Halloween

Halloween for us was 2 days long.. Crysta had a party with her class on Thursday. I could have went to it, but I thought that I would let her experience it on her own. But when I picked her up from school, she said that she wished I was there..Furture refrence I guess... But She had a good time, and came home with a big bag of goodies.Thankfully there were come healthy choices in there, and not all candy!
Friday both kiddos wore their costumes all day. Carter was pretty sleepy, but he stayed awake long enough for lunch, and visiting Grandma. We spent the afternoon resting before all the fun started... We took the kiddos by Angie Fredendals, then Ryan and Malinda Reeds house. We took Crysta trick or treating in Ryan and Malinda's subdivsion. We got started kind of early, so there weren't that many houses ready,but I think she got her fill.
After trick or treating, we took the kiddos out to Grandma and Grandpas for the night. While Terrance and I went to a hayride and bonfire. I think they had fun..
Whitney was a bumble bee, and got to reuse Crystas first costume! She sure looked cute!! I dressed up too. I just ug out some of my old Cheerleading uniforms. Luckily my warm ups still fit! haha.. It was a lot of fun!!!

Crystas FIRST

I have so many things that I need to post on here, to catch up, but since my high speed time is limited, here is a post about Crysta and school.
Crysta's first day of school went really well.. And ever since then, she has been so excited to go. She absolutley LOVES it. She has made a few close friends, Allyssa, Molly B., and Alivia. Her teachers, Mrs. Krumm, and Mrs. Hammner say that she is doing really well. Mrs. Hammner, who some of you know as Stacy, also goes to church with us, and has recently informed me that Crysta does better at school then she ever did in Childrens Hour.. Makes me wonder about what goes in behind closed doors.
Anyway, last thursday, Crysta and her class had their first field trip. They went to Binder park for a hay ride. We arrived about 15 minuets late, but the kiddos were really excited. I volunteerd to be a driver, so I transported Crysta, Allyssa, and Mrs. Hamner (Stacy). The kids all had a really good time, and the weather was perfect. We stopped in the middle of a field for snack and a short break, then headed back to the cars. Crysta and Allyssa talked all the way back about their favorite part. It was fun getting to experience that with Crysta. I am so blessed to be able to have the oppertunity to participate in my childrens school activities. Thanks to Tawn and MeMaw who kept Carter for me while I rode on the hay! Here are a few pictures of Crysta's first day of school, and of the field trip!

Pictures

Just to let everyone know, our pictures that we had taken with Jill are up on her website. The address is twoviewsphotography.com. Click on enter site, then client viewing. Click on our thumbnail and the password is Crysta4. They turned out good. We are waiting for some more pictures to be posted that we had taken with my Dad and Grandpa while they were here, so I will let you know when they are posted.. IF you are interested in getting pictures. Please let me know what you want by the end of next week. I will just put in a bulk order. Hope you enjoy them!!

soon enough

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I will pick up blogging again soon.. I have been out of the loop too long that it will take a good week to catch up on everyones blogs. So I appologize for being a bad blog reader. but, I still have slow internet, so I wont be a faithful blogger, but I promise to do it more!!! More to come later!!

a Couple FIRSTS

I still have to upload pictures from Colorado, but as I have previously noted, our computer is broken. So thankfully my wonderful Dad in Law is allowing me to use his church computer for a short update. Carter has had a few firsts this week. Saturday night, we brushed his teeth for the first time. I guess the toothbrush tickled, becuase he laughed and giggled the whole time. It was too cute. Too bad we didn't have a tape for our camera, that would have made a F.H.V. ( Funniest Home Video)! He liked to chew on the toothbrush just as much. I guess I should have let Crysta do that when she was a Tot, because if I had, she might actually like to brush her teeth now! haha.
Yesterday, I took Carter to get his first big boy hair cut! I didn't have to take Crysta in to get her first official haircut until about a year ago, but having a boy, I have to stay on top of it, and I won't dare to cut it myself! He did really well.. he had to sit on my lap the whole time. He LOVES to have his hair played with too, so when Cheryl started to use the trimmers, he got really still with a dazed look. He did really well, and just looks like a little man! I can't believe how fast he has grown.! Here are the pictures for the FIRSTS!

