Big Things

37 weeks. Another week closer to welcoming our little man. We had positive feed back from our doctors appointment last Friday. My body is already making preparations for delivery, which is encouraging. Our doctor also let me know that she won't make me wait to long passed our due date. So it is encouraging to know that in less than 3 weeks we will have our new addition. And believe me, I am BEYOND ready. Crysta and Carter are ready too.
This passed weekend was a very full weekend. Some wonderful ladies from Church threw me the cutest shower. The theme was "Ready To Pop" with lots of Pop related items, suckers, pop tarts, popcorn ect. The decorations, food and company was amazing and far surpassed anything I expected or imagined. It's no secret that I LOVE planning parties for people. Showers and Birthdays are my favorite, but I don't really expect the tables to be turned and I'm the guest of honor. I was truly and deeply touched and humbled by the attendance and the generosity of all the ladies who attended, and especially the time and effort put in by the ladies who put it together in just 1 short week. I think we are another step closer to welcoming #3. However, if he came today, he would have to sleep somewhere else, as his bed is full of his gifts I have yet to put away.
After the amazing shower, Terrance and I bought a New Used truck. We had purchased 2 vehicles about 2.5 years ago, and his truck we bought then has been anything but reliable. I think we have spent more fixing it and keeping it running than we did paying it off. Just recently, after spending a good chunk of money on getting it fixed we realized that the truck is in need of a new transmission and new engine. The cost of replacing those, was WAY more than we still owe on the truck. So we went back to the dealership who sold us the truck in the first place. Long story short, They took the truck back, and we walked away with a much bigger, hopefully more reliable truck. Terrance is happy and that makes me happy.
Sunday, our church threw a couple a baby shower. It was a potluck style right after morning services. It's a lot of work to put together, but the turn out was amazing, and I know that the couple was encouraged. I am always happy to see people come together to encourage and support young couples. Expecially first time parents.
I am still working on my de cluttering of the home. I have hit a standstill on the kids rooms. There is a lot to do, but I am finding that my energy spurts are shorter, and I struggle with doing that opposed to hanging with the kiddies. I realize that these last few days are my last days EVER of just having Crysta and Carter. This time is so valuable and precious. Our lives will never be just the 4 of us again. I am trying to soak up as much of them as I can before my attention will be split 3 ways.
Obviously from my post my brain is a bit scatterd and all over the place. Thanks for reading. I will leave you with some pictures from my awesome baby shower!

Getting Close

36 weeks! feels like it has taken FOREVER to get here. I found out pretty early that we were expecting our 3rd child, and I started showing really early, so 36 weeks really has felt like 50. Thankfully I have had an incredibly easy pregnancy. I can't complain. Sure I have had those little annoyances, like comments about my size, heartburn, leg cramps ect. But I have had it really easy compared to what some women go through.
I asked my doctor her feelings on inducing me on my due date. Crysta was 2 weeks late ( 7lbs 15oz and had to be induced), Carter was 1 week late ( 8lbs 15oz  and had to be induced). So I don't really know what it is like to go into labor on my own, and I REALLY don't want to be late with this guy. Depending on my progress, she said she would consider setting the date on my due date, but the latest she will let me go is 3 days passed, so that is something to look forward too.
The kids are getting really excited. Carter talks to my belly everyday. I am currently working on getting rooms moved around and sorting baby items. I am so thankful for generous and kind people in our lives. 2 ladies at church gave us TONS of baby clothes, and I think we are good! it took me 2 movies to sit and sort through all the clothes the other night! We are blessed with wonderful people. The ladies at church threw a joint diaper BBQ for us preggos at church a few weeks ago, and we walked away with a large amount of diapers, again we are blessed. Another woman at church wanted to throw me a smaller more personal shower, which is planned for this weekend. I don't like putting anyone out, but I truly appreciate the kindness and generosity of the ladies planning that shower, again BLESSED!
My job situation is a little up in air. It is important to us that I stay home with the baby. Daycare is not an option. I will run my own daycare from home before I put our baby in one. That is not to slam or judge those who do put their kiddos in daycare, you have to do whats best for your family. I am just an entrepreneur at heart, and I know I will figure out a way to still contribute financially while still being the main caregiver of our children. I can always fall back on house cleaning... I have considered many options, I just pray to God that I keep my eyes, ears and heart open to His plan for us, and not drown His plan out with MY plan.
Not a lot going on other than nesting and preparing to welcome our 3rd Lil' Newton into this world. Stay tuned, my posts should get more exciting from here on out!! :) Thanks for reading! I leave you with a picture from 35 weeks! :)

