for round two. This time....it was like 12 minutes bundling up and more like 30 minutes playing. Hey we are getting better at this whole make-sure-every-inch-of-skin-is covered-thing!!

And just as a side note, if you know me you know that, much like I have a love for freshly vacuumed carpet with nice little lines, I also love freshly fallen snow with no tracks running through it....that was at least until this little guy. Who could tell this heart-melting, spirit-lifting, sweet as honey, little guy no? Not me. And so, no longer am I worried about freshly fallen snow and just been vacuumed carpets. I am just more than delighted to play, have fun, and make the most of every second with this cutie.

That smile says it all....we were having a blast and Carter was having the time of his life!

Yeah, as I said, so much for fresh snow. Not only do we have tracks galore, but somebody also had the BRIGHT idea of adding a little color. Ok, so maybe red wasn't the best choice but we had fun and thats what matters most.

After digging and building it was time to head inside and warm our little hands and bellies. Nothing says "just in from out in the cold" like a warm cup of hot chocolate! yum-yum!

And here is the aftermath...and just as a another side note....yes, I had actually just mopped the floors! But I hope that someday when Carter is talking about me, hopefully he will be able to recall all the fun things that we did together and not just remember that his mommy always had clean floors!

Snow Day

2009-01-29T05:56:00.006-05:00

Yay! Yesterday, I was off and Matt stayed home. So, under 11 inches of snow what better to do than bundle up and head outside! Here are just a few of our time playing in the snow. It took like 30 minutes to bundle us all up to spend maybe 12 minutes outside and then Carter was saying inside...so inside we went and spent the rest of the day playing games and hanging out in our pj's!! Let me just say....I love snow days, and Carter loved the snow!

Here are a few of my little snow angels!! And it wasn't long after this that Carter was ready to head inside for a little lunch and story time!

Just a little proof for the record books...and my memory!

"Jack"

2009-01-11T07:01:00.003-05:00

So, this week "Jack" became one of Carters new favorite words. It all started Tuesday morning when Carter awoke from a dream, of which he was giggling in, saying "Jack, Jack"! First, let me tell you who Jack is exactly. He is our nephew. He is an 8, almost 9, year old little boy who loves soccer, pirates, Star Wars, and business deals. He is often funny, always sweet, and is now one of Carters favorite people to talk about. And here is how we know!

So, after repeatedly saying, "Jack", all morning he then started saying "Jack, bus". Which also requires me to tell you a little more about Jack and Carters fun together. Jack has a Lego set that comes in a bus on wheels, which just happens to be Carters size. So usually the Legos end up on the floor, Carter ends up in the bus, and Jack is seen whizzing through the house pushing Carter around and around until Carter is laughing so hard he is almost crying. Carter has a blast and I think Jack enjoys just a bit too! And then there was the time that Carter stayed at Aunt Traci and Uncle Tim's house and he got to wait for the real school bus with Jack. So, either he was talking about the bus ride or the school bus but either way it involved Jack and he loved it. So for an entire two days we listened to him repeatedly talking about Jack and the bus.

So, on Wednesday night the three of us were playing and Carter picked up the phone, started dialing numbers, put the phone to his ear and said, "Hi Jack"! We thought it was hilarious so we decided to actually call him. Carter thought that he was so cool talking on the real phone to his obviously new favorite person. It was so funny because Carter was using his one word, broken dialogue to carry on a complete conversation with Jack who probably had no clue what Carter was even talking about. Carter was getting ready to put his Pj's on so he kept telling Jack "truck, truck" because that was what was on the front of the Pj's. Carter thought it was cool and thought that Jack would like it too. Isn't that sweet?!

So anyways, then on Friday, Carter was in my bedroom while I was getting ready. He walked over to the bench that we kneel at to pray every night and he kneeled down, on his own, and said "Sammy, Nutz, and Jack. Amen" (our dog, his bear, and Jack ) and turned to look at me with this HUGE grin. He was so proud that he had just prayed all by himself. And of course, like any mom, with tears in my eyes, I was so completely proud as well!!

Then Saturday we received a little toy magazine in the mail. Now, Carter loves to lay on the floor and flip from page to page inspecting every singe toy but then he came to a page and was saying of course, you guessed it, "Jack, Jack". We looked at each other, and then took a look at the page and it was a Darth Vader mask, which Jack usually sports at least once during a visit to their house. Isn't is funny how soon a child can recall, remember and make connections. I just love watching Carter develop!

Well, anyways, sorry this has been such a long post for really only a four letter word J-A-C-K. But I thought it was funny and perhaps maybe you did too.

Christmas

2009-01-02T06:31:00.010-05:00

Okay, so here are a few of our Christmas pictures. I say a few which probably means more like 10 but it was really hard to pick from the hundreds that I took. We had such a wonderful Christmas and you know me, I just had to capture it all.

