Earth Day!

Y'all know I love a good minor holiday.

Earth Day celebrations? You bet.

We made bird feeders! Supplies: empty toilet paper rolls; peanut butter; hole punch; string; bird seed.

Punch two holes and tie a ribbon through them.

Coat with peanut butter.

Roll in bird seed.

Pose for a picture to show off your work.

Hang in a tree! The birds LOVED it.

And, Carver painted a flower pot :)

I adore these books! And, they fit right in with Earth Day.

Carson: On Your First Birthday...

Dear Carson,

Tomorrow is your first birthday. Twelve months since God gave you to us and I can't adequately put into words the impact you have made on our family, and on me. Sometimes I look at you and I can't believe that you are mine. That God saw fit to give us not one, but TWO incredible boys that have filled every corner of my heart. Just one short year ago I was waiting to meet you. And now I can't imagine you not in our family. You, my sweet boy, are a perfect fit.

I love so many things about you. I love it that are incredibly affectionate. You love to cuddle and be held tight more than anything else. I love it that you and your big brother are complete opposites-- in looks and personality. I love it that you are cautious but starting to gain a little independence and inquisitiveness. I love it that you are quick to laugh and smile easily.

And oh how I love your heart. I can already tell that you have a sweet spirit. Lately I have been thinking about all of the hopes I have for your future. For the boy, and eventually, the man you will become. And the word that keeps coming to mind is kindness. This is what I hope for you Carson. I hope that you will be kind. That you will feel compassion and empathy for others. I hope that you will show kindness to others and in return be shown kindness by others.

I pray for you Carson. Every single day. Sometimes I feel like I am praying for you and your brother all day. Praying that you will love Jesus, first. This is what I pray for you above all else.

I pray that your Daddy and I will show you, every single day, that we love you. That we are your number one fans. Your biggest supporters. Your safe place to fall. You won't always like us-- no kid always likes their parents. But you will always know that we want what is best for you. We will fight for you when we need to, and sometimes we will let you fall-- but we will always be there to help you up. We will kiss your hurts, cry with you, discipline you, and laugh with you. We will have great moments together, and unfortunately, we will have a lot of low moments too. I will do things, many things, that I am not proud of. There will be many regrets and I'll shed a few tears too. Probably more than a few. But, I will never give up. I will never stop trying to be better, every single day. I promise you this.

I promise that no one will ever love you more than your Daddy and I. You captured my heart as soon as you arrived-- and really long before that. I have loved every moment of this last year. Even the never-ending breastfeeding, the sleepless nights (12 months worth!), and the constant demand to be held. I have been frustrated, exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed in so many ways this last year. I can admit that your arrival completely rocked my world and it took me a really long time to find my footing again. But, I wouldn't change a thing. I will hold on tight to every moment. Every midnight feeding (usually 4 a night), every scream of anger when I wouldn't pick you up and carry you constantly, every pat pat pat on my back, every grin, every cuddle. Each and every small moment that has made up our lives this last year. Each one is cherished.

I have so many hopes for you. So many things I want to show you and teach you. I want you to be confident, well-read, compassionate, respectful, happy and content. I want you to love Jesus, respect girls, be a true friend, and be self-sufficient. There are so many reasons to be excited about what is to come-- you and your brother give me such hope for the future.

We love you Cargy. Your grandparents love you. Your big brother loves you. Your aunts, uncles, cousins love you. You are incredibly special.

Happy Birthday sweet boy.

Love,
Mama.

Spring Break

Ten days in Florida, that's how we spent Spring Break this year. Daniel couldn't get away, so the boys and I headed down to spend some time with Grandmama and Granddaddy and we got to see Courtney's family as well-- bonus!

We spent the first weekend in Orlando. On Friday we headed to Downtown Disney, ate at the Rainforest Cafe (Carver loved it!), and then headed back to the hotel to swim. That night the boys and I met Brooke and her kids at Friday's for dinner. I love quick visits :)

Rainforest Cafe

Julia was a good sport and rode the train with Carver so that I didn't have to.

"Get off, Mommy!" Apparently he is ready to do rides without me. Sad day.

A little swimming at the hotel pool.

Carson loved it!

Riley did not love it.