The Beginning....a story untold

Have you ever been eternally grateful for someone? You know they aren't perfect, but they just amaze you with the things they do? They can drive you crazy, but make you cherish them at the same time? This person to me is my husband. He is the one of the most patient men I have ever met ( My Dad is first).
Terrance and I have been married for 10 years today. 10 YEARS! Not many people these days can say they were married at 19 and last for 10 years. Not many people these days are getting married in their 20's and 30's and lasting for 10 years. The odds were totally against us. We were young kids, doing what young kids do, and found ourselves grown up over night.
It was February of 2003 when my life changed forever. I borrowed my roommates car to drive to a clinic in town. At the time I was attending Harding University, in Searcy Arkansas. A christian based university and town, the clinic I was headed to wasn't ideal. It took me a few weeks to really grasp the reality that my life was about to change forever. I didn't tell my roommate why I needed her car, because I didn't know how to. A parental planning clinic offered free pregnancy tests and counseling. I couldn't risk buying a test at Walmart and being seen by students or faculty there. If that happened expulsion from the university was the consequence. Oddly enough, the clinic was withing walking distance to the school. I parked my roommates car down the road a bit to avoid someone recognizing her car and becoming suspicious of her.........
2 words: " You're Pregnant" was all it took to change my life forever!
After that moment, my life became a whirlwind. I now had to decide how to tell Terrance, my school and most of all my parents. I was thankful for my roommate that day.
The next 2 months went by in a blur. I withdrew from Harding, moved back home to Colorado and worked at a pet store in the mall until the beginning of April. Then I packed up my belongings and life I knew to move to Jefferson City, Missouri to marry my college sweetheart at the tender age of 19. We had 6 weeks to plan our wedding. We were eternally blessed with friends, family and congregation who helped us pull off a small, inexpensive and perfect wedding. The highlights of course of the wedding where 2 things. First, right after we said our " I Do's" a phone begins to ring. At first I think someone in the crowd got a call. Until the moment Terrance, YES TERRANCE pulls his cell phone from his tux pocket and answers it! Now, you're probably wondering who would have been calling him on a day such as this, a friend who wasn't invited, his secret girlfriend (kidding).. NO, it was Jared his groomsman standing 2 bodies away! I believe the conversation went T " Hello"... J " Hey Man, What are you doin'?"... T " I'm getting marriend, gotta go." HILARIOUS! Although I didn't see it, a man in the front row, apparently was about to run up and ring Terrance's neck for pulling such a stunt, until the phone rings again..... " Hello".. " Hey Man, DON'T DO IT!".. Thanks to my wonderful soon to be brother in law, and best man, Terrill calling! We got a good laugh, and it really lightened up the room. Neither one of us are much for stuffy serious atmospheres.... Time for the rings.. Brent, my father in law and minister who married us asked our first in commands to place the rings in his bible for safer, easier transfers. My wonderful Roommate and Maid of Honor did as she was told, you would think the boys could too.. WRONG. As Brent is waiting for Terrill to place my ring in his bible, the crowd starts to laugh when we all look up and see my ring being lowered with fishing line through the arch we had above our heads. Which would have been fine, until the line was tugged to hard, and the ring got stuck. Brent had to get on his tippy toes and break the line. I was thankful for the pranks. It made for great memories, video, and a great start to our new life together.
We spent our honeymoon night at Tan Tara Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks.There was a convention going on, so we got literally the last room available which was 2 double beds. The next day we were home by lunch and at church that night. Not much of a honeymoon by today's standards, but we were young kids who couldn't afford to go anywhere.
Since that day, Terrance and I have welcomed 2 gorgeous children into our lives, Crysta and Carter and expecting our 3rd this August. We still have our first family pet, Akira who has been with us for 7 years. We  bought our first home in 2010 and have been through a strew of vehicles, although only 3 of them we have purchased together. We have had our ups and downs, highs and lows, fighting and laughter. One thing has remained constant. Our love for each other and God.  This 10 year journey has been unlike anything I could ever imagine, and I am so thankful for it! I am so blessed with my family too. I now, as of today have 4 sisters, 4 brothers, 4 nieces, 1 nephew and another niece due in September. I thank God everyday for the many blessings in my life. If you are reading this, then that makes you one of them. Thank you to everyone who has supported, encouraged  comforted, and kicked me in the rear when I needed you the most, I would not be where I am today without you. I am looking forward to the future with an open heart and mind, never forgetting to thank God everyday for what he has given me.
Sometimes the most un-ideal situations like teen pregnancy can be what it takes to straighten someones path, and save their lives. I can't imagine who I'd be with or where I'd be otherwise. For those of you who were curious of my and Terrance's story, there you have it. Although that is how it started, that is not what defines our relationship, and life together or with God. I am thankful for that cold February day, because although it turned my world upside down for a moment, it has given me a lifetime of pure happiness.