This particular picture is my absolute fave!! It was before Mass on Christmas Eve. Carter went up to see the manger scene at church and this is what he did. He just kneeled down and folded his little hands and just took it all in. Sooo completely sweet!

After Mass we went to Holly and Justin's house for a very yummy meal! Here is one of the kids. Well, it isn't the best picture but it is the best of the like 10 that I took trying to get them all to smile at the same time.....nearly impossible!

Christmas morning.....Looks like Santa came!!

Carter extremely excited for his new and very first remote controlled car. He also received from my Granny and Papa Bob a remote controlled Thomas Train....a huge hit as well!

His new little kitchen. It is so funny. I am always telling Carter, "No, it's hot" when he is in the kitchen with me. And now the other day we were playing with his kitchen in the loft and he held out his hand as he was preparing some vegetables and said, "momma, no, hot" and slightly pushed me out of the way. I just had to laugh!!

Mom and dad, aka Carters Nana and Papaw, came over for Christmas morning breakfast. Since they had an empty house this year since we celebrated early with them they decided to make the rounds and come see what all the kids got from Santa. We loved having them over!!

Carter and his new truck that looks like daddy's. Papa Wynberry found this and thought it was hilarious since it matched Matt's. Carter loved it!!

The boys posing for a picture in their new hats that Nana made from them.
And below we all took a minute to get a few pictures since all the Wynberry's were together.

We had a wonderful Christmas filled with family, more food than we could handle and sweet little Carter reminding us all to celebrate with a child's heart and truly enjoy every second of being together!!

Sweet 16 + 14

2008-12-27T06:11:00.004-05:00

Happy 30th Birthday Matt!

To help celebrate the moment, here is a list of 30 things Matt is doing right now.

1. sleeping in with Carter 2. snoring so loud Jamie is already up 3. looking forward to the new year 4. reading The Last Lecture out loud with Jamie 5. wondering what to do after football season is over 6. knowing that there is always another sport to quickly pick-up where football left off 7. working on my Bronco 8. learning how to remodel houses 9. eating late night snacks 10. becoming more cost-conscious 11. playing cars with Carter 12. already trying to plan a summer trip 13. watching Disney movie after Disney movie with Carter 14. Looking forward to spring so we can play outside again 15. Looking forward to summer so we can take the Broncos top off and DRIVE 16. wanting another baby to love 17. wanting it to snow so I can snow shoe 18. and build a snowman with Carter 19. wanting to move 20. love coming home and hearing two little feet hit the floor to run to me 21. opening the door and finding that Carter is hiding in the same spot every night and saying "I hide, I hide" 22. loving mint chocolate chip anything 23. looking forward to family coming over 24. love wearing jeans 25. trying to raise Carter the best that I can 26. listening to Jamie and her continuous dreams of redecorating 27. wanting to go back to school 28. wanting to get back in the routine of working out 29. milkshakes 30. wandering what I will be doing in the next 30 years.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T12:46:00.002-05:00

Hope you all have a very blessed Christmas full of wonderful times with friends and family.

ps....I found this song and LOVE it. Please turn it up and LISTEN!!

How sweet it is

2008-12-23T05:43:00.004-05:00

So one day last week I had this terrific idea to make a gingerbread train with Carter, a now 22 month old. With green icing everywhere and little candies scattered about, I began to think "what was I thinking". But then, I saw how much fun he was having and how excited he was to be making a train. The expressions on his little face made it well worth all the cleaning up. And even more worth it was to see how completely excited he was to show daddy his creation when he got home from work.

Breakfast with HoHo

2008-12-15T15:05:00.008-05:00

This past weekend we took Carter to Breakfast with Santa at the Ayres Tea Room at the Indiana State Museum. Every day since the Polar Express he has been asking for "hoho" and you would know the morning that we wake him up to go to breakfast with Santa he says "no". Great....this ought to be a blast. And it was! Once we got there he was all smiles and again asking repeatedly for "hoho".

As soon as he sat on Santa's lap, without hesitating I might add, he immediately starting saying "choo, choo" and "truck". I guess those are just a few of his little request and I am almost certain that Santa will do his best!!
We all pose for a little family photo!

He, however, wasn't too fond of Mrs. Claus. Notice how he is keeping a watchful eye on her and I couldn't put him down either, so there, a picture of me, Carter and Mrs. C.

Carter and daddy sit patiently as the artist draws a caricature of Carter.

Here is Carter showing off his picture. He kept saying, "me, me"....yes Carter that is you with blond hair...what?!?!
Any how, it is still cute!

Gosh, can you tell we have a kid that is slightly in to trains. Every place we go we end up taking a train ride to something. This was the holiday train at museum that circled in front

of Santa's house and workshop. Too cute!

This time daddy got to ride!!

