Monday Carter Edition #10

Due to my current "working mom" status I had to spend almost the entire day away from my sweet little Monday Carter. By the time I got to her she was a little tired and a little cranky and we were both just hanging on til' her bedtime (everybody has their days right?!) So, instead of dwelling on our Monday, which wasn't entirely pleasant, I'm reverting back to our Sunday which was sweet indeed! I loved getting to spend the day with my tiny tyke and she was a trooper hanging with "the girls" and doing a little shopping! First things first though, she was pretty pumped that Aunt Kimmi took the time to paint her fingernails for her...

She entertained herself during our trip to Pier One by "scanning" all the items in the store with a toy she had found. If you need a price check on something she's your girl!

Sweet Carter, I know this afternoon was not one of our finest, but I love you with my whole heart and need you like I need air. Forgive me for the times I fail you, I am only human. I adore you baby girl.

Dear Daddy~We've practically made it! In less than two weeks we'll be together again! I cannot wait! Mommy says she knows how you must feel having to spend the days away from me while you work since she's been so busy lately. She says to tell you thank you for all you do, and for giving her the opportunity to stay home with me...it's the best gift ever. You are what makes our family complete and we can't wait to have you home! Miss you daddy! XOXO Carter

Saturday...What a Day!

Yesterday I took a much needed break from painting and spent some time with my favorite little munchkin! Gotta' love the winter weather wear in Texas, no one can complain about a sunny 75 degree day in the middle of January!

It was the perfect day to have a little fun with your own shadow...

Carter and I have been enjoying spending a lot of time with some of our favorite people!

Aunt Kimmi...

Pops and Black Pops (which is what Carter sometimes calls Laynce because of his black hair), and in spite of her apparent attitude toward the photo session she really does love these guy's!

May family has been a great source of support during the last few months, I'm always so thankful to have them...

I love my beautiful girl...

She endured an afternoon of shopping and later that night we headed to the bowling alley! As soon as Carter heard the music she just couldn't stop her feet from dancing!

It was quite entertaining for everyone...

She was having a great time...

But, I couldn't help feeling a little like this...

When I saw my sweet baby girl laying on the bowling alley floor...

Needless to say a bath was the first thing on the agenda when we got home! We had a great time!

Roxi and Leslie...

Kim and Michelle....

Laynce was feeling a little crazy...

Me and my sweet sister...

Saturday, What a day!!

Happy Birthday Granny!

Happy Birthday sweet Granny/G.G! Your beauty, grace and love is a gift in our lives!

We were thinking about you today and hope you felt as special as you are! We love you!

Miss You, Miss you...Wish I Could KISS You!

HAPPY

NEW YEAR
BABY!!! (I'll be kissing you SOON!!)

Monday Carter Edition #9

Monday Carter is back on the road and her Momma is back to work!! We are in Midland for the last phase of our "Tour of Texas". I am working for my mom and Carter will be spending some more time with sweet Miss Brooke. Brooke is unavailable for a few days and so Carter is getting some quality time with one of our favorite people, Miss Leslie!! Today their adventures included a trip to the "duck beach" (according to Carter) and the park where they played hide and go seek. Leslie is an excellent "Grandma in training", I think her secret is the sweet tea! I'm so thankful to have such wonderful people in our lives! Unfortunately I forgot to send the camera along for their excursions, but I'll keep that in mind for tomorrow! So, here is a photo of Monday Carter last night, she keeps us on our toes and is ALWAYS good for a laugh. She was impersonating Roxi (who she just adores) while reading a book...

Dear Daddy~YAY!!! The countdown is officially on...only 2 more Monday's until I get to see you, I couldn't be more excited! I hope the days fly by for you, remember a BIG kiss and a BIG hug from me are waiting right around the corner! I couldn't love you more. XOXO Carter

Gotta' See...

We made it a family affair at the local drive in...

and had SO much FUN!