Feeling Blue

As promised and predicted, I am regretting my previous post. Although I know that it was important to me to get those words out there, I am understanding of the hurt the entire situation has caused. If I had it my way, there would never been any hurt. All would be skittles and and rainbows and nothing bad ever happens. However, I know that not only is this unrealistic and crazy, I know that without trials and tribulations there would be no growth. I can not shy away from my feelings, and my right and privilege to express them. I just want to say that it is NEVER my intent to purposefully hurt, harm or offend anyone. Friend, Family, or acquaintance. And I hope that anyone who knows me, knows that. And if I ever do or say anything that is hurtful to you, that you feel that you can discuss that with me. With all that said, I have to move on. What has happened has happened, and I can not change the past. I  can only look forward to the future God has planned for me and pray that I please Him in all that I do. God knows my heart, and I can only pray that others do as well.

NOW, MOVING ON!!!

As most of you know ( what few there are who read this) we are expecting our 3rd child this August. I will say that all in all this pregnancy was a complete surprise to say the least. However, after a few weeks of adjusting to the thought of another little head running around our house, we have become pretty excited. Crysta and Carter are SUPER excited to have another playmate. Carter is pretty obsessed with feeling my stomach to see if the baby moves, there are even mornings that I wake up and Carter's hand is resting on my stomach. While Crysta is determined that the baby will recognize her voice and talks to my tummy almost everyday, even hugging and kissing it. It warms my heart to see the excitement and gentleness my children have, and their eagerness to welcome another blessing into our family. We were able to discover that this baby was more than willing to cooperate in the ultrasound so we could find out the gender. Of course we just want a healthy baby. And truthfully the gender didn't matter to us, as we got ride of every last bit of baby stuff we had last summer. ( Like I said, we were not planning on having another baby!).. So, we are starting fresh, period. But everyone was excited to see the picture that distinctly told us, that this little wiggle worm in my womb is a Bouncing Baby Boy!. We were able to have a small gender reveal party with my big brother and his wife, who is also expecting their 1st child in September, and my parents. I have never had a gender reveal thing, but I guess these days that's the thing to do!
So now we get to find a place for this little guy to sleep. We will be doing some small renovation on our home to prepare for this. Crysta will be getting her own room, and Carter will be getting a new roommate. Of course I am looking forward to painting and decorating a girly girl room for Crysta and a boys room for Carter and the baby.! I'm sure I will keep updating as this process goes on..Thank goodness for Pinterest for inspiration. I will leave you with a picture from our gender reveal. more to come once my brother officially announces their gender! Thanks for reading!

" Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything." Ephesians 5: 22-24. 
 This verse has been heavily on my heart lately, especially the last part, IN EVERYTHING. I normally do not have trouble or issues with allowing my husband to be the head of the house. Leader of our spiritual growth, but there has been a few things that have come up, that I have found myself struggle with.
For the sake of privacy I will not dive far into specific details on these things, but I will touch on a few. As most everyone who knows me knows, I have a crippling habit to be a people pleaser. I know that you can not always make everyone happy. But being who I am, I try anyway. I won't compromise my faith, family, or beliefs for this purpose, but if it is in my control to please someone and avoid conflict I will do it. I deeply try to avoid conflict with anyone, ESPECIALLY family. And if I find myself in a conflicting position with family, I always feel terrible and beat myself up over it, even though I know it's OK. Conflict can be a beneficial and growing tool between friends and family if the right attitude is taken. Another characteristic about me, is I am not a vengeful person. I do not find the need or urge to "pay someone back" for hurting or offending me. Now I am not saying that my husband is either of these things. However, something very special and personal to us was released into public knowledge without our consent. We weren't quite ready for the news to be out, but it happened and that's that. I was upset for a while. And when I tried to talk to the person about it, I felt like no responsibility was taken, and it was blamed on me. That I should have made that more clear, when in my head it would have been common sense. Again, what happened happened, and it was out.
I spoke with my husband one day about this, and he told me that he too tried to talk to the person about it, and pretty much felt shut out. Like what he was saying didn't matter and his feelings about the situation were minuscule and pointless. His feelings kept getting disregarded and my feelings took the priority, even though I was not apart of the conversation. The conversation hurt my husband, deeply. He is not usually one to discuss his "feelings" about anything, so when he does open up, it's a rare glimpse into his heart. That day he tried to show this person that glimpse and it went un-noticed or acknowledged. Therefore, my husband decided that the next bit of big news we had, we would not share with this specific individual, and they would learn the news "though the grapevine". Despite my inward screams to go against him on this, I stuck by him and his decision. It bothered me more than you will ever know, and deep down I knew that the outcome would not be beneficial to either party. I did talk to my husband about this, but he stuck to his guns. Now, here is where my struggle was. I wanted to support him. I knew that he had been hurt, and felt the need to make the point. But I was also being affected by his choices, and I was not comfortable with them. So what would you have done? Would you have told the person anyway? Would I have been an un-submissive wife if I were to do the opposite of what my husband had called me to do?
This may seem silly to you. But once the news got out, and this individual learned of the secret we were keeping, my feelings were deeply hurt by their reaction. I will admit it was mostly regret and guilt on my part. I do not blame them for being hurt or reacting the way they did either. It was a silly circumstance that I should brush off my shoulders, but like I said, I hate hurting or upsetting anyone. I feel torn.
I love both parties deeply. I am stuck in a situation to where I do not know if I should step in an explain our actions to the person, but that would mean I would have to speak for my husband, which I feel is not my place. And I know this may be confusing because I am not giving details, I just needed to vent a bit. Any feed back is welcome. Thanks for reading! I will have a more exciting post tomorrow!

Pickin' up the Pieces.

WOW, almost 2 full years since updating. I wouldn't even know where to begin in playing catch up. As some of you know, I had started a blog I named " Dropin' Poundage'. It was meant to be a constant source and reminder to ME to stay on top of the healthy stuff. It was great for a while, for me anyway. Not many followers but that's not what was important. So that took most of my time in writing. 

I have always been some what of a journaler. Not 100% committed by any means. There are times, obviously, that I let some time pass, but I do find comfort and release in writing my thoughts down. I guess whether you, care to read them or not is the question. 

I keep a journal for both my children. I hope it to be a unique and appreciated gift for them when they are older. I enjoy going back and reading my entries from the past. If you are a parent, then you know that the little things slip your mind after a while. The journals help me remember. And believe me they are FULL of the little things. It's not always the happy stuff either, I be sure to add the hard and trying stuff, so they can tell their children one day that " I was just like you when I was your age". 

I originally started this blog as a way to update my Colorado and distant family on the progress of our lives here in Missouri. I want to apologize if I have let the ball drop on you. I will do my best to keep the news up and current! 

