So... I'm Carrie

Mother's day.

As a mom myself, mother's day has this way of making me realize what a HARD job this whole Mom gig is. Each year it forces me to reflect on my experience and realize what my mom went through and how amazing she is.  because she is.  duh.  

When I was a kid all my mom ever asked for on Mother's day was for everyone to get along.  just for ONE day.  be nice to each other.  And as simple and easy as that request sounds, I'm pretty sure we probably let her down most years.  

There are times when I watch these two crazy kids of mine and wonder how my mom did it with 4 of us, all by herself.  

My mom worked her ass off.  She still does.  Everyday.  She gets more done before 6 am than most people do by the time they go to lunch.  She can have 2 loads of laundry done, dogs fed, floors swept, bed made, dishes loaded, shower, makeup, dressed for work and then leave the house for work.  It exhausts me just thinking about it.  If there was ever a candidate for "Wonder Woman", it is my mom.  

Mom, I know I don't say it enough, you are an inspiration.  You make me want to be all that I can for my kids.  You make me work harder.  Strive for more.  I am so glad I got past that whole "my mom knows nothing" stage and realized I was the inferior one.  I have so much to learn and am dang lucky you are my teacher.  I love you.

The Garden.

Around this time last year, Carter was at a different school and they had this Amazing yard and garden.  Carter had a bit of a rough time at this school, but he loved to help the outside teacher, and his teacher understood that this boy might have a rough time with the montessori way, but there was something about the outdoors that fed his little soul.  Any time the outdoor teacher would ask her for a helper, if he had earned the right that day, she would send him out to be with her as a reward.  He would help with all sorts of chores: pulling weeds, watering plants, planting, cleaning, sweeping.  Whatever the outdoor teacher asked of him, he was was a willing helper.  I decided last year that I needed to nurture that part of him and we planted a few fruits and vegetables to grow.  We didn't do great, but I decided that this year we would try something a little larger.

I'll be honest.  I don't know a whole lot about plants, or gardens, or soil, or how to harvest things, or when to harvest things or anything like that which may be useful or beneficial.  I bought plants, stuck them in the dirt, and watered them.  I'm learning.  I love that I can walk out there pull some basil leaves and go back inside and put it on a chicken dish and enjoy it.  (ilovebasil.)  

What has surprised me about this garden is the sense of fulfillment it has given me.  

I know. It's broccoli and tomatoes, Carrie.  don't go all Oprah on us.  

Here's the thing.  Everyday when we come home, Carter, Sidney and I run outside to look at it.  what's growing.  what's blooming.  look how much taller this is.  oh my gosh we can pick that tomato!  look how big the squash is!  We love it!  and as soon as Jason comes in, we have to walk him out there.  show him what we saw.  I never expected a box of dirt to bring my family together the way that it has.  

As I stand there watering the plants each night I get this peaceful, quiet time.  Right outside my house, filled with my family that I love.  It's weird the thoughts that I think, as this is probably the only true quiet alone time I have all day.  A lot of times I think about my Papa and his garden.  Sometimes I think about my Meemaw and how she would feed the birds in her backyard.  Sometimes I think about what other chores i need to tackle.   Sometimes I think about what I need from the grocery store.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's clear that this little boy of mine was put in my life to teach me.  I am so very happy I pursued this for him.  This garden isn't just another chore on my list, this garden just might be one of the best projects I've ever taken on.

 

catchin' bugs and ridin' bikes.

the kids spent this evening in the backyard turning their bug boxes into cozy little habitats.  They filled them with rocks, sticks, mulch and grass.  Carter finally found a little beetle and gave him a nice home.  Sidney is just old enough to tag along with Carter and he loves having a little shadow.  I let them do their thing and hang back and supervise from afar.  It is better than watching any tv show, these two crack me right up.

and here's a few random pictures from this weekend

this girl loves to blow bubbles.  and protective headwear is always a good idea, she is my daughter, and i'm dang clumsy.

lots of bike practicing going on with this one. 

and little miss thang is figuring out playing dress up is pretty fun!