ALL ABOARD!

2008-12-11T11:44:00.013-05:00

Last Friday we made our way over to Connersville, IN for the Polar Express Train Ride. We took along a few friends, Nana and Papaw, and Auntie Holly and Uncle Justin and of course Ceili and Keaton....we had a blast. We all know that Carter is slightly obsessed with trains and since it is the holiday season we thought this was a perfect fit. Little did we know, how completely cute and awesome this experience would be. Truly for Christmas believers of all ages!

ALL ABOARD!!

The train was refinished from end to end to mimic the train in the book. From the sign in the front to the peddler ghost on top (well he actually walked inside to see the kids) to the chefs serving hot chocolate and cookies inside, the volunteers that prepared this special event took every detail into consideration and really made it a special night all about the kids.

Above Carter poses with the conductor before hopping on the train!

Even down to the golden tickets that the conductor came to each and every child to hole punch with their first initial....these people didn't forget a step. How neat to have the book and the movie and now the special golden ticket with the letter "C". I was probably a little more excited than Carter and I thought that it was so neat I actually teared up a bit.

Here we are getting ready to enjoy the countryside train tour....notice Carter is even sporting Christmas PJ's.

Auntie Holly, Uncle Justin, Ceili, Keaton and yeap that is Papaw too!

Carter and his Nana and Papaw

I am so glad that they were able to join us and watch the kids giggle with delight and stare with complete awe of Santa's North pole Workshop.

Ceili and Carter are modeling their PJ's

Carter gets to visit with Santa....for like 5 minutes! It was honestly the longest and most talkative encounter I have ever seen with a Santa and Carter loved it. Now every time he sees a picture of Santa he says, " I want, a HoHo!"

Here's Keaton enjoying his Christmas cookie

and to say good-bye, here is one of Carter and Ceili watching Santa meet with other kiddos. Isn't it sweet how completely in awe they are of him. They must have sat there for what seemed like forever just watching....and to think that they even got to bring home a bell as a reminder of their night at the North pole....now that is for believers!!

I hope that sometime during this holiday season we can all have a moment with a childs heart and truly believe and envelop ourselves, not only in Santa, but in CHRISTmas!!

Circle City of Lights Celebration

2008-12-11T10:56:00.010-05:00

And so, here it is. One of the traditions I look forward to the most, going downtown to watch the lighting of the world's largest Christmas Tree! With live music, Santa, and tons of people all there to welcome winter and kick-off the holiday season, we bundle up and get cozy down on Meridian St and wait patiently for the count down!

Despite the blank stare on his face, Carter really was excited to see the tree and hear all the music.

The Magers hanging out and smiling pretty!

Our clan, minus the moms, pose for a picture or maybe more like 20! say cheese!

oK, so my sister Holly and her family were there also but due to an expected potty break by a 3 year old about 2 minutes prior to countdown I was unable to get their picture in front of the tree but they were there and we had fun so really that is all that matters.

Happy 30th and HoHoHo

2008-12-03T12:49:00.004-05:00

came a little early this year!!

Matt has been completely obsessed with Broncos since well, ever since I can remember and I am told that his slight interest in Broncos actually started when he was 16. So, we have gone to Iowa and Michigan and as close as Greenwood in hot pursuit for the "perfect" Bronco over the past couple of years...yes I said years. Who knew he could find one just 1 hour away by a friends referral....Thanks Brent. So without further ado, here it is....Matt's 30th Birthday present and Christmas present all painted orange with a cute little bow and ready to hit the roads!

Matt grins ear to ear in front of his "new" 1972 Ford Bronco

Carter loves it soooo much that every time we pass the garage door he says, "me, truch" yes I know it is spelled with a K but that is how he actually says it....too cute!

The Adventures of "Nutz"....Carters Bear

2008-12-01T07:09:00.009-05:00

A few months ago Carter and I went shopping with Nana and Carter just fell in love with this bear so of course Nana bought it for him. Just a few short days after that daddy asked Carter, "What is your bears name?" and Carter replied, " Nuts". So, very quickly Carter and Nutz became the best of friends and here is just a short list of the fun things they have done together. Carter is just so sweet to this bear! But don't call him bear. The other day I referred to him as bear and Carter said, "No, momma, Nutz!". I am so sorry, I will never make that mistake again.

With gulping sound effects and all, Carter shares his milk with Nutz!
Carter and me sharing apples during one of the last very nice fall days and Nutz just couldn't be left inside. He even got to try an apple and Carter was extremely concerned because Nutz doesn't have teeth.

Later that same day as we were playing in the loft and I hear Carter saying, "Momma, Look" "Nutz, poo poo". I turn the corner from the loft and see this, too funny not to run down stairs and grab the camera.