Another funny story before I go.. Crysta was making 'Valentines' ( playing with glue and glitter) in her room the other night. My own fault, I didn;t give her anything to dump the excess glitter in, so when I came in to check on her, she had already dumped about 5 valentines worth of glitter on her floor. I saw no point in worrying about it, or fixing it then, so I left it. the next time I came in, Carter was sitting in the middle of the pile while his sister was dumping another valentines worth on top of his head! By the time clean up came, they both were so coverd! and it took me about 10 minuets for that one spot to vaccume! but it made for some funny memories! the pictures didn't come out as great, but here are a few!
Here are the kiddos playing:

Here is Crysta dummping the glitter:

You can't see it, but he is COVERD in glitter:

One of the final products! (they all looked like that!)

All is well

Hey all!!! Well everyone is healthy and happy since my last blog. It took about a week for Carter to get back on track... we had about 4 days of happiness before we headed home. Crysta never falterd, and had a great time. I went fishing about 3 times! The most I think I have ever fished in my life!! I caught some good size trout!! Pictures of the fish and the rest of the week to be posted later!
Crysta starts school on September 2nd. I think she is ready, and I think I am too. Its only 3 days a week for a few hours. Terrance and I were talking about what good kids we have. Crysta is so well behaved and Carter is a pleasant baby. We are so blessed.
I have been thinking about Leslie and her family. Her Dad had a massive heart attack a few days ago. She left me a message last night saying that he had opened his eyes, and breathing on his own. He started to fight the tubes and wanted to get out of bed. Which is a good sign, but they want him to remain still until they can evaluate him better. Please keep Leslie, her Dad, and their family in your prayers.
My train of thought has left me, so this can be added to the list of boring blogs! ahaha.. Sorry!!!

An Interesting Start

Well technically its day 3 of my Colorado vacation. Crysta, Carter and I drove out with Terrill and Stephanie to Colorado on Tuesday the 29th. The trip was going really well until we got to about Limon, Colorado. I took over driving for Terrill and thats when all the excitment started. Carter got upset in his carseat, and we thought it was because he wanted out and Terrill wasn't getting him out. Eventually he vomited everywhere. We thought it was because he was so upset. Then around Byers (about an hour away from my Dad's house) Carter started to vomit consistantly, All over poor Terrill.. At first it was a little humorous since Terrill nor Stephanie handle vomit very well,and since I was driving I couldn't do much. But then when Carter wouldn't stop and he started to get really pale, I started to worry. Terrill was a trooper though!
Carter continued to heave the rest of the evening. Then on Wednsday, he slept all day. waking up for maybe 10 minuets at a time, and to sip on a bottle. I did some things around my Dads house for him, including dusting and mowing his lawn. Crysta played in the sprinklers for a while. Then we went next door, where a little girl about her age lived. We knocked on the door, to see if maybe she wanted to play outside for a while. but the Mom (Laura) had just layed down her 3 year old, and 11 month old for naps, and offerd for Crysta to come in and play. Crysta had no problem, and i welcomed the play time for her. about 3 hours later she came home! She had a lot of fun, and Laura said she really enjoyed having Crysta over.
Thursday I woke up feeling a little off. To make a long story short I spent all day yesterday in my Dad's basement with a cold rag on my head and heaving into the toilet! I hadn't had anything to eat all day so I was just heaving with no success! Poor Crysta. Thankfully my Aunt Sharron came over and brought Crysta a bunch of goodies, and let Crysta help her in the kithcen all day. She would periodically come down to check on me. She would cover me with the blanket and kiss my forehead! What a sweet girl I have! Im feeling better today, but my Dad now has it, and is resting in his room. So I am disinfecting everything, while still trying to take it easy! We were supposed to have a family bbq tonight, but i dont think that is going to happen now! I hope Crysta doesn't come down with anything, because we are heading up to camp tomorrow!
Terrance left after work last night and drove straight through. I think he got here about 4 am this morning. He will probably sleep the whole day. I sure hope he doesn't catch anything either. I am just glad that all this happend here and not at camp. I am keeping my fingers crossed, and just hope that this is the end of it. Carter still is a little off, and all he wants to do is cuddle and sleep. My fear is that Crysta will get it, then Terrance. i sure would hate for Terrance to have to spend his vacation fighting off the flu!