The End

Comfort and Joy

This Christmas was hard. It was full of joy, and smiles, and love, fun, and memories and family...and in spite of it all it was impossible to overlook the fact that the love of my life was not here.

The goal was simple, enjoy it, make the most of it, make things special for Carter...and I'm hopeful that I succeeded. But, that did not change the fact that Nate was not here. I didn't think about it much really, I couldn't. On a day when there aren't many people who are not sitting with the ones they love my sweet husband chatted with us via web cam from what can best be described as the food court in the mall. Pretty cozy huh? I'm not looking for sympathy. Really. His job and the choice he has made make him incredibly happy. This was just one of those day's when it didn't exactly feel worth it. I couldn't help the overwhelmingly selfish desire that kept creeping in...I very much wanted him home.

The last two years have been a lot like a marathon...a long race and there is beginning to be a slight glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. We are 2/3 of the way done with this time of separations. We have grown, we have endured, we will finish the race. I cannot begin to understand what others face in the various paths of military life. I only know that for me the constant pace of home again, gone again, home again, gone again has been a challenge. I am tired. I am tired of feeling like every time my husband comes home we are on a vacation. Knowing that in a few short months (or sometimes weeks) he will be gone again. I love what being a family, a day in day out sort of family, looks like. I sometimes wish for that. Sticking with the whole race analogy, I can only imagine that this is the part where some people feel like giving up...the end is in sight, but it's not exactly right around the corner. In the same way I'm sure once it is over you're not exactly all gung ho about signing up for the next one. I guess what I'm trying to say is I think the way I feel right now is pretty normal. I started this period of time fresh, motivated, charged...I'm not exactly in the same place right now, but I figure that is to be expected. The nice thing is, he'll be home soon. And, even though it's only for a little while...I will take it! Nothing brings me more comfort and joy than having my best friend here to share in the everyday.

So, in honor of his absence, we would like to do our best to share all he missed. Is Christmas with kids magical or what? Carter could you BE any more amazing? I love you little girl...thanks for bringing the cheer.

Dear Daddy~I sure do wish you could have been here for Christmas! Just a little while ago I looked at mom and said, "I wish daddy was here!" I wanted to tell you all about the fun things that we did, it was so great! First mom and I made Christmas cookies for Santa...

They sure were delicious...

And they were pretty too!

Then, I didn't want the reindeer to feel left out, so I made them some food too...

And guess what? It was just as tasty...

Abby even liked it!



We went out and sprinkled it on the front lawn...

Then we put out the cookies and milk for Santa...

And guess what!? While I was asleep, he CAME!!

Mom took these videos of me for you to see. I had to wake up Uncle Clint on my way to see if Santa came, I was SO excited and I really liked my stocking!

I can't wait to take lot's of pictures on my new camera...

And guess what!? Santa got me the doll I really wanted, and it's perfect because she is "sick" and I can use all the Doctor stuff you got me to make her well! So great huh!?

She is so cute, I just love being her mommy...

And guess what! That's not all! When I realized there were even more presents I got so excited I couldn't help bouncing up and down and clapping my hands!

Don't I look CUTE in my new robe!?

We all missed you A LOT...everyone say's to tell you HI!!!

Aunti Kimmi and Uncle John...

Uncle Clint...

And Roxi and Pops! And guess what else!? After we finished presents and some pretty great pancakes Roxi, Pops and Mommy took me to see The Tale of Despereaux, and Pops got me whatever I wanted from the concession stand...

As you can see, this made me very happy!

What a cute little mouse, and such a gentleman (I'm talking about Despereaux, not Pops, although he is a gentleman and he's cute too)...

After the movie we had dinner and then it was time for one of my favorite parts of the day! We all gathered around and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, and Mommy let me blow out his candle for him!

It was a wonderful day, daddy, but, I missed you with all my little heart. I hope we never have to spend another Christmas without each other! I'm so glad you're coming home soon, hurry ok!? I love you! XOXO Carter

P.S. Mom thought these would make you laugh...