Now, another reason for me picking up the pieces of this forgotten blog is that we are about to have our lives change for the better for the 3rd time. We discovered in December that we were expecting the most UNEXPECTED gift from God. To be honest it took me a month or two to see it that way, but how else can you view the blessings of a baby. A precious, innocent soul trusted into your care. How can anyone take that lightly or regret that honor? Although Terrance and I were not even in the mindset of another child, God had another plan for us. It was a reminder that nothing in our lives is in our control. Now, 5 months in we are excited and ready to welcome this new little addition to our family. #3 is expected to arrive August 3rd. We are planning to have a small gender reveal with my parents and brother and sister in law this weekend ( they are expecting too!... my brother that is)! 

Crysta and Carter and blossoming into wonderful children. I thank God everyday for them. They are so sweet and pure. There is not a day I wish them to be anything other than what they are. I don't compare them to other children, or regret anything they do, good or bad. Crysta is finishing up her 3rd grade year, and Carter is finishing up pre-school. He will begin Kindergarten next year, and he couldn't be happier. 

Terrance and I will be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary 1 month from today. It is hard to believe so much time has past. It has been an amazing journey. Full of trials and blessings, happiness and tears. One thing has remained constant throughout... Our love for God and our love for each other. Never once did we think of taking the easy way out of our struggles, and I am so proud and honored to be called his wife. 

I hope to keep the updates coming in the future as I am sure I will have a lot to share. Thanks for reading! 

hopeful

Terrance and I are hoping to get internet access, which means I will be able to keep up on this blog and my other blog I share with Tawn! Im excited about the new blog, and I desperatly need to update this one. The pictures are so old and so much has happend. Keep your fingers crossed that something works out.

Too Long

Has it really been 2 years since my last blog? So much has changed in our lives. I guess I need to review all my past blogs to see what I need to update. The sad thing is, I don't have a computer at home, so keeping up with this will be difficult. I enjoy venting my thoughts out, just not sure how many of you like seeing them? anyway, I hope to keep this up. We shall see. Thanks for reading out there...

Still here

Sorry to all of you who still check my blog.. As most of you know, We are without a computer at home, so my online activity is limited. We are all doing great.. I will hopefully add some pictures soon. Carter is growing like a weed, and talking all the time.. We don't know what he is saying, but he sure is animated in telling us whatever is on his mind.
He did have an accident with the coffee table. He fell off a chair and his top teeth went into the table. His gums bled all day, and by the end of the day he looked like a monkey. For a few days the entire inside of his mouth was black. Now, as most of you who know me well know, that I tend to worry and freak out about things like this. So when I heard that his teeth could possibly turn grey and fall out. I would find myself checking his teeth every time he smiles, and no matter if it was there or not I would see grey! He is doing fine and recoverd quickly. However, a few days ago I found him in his crib crying with bleeding gums again. Im assuming he was chewing on his bed, and knocked his teeth a little to hard. SO needless to say my freaking out has returned!
Crysta is still LOVING school. HEr teachers say that she is doing really well, and wont have a problem transitioning to kindergarden. They say she is a social butterfly and all the little girls in her class flock to be her friend. She is the same at church.
I have a part time job at JCPenneys. It was for extra money for Christmas, but they have decided to keep me on as a P.T. employee.. I really enjoy the interaction with strangers, and the exra money is nice to save up for a rainy day..
I will try to keep up with this better.. Thank you to all of you who check my blog. Im sorry it has been lacking.. I will end this with some good news I have recently been given. I know you wont squeel with joy or jump up and down like I did, but I hope you are happy too!!! I will start with the most recent:
Last night one of my best friends called me to tell me that she and her new hubby are expecting in April!!!! CONGRATS Brandie and TEd!!!
3 weeks ago my sister in law told me that her hubby was offerd a really great job in Springdale Arkansas. Im sad to see them leave but I am prayerful and excited for their oppertunity.. Congrats Tawn, D and Whitney!
A week before Christmas my brother Ray called me to tell me that I am inherting a new sister in April of 2010! Congrats Ray and Jamie!
About 6-7 months ago my brother called me to tell me that I was going to get a new baby to spoil and love!!! Congrats Chris and Ann!!!
So much good things happening so far in 2009!!! ITs turning out to be a great year so far!!!

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!