Quick Catch Up

Just a quick update on news here in our little home. My brother Ray and his girlfriend Jamie were able to stop in for the 4th on their way to Oklahoma from Chicago. IT was great to be able to spend some time with them. Carter is about to start crawling. He gets on his hands and knees and rocks. He gets around either way, but the actual act of crawling is yet to be accomplished. Im preparing myself, I know that he will be a handful once he realizes how to get around. He can make a pretty big mess as it is. He also is getting tubes put in his ears on the 15th of July. Im a little nervouse, but I know that everything will be ok.
Crysta learned how to ride her bike yesterday. We went and bought her a helmet and then went out on the greenway on Edgewood. She got a little frustrated at first, but once she got the hang of it she really enjoyed it.
Ourcomputer isnt working at the moment, so who knows how long it will be before I update again. thanks for reading!!

The Fort!

Here I am hitting the blog world hard. 4 blogs in 2 days! Well last weekend, Crysta and I built a fort to sleep in, in our living room. She was super excited, and we had a great time building it, playing in it, and sleeping in it. Terrance didn't last long, but Crysta and I slept in it for most of the night. I think around 3:30 am I went to my own bed, but Crysta stuck it out. Carter really enjoyed playing on the air mattress. He really liked for his big sis to jump and bounce him on it. It scared me at first, but he didn't seem to mind.
Here is Crysta peekin' through the fort:


Crysta and Carter playing in the fort:


All 3 trying to get comfortable:

Night time prayers

Every night before Crysta goes to sleep, our routine is something like brushing teeth, putting on PJ's, picking out a story, prayers, then kisses goodnight. Last night after all of that I asked Crysta what she wanted to pray for and this is just about how it went:
Carter: To help him feel better
Daddy: To help his back to feel better
Me(Crysta): To help me be happy and good
Tawn, D, and Whit: to help them be thankful
Terrill and Steph: To help them be cheerful
Jeff, Jen, Blake, and Austin: To help them not get cut (don't ask me)
Matt and Les: To be happy
and finally the kicker
Grandma and Grandpa: For Grandpa to get really old!

Nothing is sweet than the innocence of a childs prayer. but this is not the only time she prays for all of you! Just about everynight our list is that long. Just so you all know how much you mean to her, and just what kind of presence you have in my babys life. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of Crysta and Carters life!

Wedding Bananza Part 2

Friday morning, Stacy one of Ann's bridemaids picked me up around 8:15 am so we could go get our hair done. My appointment wasn't until 10, but the place was clear across town, and Stacy's was at 9. I thought about keeping my hair do from Brandie's wedding, but I had so many bobby pins, I had a headache before the wedding even started., After getting to the new place though, I wished I had kept it. I sat down to get my hair done around 10, and I didn't get out of the chair until 12!! It took her about 2 hours to just finally decide to spiral my pony tails and pin up the curls.. I could have done it myself and saved me 30 bucks, if I had known that she never handled thick hair before. But Ann was happy with it, so thats all that matters. After hair time, I went back to my Dads to get Crysta ready. Terrance was a little restless and wanted to go fishing, so I offerd to take Carter to the hotel as well.. We got ready at the hotel (madness!). We were supposed to be at the gardens at 5pm for pictures!(Yes, Brandie and Ann were married at the same place, just diffrent sides of the Gardens). We were there at 4:30, and completely ready to go at 5. Although no pictures were being taken.. I still don't know why. Around 6 (the time the wedding was supposed to start) there were only a handful of guests. We assumed that most were held up in traffic, so we waited a little longer.. No one walked down the isle until 6:30. The ceremony was amazing. Brent wed Chris and Ann, so it was a little more personal for me. I cried like a baby when I saw my brother all dressed up! I am so happy for them both. Pictures hurridly followed the ceremony, then we were rushed into the reception room. From there, we watched a wonderful slide show of the 2 growing up, that my brother Ray had put together.. again, I cried like a baby. All of the cousins that I had grown up with were there except 1! Most of us haven't seen eachother for 5 or 6 years, but this was the frist time in 10 years that we were all at the same place at the same time. I was a lot of fun catching up with all of them, and I got some great pictures and memories! The reception went on until 11pm. I ended up staying the whole time. Needless to say I crashed when I got home.
We parted ways on Saturday afternoon, but not after eating at the infamous Casa Bonita! I don't think you can visit Denver and not eat there, its almost tradition now. We stoped in Hays, KS around 7pm Saturday night. Crysta and Carter swam for a while in the nasty pool, then we all crashed around 10pm. Our trip out there was great.. Well... It was great for me. I made a point to have fun, and enjoy the company of the friends and family that I don't get to see very often. I want to thank Brent for going with us, and doing Chris and Ann the honor of uniting them in marrige. Thank you to Terrance for going even though it took a lot of his vacation time. Thanks to my Daddy for housing us, and opening his home to us for the week. And thanks to Brandie and Ann, for giving me the honor of standing next to you while you were married! I had an absolute BLAST!!! Here are a few(86) pictures from Chris and Ann's party!