As you can see, Nutz also keeps Carter company while he is bathing. And, just a side note (no picture) bear, I mean Nutz, some how made in into the shower with momma the other day while Carter was playing with toys in the bathroom. I wonder how that happened as Carter looked on laughing saying, "Nutz, wash". Hilarious!

Carters little lunch buddy!

This was obviously taken like a month ago on account of the Halloween cup and bib. But if you look close you can see that Nutz has his own bib, cup and bowl.

Carter takes Nutz for a ride on his bulldozer!

I just love

2008-11-18T15:46:00.002-05:00

when little faces light up with delight!

Okay, so even though my own child isn't exactly smiling from ear to ear in this picture, my niece Ceili is and I just love it! She just looks like she is having the time of her life! This was at the Halloween Party we went to and the kids got to take a "hay" ride around the yard. They could not have been happier....well that was until about round 10 when Auntie Holly and Megan decided to hide and scare them. There were just a few tears after that. But nothing like a good ol' pinata to dry the tears. Watch everybody, Carters up!!
He didn't break it but he sure had tons of fun trying!!

Trick-or-Treat

2008-11-01T06:15:00.012-04:00

Happy Halloween!

Above, Carter is posing just before we head out to go Trick-or-Treating! He really wasn't in the mood for pictures but once we told him he would get candy, it was all smiles from there...and he really doesn't even get candy very often, but the offer still worked!
Mommy, Daddy, and our little golfer!!

Papaw and Nana stopped by to see our little trick-or-treater and they even stayed long enough afterwords to join us for some tasty treats!

Here is Carter trying desperately to manage his clubs and his candy...a man should never have to worry about carrying so much that is why tonight, I will be his caddie. Check back later for our costume party pictures!

Here is the little bat bib that I made for Carter!

Last weekend we braved the cold and went to the Zoo Boo with Holly and Justin! Carter had a really good time until he saw a man in a scary mask and then it was all down hill from there. We did however manage to grab a few pictures of Carter with Ceili and Keaton! He loves his cousins so much and we are so grateful to have them nearby....now if we could only get the rest to move a little closer!!

Carter, our golfer, holding on for dear life shortly after seeing a man in a mask!

Carter and Ceili running off some of their energy before we head to the zoo.

Carter, Ceili and Keaton all excited for the Zoo Boo. Ceili and Keaton's costumes for this year were not ready so Holly put them in costumes they had around the house which I think were just too cute! Cannot wait to see their costumes tonight at the costume party.

~Happy Halloween~

2008-10-31T07:43:00.003-04:00

And , here they are...our totally spooky and yet all original Jack-O-Lanterns!!

From L-R, Matt's, mine, and Carters!! We were so excited to carve pumpkins this year with Carter just knowing that he would love it....well we were expecting a little too much. He was tired, he was grumpy and wanted absolutely no part in the big carve night. So, as Matt prepared us a wonderful warm meal of tomato soup and grilled cheese cut out like bats I tried desperately to get the pumpkins porch ready! So, without any templates and just a little creativity above is what we came up with. After dinner and after Carter went to bed, Matt joined me and carved his own. Maybe next year will a little more smoothly!

Carter loved looking at the pumpkins until we ruined it by asking him to touch the insides which he didn't even try but apparently the looks of it were enough to turn him off.

Check back later for more pics from the Zoo Boo and from Trick-or-Treating...I didn't want to ruin the surprise by posting pics of his costume too early!

The Ashby Inn

2008-10-27T12:33:00.006-04:00

This past weekend Matt and I celebrated our 5th Wedding Anniversary...yeah!! So, to celebrate we took a nice little 9 hour road trip to Paris, VA and spent the weekend at the Ashby Inn. Its a modest little town of only 49 residents that are all proud to boast about the fact that there has been no reported crime since the early 1930's when a lawn mower was stolen and even more proud to be know as the home of the famous Ashby Inn. It was named one of the top 10 B&B a few years back and it definitely lived up to its reputation. The food was fabulous, the views were gorgeous and the people well they were just absolutely delightful. So completely hospitable!

The Ashby Inn founded in 1829

The Library at the the inn where Matt and I shared a lovely evening of hot Peppermint Patties and a decadent dessert before heading back to our room.

A view from our room. I just loved waking up and opening the balcony door to listen to the birds, feel the crisp morning air, and watch the sun shine on the hills. It was too pretty!

Matt and me taking in the views from Skyline Drive, a lovely 30 mile stroll through the mountains with breathtaking views.

The church in Paris!!

Isn't it just beautiful? At night it was really pretty as well with all the stain glass and the lights shining through. And, my most favorite part, while I lay in bed at night and looked out of the skylight, I could see the cross of the steeple right through the window...kind of peaceful.

Matt and I had a wonderful time and the trip was well worth every mile but we both woke up Sunday and could not pack quick enough to get back home to see our sweet Carter...whom survived just fine without us!!