 

Easter

We had a really nice Easter weekend.  We had the family over and it was one of the nicest times we've had in a while.  that's not to say we don't always have a great time, but we kept the menu simple, the weather was great and allowed the kids to play (really well together) outside for hours, and it was just overall relaxed and enjoyable.  

here are a ton of pictures:

Sidney Bear

Little Miss Brylee

Brendan looking for eggs.

Carter hunting.

 

Lane (l) and Luke (r) getting help from Cassie

 

 

he thinks everyday is soccer picture day.

Brendan practicing some soccer moves.

Aunt Cassie showing Sid some tricks.

It is clear these two think I'm nuts.  anytime i say anything to them, this is the look i get. Luke on the left, Lane on the right.

As these two get older, we are all having a harder time telling them apart.  at one point Brendan was just calling them "kid".  He asked Carter, what's this ones name, and Carter said, Luke or Lane.  HA!

These two girls are too cute.  They love playing and giggling and copy catting one another.  All day they spent following each other around.  so, so cute.

 

 

 

My sweet girl.

Sidney is full of personality, but she's a bit shy around people.  Even around our extended family, she keeps to herself and doesn't come out of her shell much.  She even acts different when Carter happens to be away and it's Jason and I, she really cuts loose and shows all her colors.  

One evening when Jason was at soccer practice with Carter, Sid and I were hanging out chatting while she colored and I decided to video my sweet girl.  She is currently obsessed with Dora the explorer and the color pink.  Here's a little look at my sidekick 

 

 

yes, she's got a dirty face, that's how we roll sometimes.

Finished Objects

so i told you that i've been getting a little crafty.  I thought i would post some pictures of some of the things i've made recently.

i made these capes for cassie's boys for their birthday.  I failed to take a picture of them before, cassie took this picture and sent it to me. 

so a friend of mine taught me to knit back in october.  i've knitted a couple of things.  Carter saw this yarn and wanted me to make him a hat, so i figured it out.  it's really big on him (it fits me) but atleast he can wear it for a bit.  

I made myself a big thick chunky scarf.  i used really big needles and really thick yarn and i just love this scarf, it's SO snuggly.

knitting is something i've always wanted to know how to do.  i love this new hobby!

 

let's try this again.

Here are some more pictures from the past few weeks.

Carter was an ol' pro at the egg hunt!

I've been gettin my craft on.

Lots of hangin' out in the backyard

Sid doing some house work.

Carter helping out with the chores.

and one of my crazy pup.

good times, good times.  I tell you what,  I am truly blessed to call these people my family.  Carter and Sidney are such amazing little guys.  I am truly grateful that I am given the opportunity to have them in my life.  
















 

 

Spring has sprung!

I absolutely love this time of year.  the weather has been awesome and we are spending as much time as we possibly can outside.  We have spent the past few weekends with our hands in the dirt working on our yard.  pulling weeds, replanting, getting our garden up and going.  both of my kids love this kind of stuff and i had two great helpers!

Jason, Sid and I hit the nursery to get the plants we needed.  

i have two of the best little gardeners around.  we are trying a little bigger garden this year.  we planted strawberries, sunflowers, tomatoes, squash, broccoli, lettuce, herbs, and carrots.  

Soccer is in full swing.  Carter had his first game over the weekend and scored 3 goals!

we went straight from his game to our neighborhood egg hunt.  

After a little strategy talk with dad, Sid scored big time.

 ok. i'm going to go ahead and post what i have thus far.  My internet is acting wacky and this is the second time I have written this post and i don't want to lose what i've got so far.  I will continue with the rest of the pictures/stories later!

 

Soccer Camp

We signed Carter up for spring break soccer camp.  He loved the experience, but man did it wear us ALL out!  

the highlight of the week was watching the dynamo practice on the field next to where the kids were having camp.  and then on Wednesday, two of the players stopped by camp to answer the kids questions, sign autographs and encourage the kids.  It was really awesome!  Carter loved it.

With Josue Soto

and Andrew Hainault.

 

Let's Rodeo.

We took Carter to the Rodeo last week.  We did a TON of walking but got to see just about everything.  Carter LOVED it.  every single bit of it.  

Carter had his second sheep ride.  He did much better this time... he really, really loves this!  It is so funny to watch, and he takes it quite seriously!  He is so much fun!

Here is the video from the event.