Wedding Banaza Part 1

Here I am.. I bet you thought I gave up the blog world?! well, I"M BAAACK! I will divide this blog into 2 diffrent blogs, or should I say 2 diffrent weddings.. Last week, I had the privlage and the honor to be in 2 seperate weddings. My friend Brandie on June 5th, 2008 and my Brother Chris' on June 6th, 2008. This will be about Brandie's wedding and our trip out.
Terrance, the kiddos, Brent and I left for Colorado on Tuesday the 3rd. We arrived in Littleton around 1:30 AM on the 4th. Wednsday was the rehersal dinners, and a bachelorette brunch for Brandie.. So my day started around 10 am that morning. After the brunch I took a wrong turn home, and before I realized what I had done, I was about an hour north of Littleton.. Made for a lot of driving. Brandies rehersal was at 4:00pm. After her rehersal we went to my dads for my brothers rehersal dinner. Durring dinner, I was called downstairs. Crysta and Brent were playing and Crysta had hit the back of her head on a coffee table. There was some blood, and caos, but everything was fine. Some Ibuprofen and trying on a new dress later, and she was as good as new.
Thursday morning, we met at the hotel the get our hair done. We had some dowm time, and thankfully caught up on some Jude Judy! haha. The day started out cold and rainy, and while we were sitting in the room, we were also staring out the window, hoping that the rain would go away. We were picked up in an Escalade limo. SWEET!! I have never been or really seen inside of one, it was awesome. On our way to the gardens where the wedding was going to be held, the rain finally came to a slow down. By the time for the wedding, the sun was peeking through the clouds, and it was warming up a little. The weather was perfect!! The wedding was gorgeous, and everything went perfectly. I had to leave the reception a little early b/c I had to get up early for my brothers wedding the next day! I had a blast, and I made some great new friends.. here is some pictures of Brandies half of my trip!:

Mothers Day and my 5

Today is Mothers Day. The day when All mothers around the world are supposed to be allowed to prop their feet up, and have all their responsibilities taken care of. It is also the day, when all the children of the world show their Momma's just how much they love and appreciate them. I really enjoy Mothers day. Not just because I get a few extra hugs, and I love you's through out the day, but because its a day when I feel like the things I do are worthwhile. I couldn't ask for anything more, than to take care of my family, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I am so proud to be a wife and Mother, and not just on the national day known as "Mothers Day",but everyday of my life. So Happy Mothers Day to all my Momma Friends!
So here is also my 5 thankful thoughts for the week!:
1) Big Beds: I brought Carter into bed for a feeding around 4:30 this morning, but when I woke up around 6:30, Terrance, Me, Carter, Crysta AND Akira were all snoozing in our bed! ITs not always comfortable, but I do enjoy the few mornings that we are all crammed into one queen size bed.
2) MOTHERS!: To be fitting with the day, I really do appreciate not just my Mothers but all the mothers in the world. We are a mighty force, that continues to learn from eachother, and can be the best example for others. Not everything we do is recognized or appreciated, but we do it anyway, because that is what we are supposed to do, and its what makes us who we are, and we are proud of that!
3) Tylenol: We had a softball practice yesterday, and Tylenol is the only thing keeping me from crying with every step I take! I am so sore.
4) Great friends: 2 of my very bext friends are in Colroado, and I miss them so much. They never miss a chance to call me and just remind me what a blessing a friendship is.. A shout out to my homies in MO too!! WHOOP WHOOP!!
5) High Speed Internet: I don't have the luxury of high speed at home, so when I have a chance to use the faster internet I don't pass it up!!