Warming up in a safe, happy, place after the pool trauma.

At 5:00 am on Saturday we woke up to Carver vomiting in bed (beside me). So off to urgent care we went. $100 and a prescription for Zofran later and we were off to Universal Citywalk for lunch at Bubba Gump's and a little window shopping. That night, Courtney, Michael, and Julia were headed out to a concert, so Mom, Dad, the boys, and I headed to babysit Riley at their hotel room. We let Carver swim for a bit, then ate dinner poolside and enjoyed the incredible weather.

One of  my favorites.

Dinner by the pool! Carver had goldfish and and water. Still recovering from the stomach issues.

On Easter Sunday we woke up early, packed our stuff, and headed to Bartow. The plan was to go to my home church there but the boys were still acting a little off (Carson had some weird eye issue going on) so we decided not to contaminate the nursery there. We ate lunch at the Bartow Country Club (Woohoo!) and then headed to the house for some Easter festivities.

Carson's weird eye stuff. The picture is blurry but they were TERRIBLE. Allergies? No idea. Went away a couple of days later.

Helping Granddaddy pack up and load up the cars.

Julia and Carver shared the Easter story with us through the use of Resurrection Eggs (which I love-- great teaching tool for kids). Then the kids enjoyed their Easter baskets. I LOVE putting together baskets, it is one of my favorite things.

It is so very hard to get a picture of all these kids. Julia is a saint for being patient.

The best I could do to get a picture with both boys. Carver was, as usual, not cooperating.

Grandmama and Granddaddy with the youngest babies.

Love this one.

Easter Baskets!

He was pretty excited.

We did a quick "hay ride" in my dad's truck to feed the goats and cows. Carver LOVED it. We need to do this every time we are home.

Side note: Mom, I want a cow. Isn't it sad I have never had a cow? Lyle has cows. Julia has cows. Me? No cow. I want a cow!

This one, in the middle, is Daniel's little orphan calf. Her mama died a few months ago. (See her story here).

 Then Carson and I took a nap in my my grandmother's old recliner (so nostalgic for me) and when we woke up we headed to Sonny's for dinner. I knew as soon as I sat down at the restaurant that I was not going to make it through dinner so Daddy drove me home. I spent the next several hours vomiting in the bathroom or lying on the floor wishing for quick death.

Alas, I survived. Love my firstborn for sharing his germies with me.

Monday was a little tricky. I was still recovering but it was our last day to spend with Courtney's family. I rested most of the day then we went to Legoland for a few hours that afternoon. It is super fun for Carver's age-- a lot of rides and activities. I hope to go back one day when I am not so miserable.

A second attempt at pictures of the cousins.

Why won't you hold me???

Oh yes, I rode around in a wheelchair.

On Tuesday we had a quick Easter egg hunt with the kids before Courtney and her family headed out. (Couldn't fit it in on Sunday) Then we went to feed the ducks at Lake Morton.

Yes, he is wearing his pajamas. Don't judge.

Carson and Uncle Michael.

He loves this.

Sorry son, ducks do not come when called.

On Wednesday we did something fun... but I can't remember specifically what it was.

Carson did not want to take a nap. So he pulled various items into his bed.

On Thursday the boys and I headed to Winter Springs to visit our friends Courtney and Darin and their sweet girl Whitney. Carver LOVES visiting Whitney. She is his best friend. (And I love that girl too--so much) Or at least the friend he talks about A LOT. No pictures from that quick visit but it is always worth it to see them. Even if only for 1 night.

On Saturday we headed to the zoo! One of my favorite Florida activities. Carver loved it, the weather was perfect and it was a great day.

We saw the new baby!

First time riding on rides alone. I can't believe it.

If a nice zoo employee wearing waders wasn't about 1 foot away from him at all times, he would not have been doing this ride alone. He didn't hesitate for a second to climb in all alone. My brave boy.

On Sunday we spent some time at the park in Lakeland.

And throughout the week Carver got to "work" with the goats and cows.

Carver needs boots!

I love that we had a long visit in Florida, and that my boys got to spend some quality time with my parents-- especially my dad, he just doesn't get to see them (or me) enough.

Setting up the train table.

and playing with the new racetrack.

Glow in the dark egg hunt. This was super fun!