5 for friday

I have a quick minuet this morning, actually truth be told, Im putting off walking around my appartment due to messy-ness, and going into the church. With all this nice weather, I have gotten a lazy leg I am trying to shake off.. So with that being said, here is my 5 for friday with images from photobucket.. This could get interesting......

* My family: In Missouri and Colorado. I love everyone, and miss the ones I can't see everyday, but I am so thankful that I have such a wonderful family to be apart of.


* Lotion: I recently started tanning, and burnt my back and tummy all to pieces.. :-(


* LOST: A new episode of my 2 favorite shows were back on last night... I will need to watch it again, but I was happy that my show is back!


* Esther: I sadly never really knew the entire story of Esther, and I am so glad to be studying it in our wednsday night class.. One of my favorite stories so far...


*Scrapbooks: Tawn and I went to Hobby Lobby where all the scrapbooking stuff was 50% off... I came home, and just went through my own stuff, and looked through some of my old ones.. Time flies, and Im glad I have these to look at.


Theres my 5, whats yours?

Colorado Weekend

Carter and I were able to visit my family in Colorado this past weekend. My soon to be Sister was having her bridal shower, and my bridemaids dress arrived, and Ann's mom offerd to do our alterations, so I needed to get fitted. Our flight out there was a full flight, and I was a little nervous as to how Carter would handle it. Thankfully I sat next to a very nice college student who didn't mind the noise Carter makes when he is falling asleep(you all know what I mean). On our way into Denver, I was able to stop in Byers to see my cousin Sjana who just had her first baby boy in January, Samuel Dean Shelley. It was great to get to see my cousin and aunt, and just to meet the new addition to our family. He did make Carter look somewhat like a spaz, because he is just calm and quiet, and Carter is a loud wiggle worm.
Once into Denver, I just hung out with my family until it was time for my date. I took my Dad out for a belated birthday present. We got all dressed up and went to a very yummy restaurant named Carabas. It was good to get to spend one on one quality time with my Daddy. I miss him so much, so I took my time keeping him to myself. While we were out, My brothers and the ladies kept Carter. They said he did well, so I was happy he cooperated with them.
Satruday morning I was fitted for my dress and discoverd that it was about a size to big.so I was happy that it needed to be taken in and not let out! Then we got ready for Ann's bridal shower. It took about 2 1/2 hours to set up, and about 5 hours to complete. By far the longest shower I have ever been too. It was a lot of fun to get to see Ann's friends, and meet all the girls who are in her wedding as well. I mostly sat back and observed everything, and took care of Carter, but I had a lot of fun. I can't wait until I get a wonderful woman as my sister. Chris is a very lucky man, and so is Ann.
Sunday morning we all went out to brunch before my Dad took us to the airport. I haven't been able to eat with the whole family in a while, and I miss our fun times. I was sad to say goodbye, but reminded myself that I will be seeing them again in 6 weeks for the wedding. I can't wait. While on the plane, we were delayed for about 15 minuets. Some fuel was put in the wrong part and in the wrong amount, so they had to transfer some fuel, then check the gauges. Luckily Carter pooped before we took off durring the delay, so I didn't have to disturb anyone by changing a stinky diaper. After that, Carter started to chew on my thumb, and I noticed something sharp, and felt his gums. His first tooth and broken the skin. His bottom left tooth is in!! YAY!! I couldn't wait another hour and a half to tell Terrance so I had to call him!! The woman sitting next to me just laughed at my excitment. But now he is feverish, and fussy as the other one pokes through. I can't believe how time flies.
Our trip to Colorado was wonderful, and I can't wait to go back in 6 weeks.

Caught in the net!

Look at this little girl.. Charming isn't she? Well, your not the only one to think so. Since the weather was warmer yesterday, after I was finished cleaning the church, we had about an hour before Terrance got off of work. So I took Crysta and Carter to the park at JC lake. There was another family there, 2 boys and their mom. One of the boys was Crysta's age and was swinging. Crysta just so happend to pick the swing next to him, and he began to mimic what Crysta was saying. (I am assuming as to get her attention). Eventually it worked, and they began to talk and laugh.. His mother, couldnt speak english very well, but we tried to have a conversation non the less. Crysta decided to slide, so naturally the boy, who I later learned was called Thomas, followed her. Time wore on, and another little boy, the same age, joined the group. At one point Thomas slid down the slide, and looked up to see Crysta sandwiched between 2 other boys waiting to slide down. "Hey, Get away from MY GIRL, Thats MY GIRL!" Thomas yells at one of the boys. He waited for Crysta to slide down, then he proceeded to take her hand and lead her away from the other boys. "Come on my girl" he says. his mother and I share a laugh. More time passes and all 3 boys start to chase Crysta all around the park, and one of the other mothers informs me that I should buy my baby girl a baseball bat to warn off the boys! "Not yet!" I scream in my head, but right as I was saying that Thomas gives Crysta a great big hug! "Time to go" I say, breaking up the hug! Im not ready for boys, and judging by what I saw yesterday, they are definatly in the FAR FAR FAR future! Looks like we will be investing in a bat after all!!

Picture Survey

Leslie always has creative ideas for new blogs, and so since I am searching for something to do, so I don't have to go into the church, I figured I would try it! Thanks for the idea Les!!! However, I didn't have as much luck as Leslie did with finding good images. Most of my answers showed people, so sorry if they aren't as fun to look at!

What's your first name? "Tinner", First off I had to write Tinner, b/c if I enterd TINA, I just got some pretty bad pictures of girls.. no thanks, plus I think this is funny that someone actually got this tattoo'd on!


What is your relationship status? "Married". It will be 5 years for us next Saturday! an I get a Whoop Whoop!


What is your favorite color? "Baby Blue". All blues are my favorite, and the color of my childrens eyes are really my favorite, but I couldnt type that in.


Who is your favorite celebrity? "Adam Sandler" because I have almost all of his movies, "Kate Hudson" because I LOVE every movie shes in, and I love her momma too, and Rascal Flats"because I hall all their cd's and they are the only ones that I can put in and listen all the way through! I have so many, but I will just put these three.






What is your favorite movie? "The Notebook". I have so many,but this movie is one that I can watch over and over again, and it never gets old, and it will always make me cry!


What is your favorite Dinsey movie? "Sleeping Beauty". Loved it as a kid, and still love it today! I even wanted to name my daughter Aurora! But I like Crysta better!


Where is your dream vacation? "Tahiti" and "Africa". I choose 2 because I want to do something diffrent at each. I could sit on the beach in Tahiti, but I want to go on a safari and do service work in Africa.




What is your favorite desert? "Chocolate".Anything chocolate will do!


What do you want to do when you grow up? "Travel". I have never really traveled, and when the kiddos hopefully are out of the house, I will still be young, and I would love to travel around the world.


One word to discribe yourself? "Mommy"


My phone is a: "Razor". Yeah Yeah, everyone has this phone...


My eye color is: "Blue-ish"I say this because I hear that they look green a lot..


The car I drive is: "Altima"Not the one in this picture, but I can dream!

New Steps

A quick update, yesterday Terrance, Crysta and I went to the Methodist Church Pre-school program to look into registering Crysta for the upcoming year. She liked it from what we could see. I don't really know how to do the school thing, so Im sure the director thought I was a little naive, but Im sure she sees that a lot. The only thing we didn't like was, there is no outdoor play area for them to play on. But there is a huge gym for them to play in, so atleast they will have room to run around in. We also found out that Stacy Hammner from church will be Crysta's teacher! That is a comforting thought in many ways. Since it is a church affiliate, we were a little hesitant about what exactly would be taught there. Apparantly on Wednsdays they will have a short chapel service, with bible stories and bible songs. While we were there, we were able to see how the teachers interact with the students. All the children at some point would come up and hug on the director. You could really see her relationship with them, and it was comforting to see that they trusted her, and genuinely loved her. So we went ahead and registerd her and payed the fee, thus holding her spot in the afternoon class. So I am content with the place she will be attending, and assured that she will have somewhere to go. We may still keep our eyes peeled for somewhere else. You never know if there is anything better out there. She will only be going 3 days a week in the afternoon, so I will be broke in slowly to the world of my baby going to school. Crysta is super excited about the thought of school, so I think I may be the blubbering baby in September.So, if any of you veterans have any advice please share.. Crysta did impress the director while we were there, by spelling her name with magnetic letters on a board. The director said that it was very impressive that a 4 year old recognized the letters and could put them together to form a word. Little does she know that Crysta can spell many words, and write all her letters! Crysta actauly surprised me the other day while I was cleaning the church, by writting MOM on the white board all by herself! She sounded out the letters, and wrote them down! I have never been more proud of her than that moment! I know I have a lot more of those moments to come. I have no doubt that she will make us proud in everything that she does! Even at 4 she strives to please us, and is eager to learn! I have never loved any one more than I love my children! How blessed we are to be parents!

My little photographer

So, its been a while for me in the blogging world, and quite a lot has gone on. I am finally done scanning for Data Comm, and have been for a few weeks now. Softball season is quickly approaching, and we had our first "practice" this past saturday. I am so excited for softball, I can't explain it. Although I have never played the game before, and my future teammates might tell you that I am not that good, I have a BLAST playing it. I think we were all super sore after saturdays game, but we all had a great time.. I hope.
So Crysta has really been into taking pictures with our camera, and we let her because she is carefull and can get some really interesting shots. So I put together a slide show of some of her work. It is interesting to see what creativity a 4 year old has. The first part of the show is from my last day scanning. She went crazy with the camera, so I had to edit a lot of them. The middle part is from keeping little Whitney last thursday. She went wild again, and I had to choose just a few, but there will be more of her work in a latter show soon to be posted. The last group of photos is from playing softball saturday. Again, some pictures were edited out, but she took some great shots of herself, AND she got Julie Terry to smile for the camera, which most of you know is a rare and difficult task. I hope you all enjoy the show! Like I said, there are more pictures to come!

Catching up......

I have fallen behind on my blogging, so I will do a quick recap for those interested... We went camping at Mark Twain for Easter. It was fun, and a little cold, but it just made the campfire that much nicer. There is just something about a campfire, that makes the whole trip.. Crysta LOVES to camp, which I am thankful for, since she was born into a very campy family! Carter and Whitney seemed to do well too.. I think Carter is ready to crawl, so he's not so constricted, but lets not rush things. I really enjoyed the time with friends and family. And any time away from my chores at home, is welcome..
Next update Carter had his 6 month check up yesterday. 6 months already.. His weight has decreased dramatically. Not unhealthy though. He was in the 97th percentile for weight at his 3 month check up, this time around he is in the 50th percentile. He weighs 17.8lbs, and is almost 25 inches long. He is developing great, and a little ahead of schedule. He is healthy, happy, and VERY mobile. I don't think I have that much longer before he starts crawling.
Brent and Resa finally bought the big HDTV!, which means that we are the lucky ones to get their old T.V. Unfortunatly it doesn't fit in the spot where our old T.V. was. So thursday I devoted to moving the furniture around. It was fun to have a reason to change the look of things. We have had our furniture the same way for 4 years, so it was a little refreshing to have it switched around. I will have to get a concesus from friends if they like the new layout! But hey, atleast we gota new T.V!! Thanks Mom and Pop!
Another change up, I cut my hair wednsday. I am trying to grow it out for the weddings in June, so I didnt want to loose length, but I needed a change. So I just got layers, and bangs!! I got a lot of comments from people at church that night. I didnt think it was that diffrent, but I guess its more noticable than I thought. Im getting used to the bangs, but all in all I like it!
I will end with a few pictures!!

My Story

Well As you all know, I am a recovering coffee adict! I have been some-what sober now for 4 or 5 months. Give the occasional stop at Dunn Bros, or make me a cup while I scanned at data comm. I am proud of my self, my CA group (Coffeholics Anonymous) says that I am an inspiration to them. I try to hold myself to high standards, so I don't fall down into the deep oh-so-sweet pit of coffee bingeing. However, as I was walking down Wal-marts cheery isles, I needed peanut butter. Well ironically the peanut butter is right accross from the coffee, and then I don't know what happend, its like I blacked out. It must have been the smell, because the next thing I know I am grabbing a BIG can of Folgers, and putting it in my cart. It was like my concious was seperated from my body, and I couldn't controll it! NO!!! my mind screamed as I outwardly watched my hand put the coffee... The wonderful, bold, dark, strong coffee in my cart. There was nothing I could do. So instead of fighting myself by trying to put it back, I just went about the rest of my shopping. By the time I was finished I had forgoten about the coffee, and found it in one of my bags when I got home.
"Now What?" I asked myself. "Well, since I can't drive all the way back to walmart, just to return it, I guess I better keep it." So thats what I did. Then the real tradgedy happened about 10 minuets ago.. I saw it there, just sitting on my counter. hugging the coffee pot, and starring at me, as if to say, "Please put me in there, its where I belong." Well you can guess what happend next......
Am I ashamed? Have I fallen off the wagon? If I have, it is so great, because the smell of coffee brewing in my home again, is unexplainable! It smells so good!! So now I leave you with my story, while I go enjoy a nice, hot cup of caffine in heaven!

Five for Friday(and More)

The week is finally over, and I have to say that this was a hard week for me. Not only with work, but with multiple things. I have never been more thankful to say T.G.I.F.. Except, today I am feeling VERY under the weather, and I have so much to get done today. Maybe I'll feel better later on in the day. But here is my 5!

1. Sleep: Not for me, but for Carter. I think he read my previous blog, because I layed him down at 6:30 last night, and he slept until 12 to eat, then again at 3:30. He was VERY tired. He was able to play with his cousin Whit yesterday and I guess all that estrogen just wore him out!!
2.3 am talks: With me not feeling good, Carter being hungry, and Akira pooping all over my kitchen floor, I was pretty awake at 3am. So was Carter for a little while, so I was able to sit and rock him, and just listen to him coo in my ear! I love the sound of his voice, and it definatly took my mind off the mess that I just had to clean up in my kitchen!
3. Fridays. Its the end of the week, but its also a day to reflect on the days before, and come up with thankful thoughts, instead on dwelling on the "poopy" stuff. (No pun intended)
4. Pledge: I dusted our home yesterday! It was long overdue, but I love how pledge just make the job easier, and it makes everything so shinny, and makes the air smell good!
5. Coupons and discounts: I have a 50% off coupon for Chadwicks, and Im using it to get 2 new dresses for the summer. my total for both is the cost of what one would be alone! I can;t pass up a bargin, and a chance to get new clothes, which I need badly!

Theres my 5! hope everyone has a great week!

Whats Sleep?

Well I think I was spoiled the first 5 months of Carter's life. He has always been a wonderful sleeper, a total opposite from his sister. I thought I was in the clear, beacuse usually around 6 months, is when most babies sleep through regardless.. Not for me... for the past week, I have been up almost every hour and a half to 2 hours, with a SCREAMING baby.. Not crying, or fussy, but litterally screaming..he wouldn't eat, and he wouldnt eventually cry himself to sleep. Thusly I was at a loss. I would whip up a 4oz bottle of formula and pray he would eat it.. Sometimes he would and fall asleep for a little while. An already long story short, I think my baby boy is starting to teeth. I am going to miss that toothless smile, but Im ready for the process to be over.. Last night was the firt night he only woke up once, but just when I thought I was going to get some sleep, Crysta crawled into bed with me. She got in trouble earlier in the day, and usually when that happens, she wants to sleep with me the night after. So I let her for a while, until I wanted to roll over, and had to put her in her own bed. I enjoy the cuddle time with her, but I also cherish my sleep at night time. I desperatly need my sleep!
A few more updates, we are looking at some preschools for Crysta to attend this fall. There aren't many choices, but I think we are just going to have to be on a waiting list, and just enroll her somewhere, and pray we get into the places we want.. Im trying to prepare myself for preschool, I will most likley be that blubbering mom outside the door, waving good-bye for 20 minuets long after she has forgotten about me. ut pre-school is only part time, kindergarden is whats going to kill me. She will start kindergarden when it switches to all day. Im just not sure how I feel about that. I guess we will see when the time comes, but I know it has to happen, I just never thought I would be going through this process so soon. It makes me cherish my time with her that much more.
Terrance and I bought me a new softball mit yesterday. Since we are starting a co-ed team for the summer, we thought I'd better get a glove. Ans dince it was nice yesterday he took me to the park and helped me practice. It was fun just getting out and playing around with the family. Crysta has her own mit too, so we all played, but Carter just slept in the car! Playing though made me realize how rusty I am, and what hard work it is. I was wore out! But I love it! I can't wait to play!!
I will just leave you with a few pictures! Have a great hump day!
Check out Carter's Post Bath hair!! its on the verge of a mowhawk!


The true personality of my kiddos. I love Carters face!